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:
Point Loma Nazarene University is seeking a bold, relational, and data-savvy leader to help shape the future of graduate education. As Director of Graduate Enrollment Strategy & Partnerships, you’ll drive enrollment growth, build scalable systems, and cultivate meaningful partnerships that advance mission-aligned impact. This role blends strategy and execution for someone energized by leading people, ideas, and outcomes.Job Status:
Full time***
Job Description:
What We’re Looking For
A visionary leader who enjoys building and evolving systems, not just maintaining them
A relationship builder who thrives in collaboration with faculty, staff, and external partners
A strategic thinker who can translate institutional goals into actionable enrollment strategies
A people-first leader who coaches, develops, and empowers high-performing teams
A problem-solver who is comfortable testing ideas, learning quickly, and iterating forward
A leader who balances creativity with accountability and follow-through
A communicator who can clearly articulate strategy, insights, and recommendations
A detail-aware operator who values data integrity, transparency, and process clarity
A mission-driven professional who sees enrollment work as student-centered and purpose-filled
What You’ll Be Doing
Provide strategic and operational leadership for graduate recruitment, admissions, and enrollment initiatives
Guide and support enrollment staff through coaching, training, and performance management
Partner with academic leaders to align recruitment efforts with program goals and enrollment forecasts
Analyze enrollment and marketing data to strengthen inquiry-to-matriculation conversion
Oversee recruitment activities, outreach efforts, and graduate engagement events
Collaborate cross-functionally to support new program launches, credentials, and certificates
Maintain shared enrollment tools and systems to support collaboration and data visibility
Leverage emerging technologies to enhance lead management and enrollment workflows
Monitor trends, forecast outcomes, and proactively address enrollment risks or gaps Represent graduate enrollment strategy in campus-wide and external partnership discussion
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred
Minimum five years of progressive experience in graduate enrollment, recruitment, or related leadership roles
At least two years of successful team leadership experience, including training, development, and accountability
Strong ability to influence across departments, especially in collaboration with academic leadership
Demonstrated success in leading data-informed recruitment and outreach strategies
Proficiency with CRM systems, marketing platforms, and analytics tools; Salesforce experience preferred
Demonstrated fluency with technology and willingness to pilot emerging platforms, including AI-powered tools for communication, analysis, and automation
Outstanding communication, relationship-building, and public speaking skills
High emotional intelligence and cultural awareness, with the ability to lead and motivate a diverse team
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.
Physical Requirements
Sitting for periods greater than one hour.
Use of computer equipment: computer keyboard, mouse, and monitor.
Vision to read documents, e-mail and other correspondence, and reports on paper and computer monitor.
Ability to communicate effectively with others in person and by phone.
Will also stand, stoop, push, pull, and lift up to 10 lbs throughout the day.
***
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.