Assistant/Associate Vice President, Graduate Studies

JOB TITLE

Assistant/Associate Vice President Graduate Studies

LOCATION

Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME

Graduate Studies

DIVISION NAME

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Assistant/Associate Vice President (AVP) for Graduate Studies provides visionary leadership for the Universitys expanding portfolio of graduate online and corporate programs. Reporting to the Dean of Graduate Studies this individual plays a pivotal role in aligning strategic goals with enrollment and revenue growth and in advancing the Universitys mission through innovative student-centered approaches. The AVP leads the development execution and continuous assessment of Masters and PhD enrollment strategies overseeing all aspects of graduate enrollment managementincluding admissions operations domestic and international recruitment marketing in collaboration with WPIs Marketing and Communications Department and new student onboarding and student success for Master students.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Collaborate with Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies to define and communicate a long-term strategic vision for the division.
• Foster a student-centered data-informed and results-driven culture.
• Ensure alignment between divisional objectives and institutional goals.
• Cultivate strong internal and external partnerships to drive programmatic growth.

Program Recruiting Enrollment and Student Success (30%)

• Oversee the full scope of graduate admissions including Masters and PhD recruitment (domestic and international) and operations.
• Work with WPIs Marketing and Communications Department to develop brand visibility promote WPIs distinctive graduate programs build recruiting strategies for domestic and international students for online and residential programs as well as corporate enrollments.
• Drive Masters student retention experience and engagement through data-informed decision-making and collaborative initiatives including onboarding and student success.
• Lead cross-functional teams focused on driving enrollment growth with highly effective and efficient communications outreach to prospective and admitted Masters students and building relationships with enrolled students.
• Analyze market trends enrollment data and institutional priorities to inform recruitment strategies and academic program planning. Uses data to make decisions that shape future enrollment efforts improvements in current enrollment efforts and helps predict future demand
• Implement innovative technologies to streamline processes and enhance student engagement.

Operational & Team Management

• Proven use of quantitative research and technology in admissions.
• Provide leadership to administrative teams supporting Masters programs including recruiting operations onboarding and student success as well as PhD student admissions.
• Ensure integrated and high-quality delivery of online and graduate services.
• Recruit mentor and support high-performing staff.

Financial Oversight & Planning

• Set annual benchmarks for enrollment revenue and partnership outcomes.
• Lead the development of annual budgets and long-term financial plans.
• Monitor revenue streams and expenditures to maintain fiscal balance.
• Collaboration & Institutional Engagement
• Accountability visibility and willingness to communicate regularly with campus stakeholders including faculty and staff in academic and administrative departments.
• Facilitate collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to identify growth opportunities.
• Represent the division on university-wide committees and strategic initiatives.

Requirements:

• Masters Degree in higher education administration business administration or related field
• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership in higher education including graduate adult continuing or professional education.
• At least 5 years in a senior administrative capacity.
• Demonstrated success in enrollment management academic operations and strategic planning.
• Experience with student support services.
• Proficiency in budget management staff development and cross-departmental collaboration.

Skills:

• Exceptional leadership communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical thinking and decision-making capabilities.
• Skilled in data analysis financial analysis and enrollment management reporting and analytics.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and data management tools.
• Ability to lead diverse teams and maintain high confidentiality standards.

FLSA STATUS

United States of America (Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color age religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin veteran statusor disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity collaboration inclusion problem solving innovation high performance and change is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.