Associate Director of Graduate Enrollment

PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God’s kingdom. We therefore encourage applications from culturally diverse candidates.

Benefits:

We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources. This includes benefits such as health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, competitive retirement matching, vacation and sick time, and 15 paid holidays per year. In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community including staff chapel and a robust wellness program.

Job Summary:

PLNU is seeking a collaborative and results-driven Associate Director of Graduate Enrollment to help lead graduate student recruitment and onboarding efforts at the Mission Valley Campus in San Diego. This role provides leadership to a team of Enrollment Counselors while driving operational excellence, supporting innovative enrollment strategies, and creating a student-centered recruitment experience that reflects PLNU’s mission and values.

Pay Range: $72,000 - $75,000
Actual salary offered is determined by the candidate’s experience, education, skills, and other factors, including internal equity and university funding resources.

Job Status:

Full time

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Job Description:

What We’re Looking For

• Passion for helping adult and graduate students navigate the enrollment journey with confidence and support

• Progressive experience mentoring, coaching, leading, and developing teams

• Strong understanding of enrollment management, recruitment strategy, sales processes, or student engagement practices

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trust and meaningful relationships

• Strong organizational and analytical skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

• Experience using CRM systems, enrollment technologies, and communication platforms to improve operational effectiveness

• Interest in leveraging emerging technologies and AI tools to improve workflows and student engagement

• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across academic and administrative departments

• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and support enrollment performance goals

• Knowledge and experience working with a diverse population is preferred

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supervise and coach a team of Enrollment Counselors through regular feedback, professional development, and performance support

• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and growth-oriented team culture focused on student success and enrollment outcomes

• Lead ongoing training and reinforcement to boost team members’ enrollment metrics

• Review and evaluate counselor communications to identify coaching opportunities and support quality engagement practices

• Guide daily recruitment operations to support enrollment goals and conversion metrics

• Monitor team and individual performance data to support forecasting, operational effectiveness, and continuous improvement

• Represent PLNU at recruitment events, graduate fairs, community engagement opportunities, and industry conferences

• Support planning and execution of on-campus and regional recruitment and prospective student events

• Support adoption and optimization of enrollment technologies including CRM systems, Dialpad, CollegeVine, and Coda

• Evaluate AI tools and emerging technologies to improve workflows, communication quality, project management, and team efficiency

• Maintain and support quality assurance processes for communication review and student engagement feedback loops

• Collaborate closely with Academic Affairs, Marketing, Student Success, Financial  & Military Services, Records, IT, Learning & Development, and Academic Program Directors to support a seamless student experience

• Participate in enrollment planning meetings, onboarding initiatives, and cross-functional graduate leadership discussions

• Support implementation of recruitment strategies while contributing operational insight on process improvement and scalability

• Identify and help resolve operational inefficiencies impacting counselor performance or student experience

• Support institutional initiatives focused on student retention, operational excellence, and inclusive student engagement

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree

• 3–5 years of experience in higher education, enrollment, marketing, or sales

• Minimum 2 years of progressive experience mentoring, coaching, leading, and developing professional staff. 

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities under deadline

• Familiarity with CRM platforms and marketing technologies

• Flexibility to work evenings/weekends and travel occasionally

• Evidence of Christian commitment and active church involvement. In addition, staff agree to live in agreement with PLNU’s Community Life Covenant

• The job offer is contingent on the successful completion of a background check. PLNU will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local "Fair Chance" laws

Preferred

• Master’s degree

• Experience with AI-based enrollment tools and platforms (e.g., Dialpad AI, CollegeVine, ChatGPT)

• Experience in a faith-based institution or mission-driven educational setting

• Deep understanding of San Diego’s graduate education landscape

Physical Requirements

• Sitting for periods greater than one hour

• Use of computer equipment including keyboard, mouse, and monitor

• Vision to read documents, email, reports, and other correspondence on paper and computer monitor

• Ability to communicate effectively with others in person and by phone

• Ability to stand, stoop, push, pull, and lift up to 10 pounds throughout the day

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At PLNU, we believe in pursuing calling together. Deep and meaningful relationships between students, faculty, and staff is vital in nurturing our shared community and expressing God’s love. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to join us in empowering our students to reach their greatest personal, spiritual and professional potential. 

Point Loma Nazarene University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures.