Director of Graduate Admissions & Recruiting - Professional Programs

The Director of Graduate Admissions & Recruiting is a results-driven and people-oriented leader on the Graduate Marketing & Admissions (GMA) team; s/he reports directly to the Executive Director of Graduate Marketing & Admissions. The Director is responsible for strategically recruiting, evaluating, and yielding students to the McIntire Professional Programs, which currently include the M.S. in the Management of Information Technology and M.S. in Business Analytics. This position collaborates with other team members to ensure successful yield outcomes by driving program awareness and application submissions and managing the overall candidate recruitment and evaluation processes. The Director thrives in a competitive environment, is comfortable with the pressure of meeting or exceeding enrollment targets, and balances strategic and tactical approaches to ensure success. The Director also serves as a member of the Admissions Committee and will evaluate applications, conduct interviews, and provide insight and guidance on selection and yield.

This position is based at Sands Family Grounds in Rosslyn , VA, and will include periodic travel to Charlottesville to engage with the other members of the Graduate Marketing & Admissions team as well as McIntire and UVA professional colleagues. The position requires regular evening and some weekend work as well as the ability to travel throughout the U.S.

Position Responsibilities:

Recruitment

• Develops and executes annual recruiting strategy and plan for the Professional Programs to include in-person and virtual events and engagement opportunities; leverages current students, alumni, faculty, and staff in these efforts
• Serves as a knowledgeable and credible representative for the Professional Programs; maintains and articulates basic knowledge and understanding of all McIntire degree and certificate programs including but not limited to the M.S. Accounting, M.S. Commerce, and M.S. Global Commerce and Undergraduate (BS Commerce) programs
• Represents the Professional Programs during recruitment events and cultivates interest and relationships with prospective candidates
• Develops and manages an effective process and system to identify, track, and advance prospective students through the recruitment and admissions process; communicates progress updates to the Executive Director of Graduate Marketing & Admissions
• Engages in benchmarking with peer schools, monitors changing marketing conditions, and leverages insights to drive strategy and execution accordingly

Evaluation

• Maintains an accurate understanding of the admissions process, requirements, and criteria for success
• Reviews application materials (academic credentials, work experience, leadership, and other criteria) and provides objective and unbiassed assessment of qualifications
• Conducts evaluative interviews and provides insight and decision recommendations for Admissions Committee review

Yield

• Develops and executes annual yield strategy and plan for the Professional Programs to include in-person and virtual events and engagement opportunities; leverages current students, alumni, faculty, and staff in these efforts
• Collaborates with Student Success colleagues to ensure a seamless onboarding process for incoming students

Scholarship Management

• Provides strategic oversight and leadership for all aspects of scholarship administration for the Professional programs, aligning funding priorities with enrollment goals
• Develops and implements policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure the equitable, efficient, and compliant awarding of merit- and need-based scholarships
• Analyzes data to assess the effectiveness of scholarship strategies, providing regular reporting to the Executive Director and recommending enhancements to optimize impact
• Manages the scholarship budget and allocation process, ensuring responsible stewardship of institutional and donor-funded awards
• Oversees scholarship communication plans, including promotional materials and award notifications, ensuring transparency and clarity for prospective students
• Ensures compliance with all relevant federal, state, and institutional regulations and guidelines related to scholarship distribution and financial aid coordination
• Represents the university at internal and external meetings related to scholarships and the administration of financial aid

Data Management

• Utilizes data, reports, and dashboards to monitor progress, operational activity and efficiency, and inform decision making
• Maintains a working knowledge of Slate and data management practices and processes; ensures that all team members follow standard data management practices and processes and collaborates with appropriate GMA team members regarding changes and updates

Communications

• In partnership with the Executive Director, develops and executes comprehensive communications strategies designed to engage prospective candidates throughout the full recruitment funnel, from initial inquiry through enrollment
• Collaborates across internal teams to ensure messaging and presentation are cohesive, consistent in tone and voice, and aligned with the overall program brand
• Works closely with the Executive Director and marketing colleagues to support lead generation efforts, including social media campaigns and digital advertising

Supervision & Performance Management

• Manages and provides training and development for McIntire Professional Programs Admissions & Recruiting team
• Conducts annual reviews and engages in ongoing discussions regarding short and long-term priorities as well as opportunities for development and growth
• Ensures that operating norms and culture align with the overall McIntire Graduate Marketing & Admissions Team; encourages and facilitates connection with Charlottesville based colleagues

Budget

• Effectively utilizes annual budget allocation to build robust applicant pipelines to achieve or exceed annual enrollment targets
• Tracks use of funding and engages in planning and utilization discussions with the Executive Director of Graduate Marketing & Admissions
• Maintains an accurate understanding of University budget practices and works with Professional Programs team members to ensure that all expenditures are reflected accurately and in a timely manner

Program Support

• Provides occasional Student Services and Academic Operations coverage and support during student residences and/or events
• Other duties and projects as assigned

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• At least seven years of experience in admissions or related field or a total of twelve years of experience in lieu of degree

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s or MBA degree preferred
• At least 10 years of experience in graduate management education admissions, recruitment, advising, and/or career development
• Knowledge of and experience with Technolutions Slate

The successful candidate will possess exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage professional prospects. They will have a proven track record of meeting sales or recruiting goals in competitive environments, complemented by strong presentation abilities and a polished, credible presence. As an experienced people manager, they will demonstrate effective team leadership, coaching, and conflict resolution, while fostering a collaborative workplace. The ideal candidate should be highly proficient in technology and systems-particularly MS Office-and adept at working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders. Strong judgment and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, service-oriented setting are essential.

About the School: The University of Virginia is one of the highest-ranked public universities in the United States, and the McIntire School of Commerce (www.commerce.virginia.edu) awards a Bachelor of Science in Commerce, and Master of Science degrees in the Management of Information Technology, Business Analytics, Commerce, Accounting, and Global Commerce. McIntire is recognized for excellence and innovation in undergraduate and graduate business education and scholarship. The McIntire School is dedicated to educating and inspiring students to become visionary leaders who shape global business with integrity, purpose, intercultural fluency, and a fundamental understanding of how commerce can contribute to the common good for all.

Anticipated Hiring Range: $90,000 - $100,000, commensurate with education and experience.

This is an Exempt level, benefited position. For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit hr.virginia.edu/benefits .

Review of applicants will begin June 2, 2025. Preference will be given to applications received by this date.

TO APPLY:

Please apply through Careers at UVA , and search for R0072352. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching ‘Find Jobs’. Applications that do not contain all of the required documents will not receive full consideration. Please include:

• Cover letter to include your interest in the position and how your relevant experience pertains to this position.
• Resume or CV

The selected applicant will be required to complete a background check prior to their first day of employment per university policy.

References will be completed via UVA’s standardized process Skill Survey. A total of five references will be requested via SkillSurvey during the final phase of the interview process.

For questions about the application process, please contact Karon Harrington, Academic Recruiter, at fak3ph@virginia.edu .

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.