Senior Director of Graduate Enrollment Management - Gies College of Business
Laseagrant, Urbana, IL, United States
Senior Director of Graduate Enrollment Management - Gies College of Business
Gies Graduate Programs
Job Summary
The Senior Director of Graduate Enrollment Management serves as a senior executive for Gies Graduate Programs. This leader partners closely with the Associate Dean of Graduate Programs to translate strategic vision into measurable enrollment outcomes across residential and online graduate portfolios. The role also works closely with Gies Marketing & Communications (MarCom) and serves as the lead recruitment contact for top‑of‑funnel partners and degree program hosts such as Coursera. The Senior Director is accountable for enterprise‑level recruitment, admissions, and enrollment strategy, enrollment target ownership, and resource alignment in support of institutional revenue goals and academic priorities. This role shapes the long‑term enrollment architecture of the college, positions Gies Graduate Programs competitively in national and global markets, and ensures operational excellence through high‑performing recruitment and admissions teams. Serving as a senior advisor to the Associate Dean, the Senior Director provides strategic analysis, forecasting, and market intelligence to inform portfolio growth, risk mitigation, and innovation in recruitment, admissions, and enrollment pathways.
Duties & Responsibilities
Accountable for performance outcomes across residential and online recruitment and admissions teams
Provide executive leadership and strategic direction to two high‑performing recruitment and admission teams spanning residential and online programs
Ensure operational excellence in admissions review, scholarship administration, onboarding, and yield management
Develop, manage, and allocate recruitment and admissions budget resources aligned with strategic priorities
Work closely with the Graduate Programs leadership to create and maintain a functional recruitment and marketing budget for Gies Graduate Programs. Monitor budget allocations and expenditures to ensure unit priorities are supported effectively.
Establish performance metrics, dashboards, and accountability frameworks
Ensure compliance with Graduate College and university policies
Accountable for developing, executing, and sustaining a comprehensive graduate recruitment, admissions, and enrollment strategy aligned with institutional priorities
Own and monitor annual enrollment and tuition revenue targets in collaboration with academic and budget leadership
Lead enrollment and tuition revenue forecasting, scenario modeling, and funnel performance analysis
Conduct market intelligence and competitive analysis to inform program positioning, pricing considerations, and portfolio evolution
Position Gies Graduate Programs competitively within national and global graduate education markets
Lead change management initiatives to evolve recruitment models in response to market, regulatory, and technological shifts
Active Recruitment & Pipeline Development
Responsible for designing and implementing proactive recruitment strategies that expand domestic and international pipelines beyond passive inquiry channels
Cultivate strategic partnerships, corporate relationships, and emerging market opportunities
Align scholarship strategy and financial incentives with enrollment objectives
Monitor yield risk and intervene strategically to protect target outcomes
Represent Gies Graduate Programs in high‑level external recruitment engagements and partnership initiatives
Cross‑Functional Strategy & Senior Advisory Role
Serve as a senior advisor to the Associate Dean on enrollment forecasting, portfolio growth strategy, and institutional enrollment risk mitigation
Support student services leadership to create and implement learner retention strategies
Collaborate with and support other sub‑units within graduate programs, aligning with and advancing unit vision and priorities
Collaborate with MarCom, Business Development, International Programs, academic departments, and central leadership to ensure strategic alignment
Support the launch of new academic programs across both modalities through integrated enrollment planning
Contribute strategic enrollment data to accreditation and reporting initiatives
Represent Gies Graduate Programs in engagements with a variety of constituents, with the ability to help shape commitments, resolve issues, and contribute to agreements in atypical circumstances.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required
7+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in graduate enrollment management, recruitment strategy, learner lifecycle management, or a related field
Demonstrated success contributing to enrollment growth initiatives and advancing strategic recruitment outcomes
Experience leading and developing high‑performing professional teams
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree
Experience in both residential and online graduate education environments
Experience with engaging domestic and international learners and markets
Experience in a complex research university setting
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Demonstrated ability to contribute to the development and execution of enterprise‑level enrollment strategy
Strong analytical and forecasting capabilities
Budget management and resource allocation expertise
Ability to translate vision into measurable execution
Exceptional communication and relationship‑building skills
Experience managing change and leading teams through evolving education landscapes
Appointment Information This is a 100% full‑time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12‑month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after search close date. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience while also considering internal equity. The budgeted salary range for the position is $130,000 to $140,000.
This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship.
This position is expected to work primarily on‑site at the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign campus. Limited hybrid work options may be available based on operational needs and with supervisor approval.
For more information about Gies business visit https://inside.giesbusiness.illinois.edu/work-at-gies
Application Procedures & Deadline Information Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on April 6, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact lsrice@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
For full consideration, please submit a cover letter and resume with your application.
At the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions —
every staff member helps shape what’s next . Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first‑generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far‑reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well‑being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.
