Director of Graduate Admissions in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at University of Pittsburgh

Director of Graduate Admissions

Office of the SVC and Provost - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (26006491)

The Office of the Provost is responsible for leading, developing, and implementing the University's academic vision.

The Office of the Provost is seeking candidates for a Director of Graduate Admissions to join the Graduate Studies team led by the Vice Provost for Graduate Studies. The Director will serve as the University's central point of expertise on graduate and professional admissions policy, data, and operations, working closely with schools across the University, Slate Team, and the Vice Provost for Graduate Studies to ensure that admissions practices are consistent, compliant, and responsive to school-level needs.

Bachelor's degree and 7 years of relevant professional experience.

This role requires deep familiarity with admissions systems and data, sound judgment in matters of policy and compliance, and the ability to build consensus among a wide range of stakeholders. The Director will also monitor national trends in graduate admissions and serve as a central resource to schools navigating emerging issues.

The Graduate Studies team operates in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and deadlines, requiring flexibility, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving skills. The role involves extensive collaboration within the Office of the Provost and across the University.

Job Summary

Oversees design and implementation of effective admissions and registration activities for the University. Manages admissions through thoughtful policy interpretation, new program development, and translation of business plans into department-specific operational plans. Formulates the budget and oversees communications.

Essential Functions

• Serve as liaison to the Vice Provost for Graduate Studies on all admissions-related policies, guidelines, and best practices, and maintain all documentation published by the Graduate and Professional Admissions team, including standardized application questions, English language proficiency requirements, guidance related to relevant legal and regulatory developments, PeopleSoft data instructions, and standards for converting an applicant file into a student file.

• Monitor the validity of graduate admissions data; vet and implement enhancements to admissions dashboards in response to leadership and school needs.

• Manage annual application fee review, including exploring University-wide approaches to fee waiver programs (e.g., the McNair Scholars fee waiver); advise schools on tuition deposit policy and serve as liaison to Slate Team for related system implementation.

• Serve as a key contributor to the developing governance and oversight of graduate admissions, including policy, best practices and the newly implemented CRM system, Slate.

• Manage all annual updates and roll over tasks to prepare for the next admissions cycle.

• Oversee the day-to-day, central tasks associated with graduate admissions.

• Develop and maintain a website, and manage the process for, exemptions to the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) April 15th Resolution.

• Monitor and benchmark trends in graduate admissions, including holistic admissions practices, application review and interview best practices, international credential evaluation, and emerging issues such as the use of artificial intelligence in application materials; provide central guidance and support to schools on these topics.

• Additional duties as assigned.

Physical Effort

Light physical effort, mostly sedentary.

May need to help set-up in-person or hybrid meetings in various locations on campus.

Assignment Category: Full-time regular

Job Classification: Staff.Admissions Director

Job Family: Academic & Student Services

Job Sub Family: Admissions, Enrollment, & Recruitment

Campus: Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required: Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years of Experience Required: 7

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience: Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.

Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid: Combination of On-Campus and Remote work as determined by the department.

Hiring Range: TBD Based Upon Qualifications

Relocation_Offered: No

Visa Sponsorship Provided: No

Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances: Not Applicable

Required Documents: Resume, Cover Letter

Optional Documents: Not Applicable