Manager of Graduate Admissions – GRAD
Position Overview
Manages the activities of a program that meet the needs of the organization's target population and that are in alignment with the organization's stated mission. Interacts with staff, leaders, and community members. Develops and manages assigned client relationships in a manner consistent with policies and procedures. Creates, maintains, and updates assigned program schedules for contract deliverables and key events. Provides key financial data to the Manager on a timely basis. May create presentations or marketing material for the program. May coordinate or supervise program projects or events. May oversee the administrative duties/function of a program. Plans and coordinates meetings on project timing, goals, and budget to ensure fulfillment of internal and customer expectations and compliance with policies and contractual requirements. Ensures that all services provided are in compliance with applicable standards and regulations. May participate in community outreach or fundraising. Makes recommendations regarding process and procedure change. Provides input into budget development and may be responsible for monitoring to budget. Handles moderately complex issues and problems. Possesses solid working knowledge of subject matter. May provide leadership, coaching, and/or mentoring to a subordinate group. Interprets policies and procedures and handles confidential matters with discretion.
Department Specific Essential Job Functions
The Jackson College of Graduate Studies (JCGS/Graduate College) is dedicated to providing leadership and support in the development of high-quality graduate programs to serve the needs of students, faculty and the university community as they compete in a global society. The JCGS serves a unique function at UCO in its support for and coordination of graduate studies as well as creative and scholarly activities. The JCGS collaborates with our five UCO academic colleges and the Forensic Science Institute in offering 6 master's degrees and an education specialist degree, covering 40 graduate degree programs and over 70 different major areas of study with more than 1,400 graduate students. In 2024, UCO will celebrate its 70th year of offering graduate studies.
This position:
• Actively identifies and coordinates activities related to graduate domestic and international admissions across all degree programs and majors.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of graduate domestic and international admissions processes across all degree programs and majors.
• Trains new admission specialists to follow graduate admissions processes.
• Documents, reports, and recommends budgetary expenses related to graduate domestic admissions and international admissions.
• Develops and implements admissions strategies and solutions to stimulate admissions funnel growth across all degree programs and majors.
• Collaborates with the Manager of CRM Activities and Data Analytics to improve applicant admission experiences and with the Marketing and Design Specialist on admissions-related messaging for the college.
• Engages in marketing activities to stimulate graduate enrollment.
• Recruits graduate students through assisting in the development of graduate recruitment plans and by attending recruitment programs, events, and other recruitment activities.
• Promotes graduate programs and the Graduate College through assisting in the development of graduate communication plans, correspondence, materials, handouts, publications, and other promotional activities.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for graduate admissions, working in concert with the Office of Global Affairs, graduate program advisors, and other on-campus units/areas.
• Provides guidance and counseling to students in matters related to academic goals, choice of curriculum, course load, and graduate admissions for all graduate offerings.
• Completes admission and enrollment progress checks for individual students.
• Assists with graduate student orientation.
• Advises prospective graduate students associated with an assigned territory.
• Initiates, develops, and maintains communication with prospective graduate students in relationship-building efforts.
• Tracks, measures, updates, and analyzes the admissions funnel progression and performance for assigned territory.
• Processes graduate admissions applications, interacts with prospective graduate students, and documents interactions through the CRM along with offering suggested improvements for CRM use.
• Implements graduate admissions standards, graduate policies, and graduate program requirements.
• Develops relationships and consults with graduate program advisors concerning admissions standards and processes.
• Complete graduate student admissions processes for domestic and international graduate students.
• Collaborates with on- and off-campus units in an effort to ensure up-to-date information is provided to prospective graduate students.
• Provides admissions support to fellow graduate admissions specialists and other staff including the Graduate College Dean.
• Collaborates with fellow team members and other academic units.
• May serve as a primary point of contact for special prospective graduate student partnerships.
• Provides high-level analytical support by conducting research, preparing statistical reports, and handling information requests associated with their assigned admissions territory.
• Organizes and maintains prospective graduate student correspondence and Graduate College files.
• Assists other staff and actively contributes to a team environment.
• Assist with annual college projects, conferences, and events.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Experience Required
Bachelor’s degree in job related field or 4+ years of work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience Preferred
Master’s degree. Knowledge of graduate admissions standards and program requirements. Knowledge and experience with writing and editing digital and electronic communication, formal documents, reports, manuscripts, books and other publications. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OnBase, Ellucian CRM Recruit, Slate, HubSpot, Banner, and other website integration tools. Strong oral and written communication skills. Sound judgement, creativity, organizational, and clerical skills. Ability to foster teamwork.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, human relations, public relations, and organizational skills. Effective telephone and customer service abilities. Adaptable and flexible. Personable demeanor with a willingness to help. Ability to work independently, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and interact professionally with all segments of the University community. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Must be detail oriented.
Will this employee supervise others?
No, this employee will NOT supervise other employees.
Physical Demands
Reasonable accommodations (in accordance with ADA requirements) may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
