Senior director school of studies

The Senior Director of the School of Graduate Studies collaborates closely with academic and administrative units to attract and support graduate students, drive and maintain graduate processes and practices, and ensure excellence in graduate programming, policy, and student services.

The position reports to the provost.

Key Responsibilities

Graduate Education

• Provide leadership and oversight of the School of Graduate Studies, including graduate enrollment strategies and processes, academic policy, program development, student success initiatives, and degree completion.
• Develop and implement comprehensive recruitment, marketing, and yield-related communication strategies that are designed to highlight University resources and opportunities to attract, admit, enroll, and retain high-quality graduate students from domestic and international markets.
• Collaborate with colleges and departments to support graduate program assessment, innovation, and excellence.
• Collaborate with colleges to develop or maintain graduate assistantship processes, ensure colleges are staying within budget, and verify necessary data as submitted.
• Analyze enrollment trends, financial aid leveraging, and student persistence data to inform strategic planning and decision-making.
• Initiate and facilitate partnerships to grow graduate education.
• Lead efforts to improve graduate student experience, support services, and student retention.
• Ensure compliance with university, state, and federal policies and standards.
• Represent the university on the Chancellor’s Council on Graduate Studies (CCGS)
• Participate in shared governance, lead the Graduate Council, and ensure adherence to & revision of relevant policies.

Required Qualifications

• An earned doctorate or terminal degree from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating graduate programming and/or working within a graduate program and/or with graduate students and graduate assistants.
• Knowledge of national trends in graduate education.
• Proven ability to manage complex tasks, lead strategic initiatives, and work collaboratively with various stakeholders .
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and cross-cultural competencies.
• Must currently have faculty rank

Preferred Qualifications:

• Significant academic administrative experience, preferably in graduate studies.

Additional Position Information:

Salary commensurate with experience.

Apply online and include CV and cover letter. Applications will be reviewed beginning November 3rd, 2025.

FLSA Status (exempt/nonexempt):

United States of America (Exempt)

Union Affiliation (if applicable):

For assistance with your application or attachments, please contact the Human Resources representative listed:

Iron Bones

Email:

[email protected]

Background Check Statement

The University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees. The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus. As such, all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials, and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Some positions may require additional credit investigation and a pre-employment driving record search.

Non-Discrimination Statement

The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution. View our

Non-Discrimination Statement

for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

State of Residence Statement

It is the expectation of the University of Akron that all work performed as an employee of the University will be performed in Ohio.

All About UA

The University of Akron empowers our people to flourish by delivering an applied and community-connected educational experience and cultivating research excellence. Leveraging our passion and expertise, we create innovative academic opportunities, support the well-being of our students and employees, and prioritize community embeddedness and engagement to impact lives through transformative experience. Through this focus, UA aspires to be the leader in community-focused higher education.

The University of Akron is a lifelong learning partner, recognizing and valuing diverse learning experiences and combining traditional classroom experiences with innovative and robust approaches.

As Zips, we prioritize the well-being of our students and employees, cultivate a culture and community where all can flourish, and act as responsible stewards of our resources and infrastructure by leveraging data to differentiate our processes and systems.

We leverage our urban campus as a responsive and reliable partner to identify and meet the needs of the region. We intentionally contribute to economic and workforce development and civic life through research, innovation and engagement to provide community-embedded experiential learning opportunities that will enhance the UA experience for all students.

We welcome candidates who are passionate about shaping and inspiring the next generation of thinkers, experts, artists and leaders.

For more information about The University of Akron or the Akron community please visit our

About UA

page.

Benefits

The University of Akron offers a competitive total compensation package comprised of a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, and paid leave of absences including time off for illness, vacation, and maternity or paternity leave. In addition, eligible employees and their dependents are provided tuition remission. All staff and eligible non-bargaining unit faculty have the option to request a Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA). The University of Akron participates in state retirement systems and offers alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions. Optional investment opportunities are available including deferred compensation programs (403(b) and 457(b)). Please visit our

benefits home page

for more information.