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Director of Admissions – Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY

POSITION DETAILS

The Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY, founded in 2006, is nationally recognized for its innovative graduate programs. As the only public graduate journalism school in the northeastern U.S., we prepare students from diverse economic, racial, and cultural backgrounds to produce high-quality journalism that serves the public interest. Our programs include the Master of Arts in Journalism, a unique bilingual M.A. in Journalism for students fluent in English and Spanish, and the nation’s first M.A. in Social Journalism. We equip the next generation of journalists with the reporting, writing, multimedia, and entrepreneurial skills needed to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving media landscape.

Reporting to the Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Success, the Director of Admissions serves as the strategic leader for all graduate admissions functions, overseeing recruitment, application review, yield, and enrollment planning to meet institutional goals. This role requires a dynamic, data-driven leader who can balance strategic vision with operational excellence, ensuring a student-centered admissions process from initial inquiry to matriculation.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

- Leads strategic initiatives to achieve annual admissions targets, partnering with school leadership to create and implement comprehensive, multi-year recruitment and enrollment strategies.

- Supervises and develops the admissions team, setting goals and priorities, conducting performance reviews, and providing ongoing training to ensure excellence in service, operations, and compliance with CUNY and institutional policies.

- Designs and implements an annual recruitment plan for each program in collaboration with the Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Success, leveraging data analytics, market trends, and demographic insights to engage diverse and high-potential applicant pools. Regularly assesses and adjusts strategies to address emerging challenges and capitalize on new opportunities.

- Oversees and participates in domestic recruitment travel, attending graduate fairs, visiting feeder schools, and building relationships with prospective students, alumni, faculty, and professional networks.

- Plans and manages high-impact recruitment and yield events, including open houses, admitted student days, webinars, and virtual engagement opportunities; evaluate their effectiveness using assessment tools and feedback surveys.

- Collaborates with the Office of Communications and Marketing to design and implement print, digital, and social media campaigns that promote the school’s programs and mission.

- Manages the admissions review process, including evaluating applications, coordinating faculty interviews, and making recommendations to the admissions committee.

- Partners with the Dean, Assistant Dean, and the Executive Director of Development to recommend the allocation of scholarships and fellowships, incorporating tuition maximization strategies and predictive modeling to meet enrollment and revenue goals.

- Maximizes the use of admissions and CRM systems (e.g., Slate, CUNYfirst) to enhance efficiency, data integrity, and applicant experience; regularly review and improve business processes.

- Prepares and presents admissions reports, including weekly enrollment updates, yield analyses, and ad hoc reports for internal and external stakeholders.

- Directs the onboarding and professional development of admissions staff, ensuring consistent application of policies, effective use of technology systems, and adherence to documented procedures. Develops and maintains a comprehensive office procedure manual.

- Builds and maintains partnerships with faculty, alumni, and professional organizations to strengthen the recruitment pipeline and improve applicant quality.

- Manages the department budget, ensuring resources are aligned with strategic priorities.

- Engages in professional development and represent the school at local, national, and CUNY-wide events to advance recruitment efforts and share best practices.

Until further notice, this is a hybrid position, eligible to work remotely and work in the office.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree and eight years' related experience required.

A preferred candidate should have:

- Master’s degree (Master’s in Higher Education Administration, Communications, or related field preferred).

- Progressive leadership experience in graduate admissions, enrollment management, or related higher education administration.

- Proven track record of achieving or exceeding enrollment goals through strategic recruitment, yield management, and data-driven decision-making.

- Demonstrated success in developing and executing multi-year recruitment and marketing strategies, including experience with market segmentation and targeted outreach to diverse student populations.

- Dynamic recruiter adept at delivering impactful presentations and fostering meaningful engagement in group settings.

- Strong supervisory skills with experience managing professional staff, setting performance goals, conducting evaluations, and fostering professional growth.

- Advanced analytical skills, including proficiency with Excel (pivot tables, formulas) and the ability to interpret and present complex data to inform strategy and decision-making.

- Extensive experience with CRM and admissions management systems, particularly Slate, and the ability to optimize business processes for efficiency and service excellence.

- Experience designing and evaluating recruitment events and initiatives, both in-person and virtual, to engage prospective students throughout the admissions funnel.

- Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to represent the institution to internal and external stakeholders.

- Commitment to access, equity, and recruiting and supporting students from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds.

- Ability to work collaboratively across departments, build partnerships, and contribute to a positive, student-centered culture.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Sponsorship will not be offered for this position.

CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW

Develops, implements, and manages one or more major admissions and recruiting functions.

- Manages overall recruitment and admissions processes

- Develops recruiting strategies for the College and/or specific programs or groups and works closely with academic departments, programs, and administrators to coordinate marketing and recruiting

- Manages the development and distribution of recruiting materials and communications of all kinds

- Manages admissions operations and staff, including coordination with outside organizations and University administration

- Oversees department budget including developing detailed proposals to support recruitment and admissions

- Evaluates and reports outcomes; uses information in statistical, fiscal, and other reports to make improvements to the recruiting process

- Performs related duties as assigned.

Job Title Name: Admissions Director

CUNY TITLE

Higher Education Officer

FLSA

Exempt

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

$126,333 - $145,671. Salary commensurate with education and experience.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

HOW TO APPLY

Click on "Apply Now" below which will bring you to the registration screen. If you are a new user, you must register to apply. If you already have a user ID, please use your existing ID to apply. Please submit a cover letter and resume in Word or PDF format.

CLOSING DATE

Open until filled with a review of applications to begin on October 1, 2025.

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY

CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.

Job ID

20618

Location

School of Journalism