Job description

It is the vision of the College of Professional Studies (CPS) at the George Washington University to be the most preeminent, agile, and market-responsive learning innovation hub in the world, offering a distinctive array of educational options (including degree-based, continuing, and executive education) to a diverse community of learners to empower their professional progression, engender lifelong learning, and contribute to social and economic impact locally, nationally, and internationally.

In support of this mission, CPS seeks an outstanding individual to serve as Associate Dean, Enrollment Management & Student Life. Reporting directly to the Dean, the Associate Dean provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all student lifecycle functions, including recruitment, admissions, academic advising, student success coaching, and career development services, while also spearheading strategic partnerships with industry, government, and nonprofit organizations.

This executive role is responsible for ensuring that CPS delivers an exceptional and market-aligned student experience, advancing enrollment goals, fostering student success, and supporting graduates’ readiness for professional leadership. The Associate Dean manages internal teams, external vendors, and strategic partnerships to accomplish these objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Partnership Development and External Engagement

• Develops and maintains partnerships with employers, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and industry associations to increase degree program enrollment, enrich the student experience, and strengthen student career readiness and placement.
• Collaborates with employers and alumni to identify mentoring, internships and job placement opportunities for students.
• Represents CPS externally at events, conferences, and forums to cultivate visibility and credibility among key constituencies.

Strategic Vision and Leadership

• Provides leadership and direction for enrollment management and student life functions, aligning them with CPS’s mission and GW’s strategic plan.
• Develops and implements strategic plans to achieve enrollment, retention, and student success outcomes.
• Serves as a senior advisor to the Dean on all matters related to enrollment management, student life, and external partnerships. In particular, this role advises on pricing, discount rate, and student fellowship strategies.

Recruitment and Admissions

• Oversees all recruitment and admissions activities for CPS degree programs (on-campus, online, and hybrid).
• Ensures efficient admissions operations, high-quality applicant experiences, and data-driven enrollment planning.
• Oversees and ensures compliance with all federal regulations, GW policies, and accreditation standards related to recruiting and admissions.
• Leads Program Directors in implementing efficient, transparent, and compliant review/admissions practices.
• Monitors and enforces compliance requirements specific to the recruitment and enrollment of international students, including visa and immigration considerations.
• Collaborates with Program Directors and Marketing & Communications on strategies to build awareness and attract diverse, high-quality applicants.

Student Affairs, Advising, and Career Development

• Provides executive oversight of advising, student success coaching, and career services.
• Integrates academic, personal, and career support to maximize retention, graduation rates, and student satisfaction.
• Oversees the distribution of student fellowships.
• Fosters an inclusive, supportive student community that encourages belonging and professional growth.

Vendor and Partnership Management

• Serves as the primary liaison to vendors providing recruitment, admissions, advising, or career services.
• Manages contracts and ensures service quality standards.
• Works collaboratively with partners to enhance student outcomes and institutional reputation.

Management and Operations

• Leads, develops, and evaluates a professional staff team.
• Oversees budgets, resources, and operational processes across all enrollment and student life functions.
• Represents CPS in university-wide initiatives and committees related to enrollment, student success, and academic affairs.

Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

This is a hybrid position with some days in-person and some days remote. The primary office location is in Alexandria, Virginia with some meetings and events at the Foggy Bottom campus in Washington, DC and the Arlington Education Center. Some travel may be necessary for recruitment.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 10 years of relevant professional experience, Master’s degree, or higher, in a relevant area of study preferred. Relevant experience must include at least 4 years of senior leadership/executive level experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

To thrive in this role, the ideal candidate will bring a blend of the following:

• Significant experience in higher education recruitment, admissions, and/or student affairs.
• Experience in professional or graduate education, particularly in business, public policy, or applied professional fields.
• Strong data-driven planning and reporting skills.
• Proven record of developing and sustaining external partnerships with industry and government to support enrollment and career outcomes.
• Proven ability to lead diverse, high-performing teams.
• Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills.

Hiring Range
$124,973.63 – $218,703.87

GW Staff Approach to PayHow is pay for new employees determined at GW?

Campus Location: Alexandria, Virginia

College/School/Department: College of Professional Studies (CPS)

Family: Academic Affairs

Sub-Family: Academic Administration – School

Stream: Executive

Level: Level 2

Hours Per Week: 40

Work Schedule: M-F, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Flexible & hybrid eligible. Some evenings or weekends may be necessary for recruiting events, graduation, and other special events.)

Will this job require the employee to work on site?
Yes

Employee Onsite Status
Hybrid

Telework: Yes

Required Background Check
Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search

Special Instructions to Applicants

Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status

Internal Applicants Only? No

Posting Number: S013847

Background Screening
Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.

How to apply

Apply now

EEO StatementThe university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.