Rice University is hiring: Assistant Dean of Recruiting and Admissions in Housto

Assistant Dean Of Enrollment Management

The search for this position is being led by WittKieffer, a national executive search firm. Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter through WittKieffer's portal. For full consideration, application materials should be received by November 1, 2025. The position will remain open until filled.

The Rice Business Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management provides vision and strategic direction for prospect recruiting, enrollment management, and communications. This position has responsibility for development, oversight, and management of all Rice Business enrollment, recruiting and related marketing communications programs, as well as administration. The Assistant Dean manages a team of professionals employed to accomplish these tasks and supports large and complex partnerships with third-party suppliers of student search, enrollment, and recruiting services.

The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in graduate business admissions and a proven ability to lead through change. As a strategic thinker and insightful leader, they will unify and motivate a team, implement data-driven processes, and foster cross-functional collaboration across marketing, student experience, faculty, and advancement.

Rice Business primarily delivers residential classes and activities taking place almost daily between 7 am and 10 pm. We value a highly collaborative and community-based culture, with expectations to provide in-person support and services to all members of our community. Remote work options are limited. Most employment activities are required to be performed in-person and on-campus. This in-person approach is central to the successful achievement of our research and academic missions.

This position may be offered as a hybrid role and may combine both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Remote work opportunities are possibly extended to the candidate following the successful conclusion of the probationary period.

Bachelor's degree. 6+ years of related professional higher education and/or professional corporate experience. In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.

Skills: Proven leadership and management capabilities, with a track record of overseeing programs, staff, and budgets in complex organizational settings, preferably within higher education admissions. Exceptional communication and analytical skills, including the ability to deliver compelling presentations, evaluate competitive applicants, and collaborate effectively across diverse teams. Technologically adept, with experience using CRM systems, ERPs, and project management tools such as Asana to drive enrollment strategies and operational efficiency. Highly organized and self-directed, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills, time management, and the ability to make data-informed decisions using multivariate criteria in a fast-paced environment.

Lead a strategic transformation in enrollment management. Strengthen and inspire a dedicated recruitment & admissions team. Drive innovation in recruitment and outreach. Strengthen cross-functional collaboration and institutional alignment. Champion the Rice Business brand and culture through operational excellence. Other duties: Performs additional responsibilities as assigned in support of the school's mission and goals.

Team leadership: Lead and coach the recruitment and admissions team to build a dedicated, goal-oriented culture through training, observation, and feedback across the recruitment lifecycle. Strategic enrollment: Develop and execute strategic enrollment plans aligned with institutional priorities, driving continuous improvement in systems, processes, and outcomes. Decision-making: Oversee admissions decisions and scholarship allocation, chairing committees, and shaping class composition through merit-based funding strategies. Outreach and engagement: Design and implement recruitment and outreach strategies targeting diverse markets, including partnerships and events to enhance visibility and applicant pipelines. Recruitment and performance management: Manage the enrollment sales funnel and KPIs, applying data-driven strategies to move prospects from inquiry to enrollment and ensure accountability. Communication & training: Create and deliver compelling messaging and presentations, training staff to communicate program value effectively across various formats and audiences. Technology & systems: Optimize admissions technologies and systems, including CRM platforms, to support recruitment goals and enhance operational efficiency. Analytical and financial: Monitor and analyze enrollment data, develop dashboards and reports, and manage the admissions operating budget to inform strategic decisions. Institutional collaboration: Collaborate institutionally, serving on senior leadership teams and developing partnerships with faculty, academic leaders, and external stakeholders. Market intelligence: Maintain competitive market awareness and make recommendations to enhance Rice Business MBA program positioning and recruitment effectiveness.