Champaign‑Urbana
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non‑discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E‑Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID : 1035560 Job Category : Education & Student Services Apply at : https://jobs.illinois.edu
Looking for more University of Illinois Positions? We invite you to search for positions at each of the University of Illinois' locations, the University of Illinois System Office and the University of Illinois Foundation. The University of Illinois System Office supports the primary missions of teaching, research, public service, and economic development for all of the Universities and offers positions in all locations. The University of Illinois Foundation is the official fundraising and private gift‑receiving agency for the University of Illinois and also offers position in all locations. Click the links below to search for other University of Illinois positions.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Duties & Responsibilities
Accountable for performance outcomes across residential and online recruitment and admissions teams
Provide executive leadership and strategic direction to two high‑performing recruitment and admission teams spanning residential and online programs
Ensure operational excellence in admissions review, scholarship administration, onboarding, and yield management
Develop, manage, and allocate recruitment and admissions budget resources aligned with strategic priorities
Work closely with the Graduate Programs leadership to create and maintain a functional recruitment and marketing budget for Gies Graduate Programs. Monitor budget allocations and expenditures to ensure unit priorities are supported effectively.
Establish performance metrics, dashboards, and accountability frameworks
Ensure compliance with Graduate College and university policies
Accountable for developing, executing, and sustaining a comprehensive graduate recruitment, admissions, and enrollment strategy aligned with institutional priorities
Own and monitor annual enrollment and tuition revenue targets in collaboration with academic and budget leadership
Lead enrollment and tuition revenue forecasting, scenario modeling, and funnel performance analysis
Conduct market intelligence and competitive analysis to inform program positioning, pricing considerations, and portfolio evolution
Position Gies Graduate Programs competitively within national and global graduate education markets
Lead change management initiatives to evolve recruitment models in response to market, regulatory, and technological shifts
Active Recruitment & Pipeline Development
Responsible for designing and implementing proactive recruitment strategies that expand domestic and international pipelines beyond passive inquiry channels
Cultivate strategic partnerships, corporate relationships, and emerging market opportunities
Align scholarship strategy and financial incentives with enrollment objectives
Monitor yield risk and intervene strategically to protect target outcomes
Represent Gies Graduate Programs in high‑level external recruitment engagements and partnership initiatives
Cross‑Functional Strategy & Senior Advisory Role
Serve as a senior advisor to the Associate Dean on enrollment forecasting, portfolio growth strategy, and institutional enrollment risk mitigation
Support student services leadership to create and implement learner retention strategies
Collaborate with and support other sub‑units within graduate programs, aligning with and advancing unit vision and priorities
Collaborate with MarCom, Business Development, International Programs, academic departments, and central leadership to ensure strategic alignment
Support the launch of new academic programs across both modalities through integrated enrollment planning
Contribute strategic enrollment data to accreditation and reporting initiatives
Represent Gies Graduate Programs in engagements with a variety of constituents, with the ability to help shape commitments, resolve issues, and contribute to agreements in atypical circumstances.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required
7+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in graduate enrollment management, recruitment strategy, learner lifecycle management, or a related field
Demonstrated success contributing to enrollment growth initiatives and advancing strategic recruitment outcomes
Experience leading and developing high‑performing professional teams
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree
Experience in both residential and online graduate education environments
Experience with engaging domestic and international learners and markets
Experience in a complex research university setting
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Demonstrated ability to contribute to the development and execution of enterprise‑level enrollment strategy
Strong analytical and forecasting capabilities
Budget management and resource allocation expertise
Ability to translate vision into measurable execution
Exceptional communication and relationship‑building skills
Experience managing change and leading teams through evolving education landscapes
Appointment Information This is a 100% full‑time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12‑month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after search close date. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience while also considering internal equity. The budgeted salary range for the position is $130,000 to $140,000.
This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship.
This position is expected to work primarily on‑site at the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign campus. Limited hybrid work options may be available based on operational needs and with supervisor approval.
For more information about Gies business visit https://inside.giesbusiness.illinois.edu/work-at-gies
Application Procedures & Deadline Information Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on April 6, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact lsrice@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
For full consideration, please submit a cover letter and resume with your application.
At the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions —
every staff member helps shape what’s next . Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first‑generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far‑reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well‑being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.
Champaign‑Urbana
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non‑discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E‑Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID : 1035560 Job Category : Education & Student Services Apply at : https://jobs.illinois.edu
Looking for more University of Illinois Positions? We invite you to search for positions at each of the University of Illinois' locations, the University of Illinois System Office and the University of Illinois Foundation. The University of Illinois System Office supports the primary missions of teaching, research, public service, and economic development for all of the Universities and offers positions in all locations. The University of Illinois Foundation is the official fundraising and private gift‑receiving agency for the University of Illinois and also offers position in all locations. Click the links below to search for other University of Illinois positions.
#J-18808-Ljbffr