Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions & Data Management

Reporting directly to the Director of Graduate Admission, the Assistant Director of Graduate Admission & Data Management plays a key role in advancing graduate enrollment goals through the execution of recruitment, admissions, communication, and enrollment strategies. This position manages prospective student engagement from inquiry through enrollment, supports application review and decision processes, and collaborates closely with the Dean, Director, and faculty program directors to meet program-specific objectives. The Assistant Director also oversees the management, integrity, and strategic use of admissions data to support data-informed decision-making across the Graduate School. Responsibilities include maintaining and optimizing CRM systems, supporting back-end data processes, ensuring accurate applicant tracking, and upholding data governance. The role develops and monitors enrollment reports and dashboards, analyzes trends in lead generation, conversion, and yield, and supports bi-annual and annual graduate enrollment reporting. In partnership with internal stakeholders, the Assistant Director translates data insights into strategies that improve recruitment effectiveness and operational efficiency, while supporting continuous process improvement and the prospective student experience. Occasional evening and weekend work is required for recruitment and orientation events. Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Recruitment (30%) Implements Graduate School-wide and program-specific recruitment strategies aligned with enrollment goals; monitors and analyzes inquiry, applicant, and enrollment data to inform outreach and strategy adjustments. Identifies recruitment challenges and recommends data-informed solutions to improve pipeline development and conversion. Maintains current knowledge of academic programs, faculty initiatives, and market trends to effectively represent and promote offerings. Collaborates with faculty program directors to support recruitment efforts across on- and off campus initiatives. Manages prospective student engagement through personalized outreach and comprehensive follow-up strategies across multiple communication channels. Represents the Graduate School at recruitment events including open houses, information sessions, orientations, professional conferences, and other outreach activities. Conducts research and provides recommendations on new recruitment strategies, including domestic and international initiatives, marketing approaches, and student engagement practices. Assesses recruitment activities and outcomes to support continuous improvement in enrollment planning. Admissions (20%) Serves as a primary point of contact for prospective students, providing timely and student-centered communication via phone, email, virtual, and in-person interactions; advises admitted students on next steps including registration. Reviews and evaluates application materials to assess academic readiness and determine initial standing in the admissions process. Coordinates with faculty program directors to facilitate timely review of applications and admissions decisions. Investigates and resolves application-related issues, escalating complex cases to the Director as appropriate. Supports international applicants by providing guidance on visa requirements and processes I-20 documentation; serves as a Designated School Official (DSO) or collaborates closely with the Primary DSO. Monitors provisionally admitted students for adherence to admission conditions and updates admission decisions accordingly. Provides regular updates to the Director and Dean on admissions activity and identifies trends, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. Participates in cross-training and provides support across admissions functions to ensure operational continuity. Data Management & Reporting (25%) Maintains and optimizes CRM systems, including support for back-end configuration, data processes, and system enhancements. Ensures accuracy and integrity of admissions data, including applicant tracking and lifecycle management. Develops, monitors, and analyzes enrollment reports and dashboards to track lead generation, application conversion, and yield. Supports bi-annual and annual graduate enrollment reports. Partners with internal stakeholders to translate data insights into actionable strategies that improve recruitment effectiveness and operational efficiency. Upholds data governance standards and contributes to continuous improvement of data systems and processes. Policy, Procedures and Promotional Activities (15%) Participates in regular staff meetings and contributes to the alignment of enrollment, marketing, and operational goals. Develops, updates, and maintains standard operating procedures to support efficiency, consistency, and continuous improvement. Contributes to the design and refinement of admissions workflows and processes. Collaborates with the Director and faculty program directors to ensure clarity and consistency in admissions and registration procedures. Reviews and monitors website content, program materials, and communications to ensure accuracy and timeliness; recommends updates as needed. Supports the development of promotional content and communication strategies aligned with Graduate School priorities. Special Projects (15%) Supervises and provides direction to graduate assistant(s), including oversight of social media initiatives and other assigned projects. Supports the planning and execution of Graduate School events including information sessions, open houses, orientations, and commencement activities. Conducts research and data analysis in support of Graduate School initiatives and strategic projects. Assists the Director and Dean with special projects and initiatives that support enrollment growth and operational effectiveness. Qualifications We seek a candidate who values diversity, equity and inclusion in all that they do. Candidates must have strong organizational skills and a proven ability to work collaboratively with partners across campus in support of Hood College's mission as a student-centered, liberal arts institution. To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Education and/or Experience Bachelor's degree is required; master's degree preferred. Minimum Requirements/Qualifications Minimum of 2-3 years of professional experience in a fast-paced office environment required; experience in admissions, advising, recruitment, or marketing in a higher education setting preferred. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and collaborate effectively across teams. Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills required, along with strong organizational and analytical abilities, including experience working with CRM systems and data to support reporting and decision-making. Preferred Skills and Characteristics Demonstrated cross-cultural competence and/or foreign language proficiency strongly preferred. Experience working with diverse student populations and international applicants is a plus. Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., TargetX, Salesforce, Slate) and experience using data to inform recruitment strategies and reporting are preferred. Strong competencies in relationship building, student-centered communication, data-informed decision making, cross-cultural communication, collaboration with academic and administrative. Technology Skills Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), email, internet tools, and basic AI applications required. Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies, including CRM systems, organization-wide information systems, and department-specific software for data tracking and reporting. Language Skills Strong oral and written communication skills required, with the ability to effectively convey information and respond to inquiries from internal and external stakeholders in person, by phone, and in writing. Demonstrated ability to prepare clear, professional reports and correspondence. Mathematical Skills Proficiency in statistical and financial concepts required, with the ability to apply these to data tracking, projections, goal setting, and report interpretation. Demonstrated ability to analyze data, draw meaningful conclusions, and make cost-effective, data-informed decisions. Reasoning Ability Ability to solve practical problems and navigate situations with limited standardization. Ability to interpret and apply instructions in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule formats. Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in developing and executing project plans. Ability to apply analytical and logical thinking in both practical and conceptual contexts. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers, reach with hands and arms, and communicate effectively. The employee must also be able to sit for extended periods. Occasional standing, lifting, and moving of items up to twenty-five pounds may be required. Specific vision abilities required include close vision. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. The role is primarily performed in an office setting, with regular use of computers and standard office equipment. Occasional evening and weekend work, as well as participation in on- and off-campus events, may be required. Compensation This is a position with an annual starting salary range of $45,000 to $50,000 depending on circumstances including an applicant's skills and qualifications, certain degrees and certifications, prior job experience, training, and other relevant factors. Hood College has provided a compensation range representing its good faith estimate of what the College may pay for the position at the time of posting. The College may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. Hood College offers excellent benefits , including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, and tuition benefits. Learn more about Hood College . To Apply We invite qualified candidates to apply online via our electronic application which requires submission of a cover letter, resumé and three professional references. If you need assistance with the online application process, please email humanresources@hood.edu or call (301) 696-3592. Hood College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, religion, or age in recruitment, admission and access to, or treatment, or employment in its programs, services, benefits, or activities as required by applicable laws including Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and complies with the law regarding reasonable accommodation for disabled applicants and students. Inquiries about discrimination or reasonable accommodation should be referred to the Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator at Alumnae Hall, 401 Rosemont Avenue, Frederick, MD. 21701 (AD 308), (301) 696-3123. For complete information on Hood College's nondiscrimination policy, please visit http://www.hood.edu/non-discrimination/.