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Job Summary:

Reporting to the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Engagement, the Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Graduate Admissions provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for graduate recruitment and admissions. The AVP develops and advances enrollment strategies that support the University's mission, enrollment priorities, and commitment to student access and success. Working closely with academic leaders and partners across the University, the AVP oversees efforts to attract, recruit, admit, and enroll a diverse population of graduate students through a coordinated, student-centered, and data-informed approach. The successful candidate will be an experienced enrollment leader who can translate institutional goals into effective recruitment plans, strong operations, and a high-quality prospective student experience.

The AVP plays a key role on the University’s Enrollment Management and Student Engagement leadership teams and is a member of the President’s Cabinet.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive graduate recruitment and admissions strategy aligned with the University's mission, strategic priorities, and enrollment goals.

• Partner with University leadership and academic units to establish enrollment priorities and support the development and growth of graduate programs.
• Monitor trends in graduate education, student demand, and the competitive landscape to identify opportunities and inform recruitment strategy.

Enrollment Strategy and Operations

• Provide leadership, supervision, and strategic direction for graduate admissions and recruitment functions.
• Oversee the graduate admissions process from inquiry through enrollment, with an emphasis on responsive service, clear communication, operational consistency, and a positive applicant experience.
• Develop annual recruitment plans, enrollment projections, and performance goals in collaboration with the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Engagement and academic leadership.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators, including inquiry, application, admission, deposit, yield, and enrollment activity.
• Assess and improve admissions policies, workflows, communications, and business processes to support efficiency and accuracy.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications, Student Financial Services, academic unit heads, and other partners to develop coordinated outreach and enrollment initiatives.
• Build and support a culture of service, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the graduate admissions team.

Recruitment and Partnerships

• Lead the development and execution of recruitment initiatives for prospective graduate students across appropriate markets and channels.
• Strengthen relationships with academic program leaders to ensure that recruitment strategies reflect program priorities, capacity, and student profiles.
• Identify, curate, and implement partnerships with employers, community organizations, educational institutions, and other external organizations that may support graduate enrollment.
• Oversee recruitment events, information sessions, outreach campaigns, and other engagement opportunities for prospective and admitted students.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and student-centered communication throughout the recruitment and admissions process.

• Represent the University at internal and external meetings, recruitment events, and professional forums, as appropriate.

Data Assessment and Compliance

• Use enrollment data, market information, and performance reporting to evaluate results, identify challenges, and adjust strategies.

• Prepare regular reports and updates on graduate admissions activity, progress toward goals, and emerging opportunities or risks.
• Ensure the effective use of admissions technology, customer relationship management tools, and student information systems in support of recruitment and enrollment operations.

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and institutional requirements, policies, and standards related to graduate admissions.
• Promote equitable, consistent, and transparent admissions practices that support a diverse graduate student population.
• Some travel is required.
• Some evenings and weekends are required.
• This position requires regular in-person engagement and availability consistent with Mercy’s needs.
• The position is based at the Mercy University Westchester campus and may require regular travel among University campuses and sites.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in higher education enrollment management, admissions, recruitment, or a related field, with graduate admissions experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams, managing operations, and implementing enrollment strategies.
• Experience with customer relationship management platforms, particularly Slate, reporting tools, and higher education student information systems preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects, improve processes, and collaborate effectively across organizational areas.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to use data to guide decisions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and leadership abilities.
• Commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and student-centered University community.