Executive Director, Graduate & Continuing Studies Position Profile

• Oversee the Director of Recruitment for GCS and the GCS recruitment team.
• Ensure that the GCS program Start goals and revenue goals are met.
• Help to establish and oversee GCS financial aid strategies that support enrollment and revenue goals.
• Monitor and maintain budgets with oversight from the VPEM.
• Work directly with our marketing team to ensure the messaging for our programs is effective.
• Create an effective and distinguishable messaging platform that articulates Olivet’s unique value and sales proposition.
• Oversee all aspects of matriculation strategies (prospect-lead-application-acceptance-deposit-enrollment).
• Create and manage accountability score boards with a pulse on lead measures and the needed data and reporting systems to ensure both success and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Ensure best practices with a firm understanding of emerging trends within Higher Education, the broader marketplace of continuing education and the Admissions profession.
• Attract, recruit and retain top talent by building, leading, training and inspiring the GCS admissions staff.

Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree preferred

• A lifestyle in agreement with the ONU Statement of Mission, Faith and Lifestyle Covenant.
• Have a strong knowledge of the higher education world of graduate and continuing studies
• Understand data analysis and how to use information to guide strategies
• Create organizational structure in GCS to maximize productivity
• Work collaboratively as a part of the Enrollment Management Executive Team to advance all of the ONU admission’s goals
• Be an adaptive, enthusiastic, leader with a no holds barred tenacity to win and be able to give the credit to others for the victory
• Be a good steward of time, talent, resources and opportunity

Inquiries, nominations and applications for the next Executive Director, Graduate & Continuing Studies of Olivet Nazarene University will be considered in complete confidence.

The search is expected to move quickly, though the target hire date remains flexible to ensure the University secures the right candidate. Information gathered from search committee listening sessions has directly informed this profile.

Please submit nominations, inquiries and applications (current resume and cover letter) directly to our lead search consultant, Pelema Ellis (pelema.ellis@cbiz.com).

The starting compensation for this opportunity is $75,000 in accordance with the background and experience of the selected candidate. Compensation is supplemented by a benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance and tuition remission.

Olivet is an unapologetic denominational university in the Wesleyan tradition, deeply aligned with the Church of the Nazarene. Understanding and embracing this core identity is critical for the institution and its leadership.

Olivet is committed to fostering an environment where the strongest scholarship and deepest piety are entirely compatible. Through a culture of discipleship and shared virtue, Olivet asks all employees to bear witness to their saving faith and adhere to a lifestyle covenant, which includes maintaining an alcohol-free campus to positively influence students.

Olivet fosters a vibrant environment where academic excellence and Christian purpose empower students to thrive. The university provides a comprehensive education through the College of Arts & Sciences, School of Education, McGraw School of Business, Walker School of STEM, School of Nursing and the School of Theology & Christian Ministry. Education at Olivet extends into over 20 graduate and doctoral degrees, including a flagship Ed.D. in Ethical Leadership. Olivet Nazarene University is also adapting to modern workforce needs through online programs, micro-credentials and the Early Scholars dual-enrollment program, which recently enrolled over 150 students.

Learn More About Academics

Olivet Nazarene University is deeply committed to prioritizing student well-being and affordability. Recognizing a growing “misery gap” for middle-class families, Olivet awards over $110 million in financial aid annually. Through the Zero Tuition program, the university covers the full cost of tuition for qualified Illinois students with an adjusted gross income of $60,000 or less.

The Student Financial Services team actively advocates for students facing hardships, while the University’s “Debt Free in Five” initiative provides graduating seniors with a clear map to eliminate their educational debt within five years of graduation.

Furthermore, Olivet supports diverse populations through Multiethnic Student Services, achieving a remarkable 59% retention rate for Black students and a 75% retention rate for Hispanic students over the past three years. For mental health support, Olivet provides robust counseling services with no session limits, ensuring students have access to the care they need.

The ONU Tigers athletic program prepares student-athletes for success in the classroom and in competition. With 25% of the traditional undergraduate population participating in athletics, athletes retain at a 75% rate, which is 9% higher than the NAIA average. The Prosperity Plan aims to responsibly expand athletic offerings to include emerging sports like Esports, Competitive Cheer and Women’s Flag Football, alongside diverse club sports.

Learn More About Athletics