Associate Director, Graduate Student Success

Engineering a world of possibilities

The Associate Director is a leader within the Office of Graduate Studies (OGS) who plays a key role in the oversight of student enrollment and successful degree completion across all graduate programs at Mines. The position manages a team of Graduate Program Specialists who are responsible for recruitment, advising, and retention within both interdisciplinary and department-based graduate degree and certificate programs.

The Associate Director assists the Dean of Graduate Studies in setting strategies for student enrollment and retention, and guides the team to develop and deliver initiatives, programs, practices, and events to help recruit and retain graduate students. They must function with a high degree of independence in decision making and actions to allow for timely and, often, individualized attention to current and future graduate students, staff, and faculty. The position regularly engages and collaborates with other Mines offices, including Admissions, Registrar, Bursar, CASA, Student Life, ISSS, and academic departments/programs; as well as external organizations.

Responsibilities:

STRATEGIC INITIATIVES (40%)

Oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation processes of the programs/initiatives of the Graduate Student Success team. This includes:

• Lead the planning, designing, coordination and implementation of student recruitment initiatives in alignment with Mines enrollment goals.
• Lead teams in facilitating on-campus and off-campus recruiting events.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration and/or leveraging resources with both internal and external groups to achieve the identified programmatic goals and objectives.
• Identify and achieve goals and targets for increasing and sustaining enrollment through targeted outreach campaigns, one-on-one follow-up with prospective students, developing deeper relationships with high schools, community organizations and local employers.
• Identify growth and development opportunities for recruitment and enrollment, and respond effectively to emerging issues.
• Partner and collaborate regularly with Mines' and community-based stakeholders to support results-based partnerships in order to achieve the desired outcomes of the programs/initiatives.
• Conduct data-driven analyses of graduate enrollment, retention, completion, and other relevant trends to inform strategic decision-making
• Develop and implement strategies to increase program growth and graduate student enrollment, in particular for online degrees and coursework-based certificates/degrees.
• Identify expanded opportunities for partnerships, fellowships, scholarships, and/or internships that attract new populations of graduate students to Mines.
• Research, develop, and implement strategies and assist in implementation of a broad range of programs and initiatives-including signature experiences-- that support graduate student enrollment, retention and completion.

SUPERVISION (30%)

Oversee the activities of the Graduate Student Success team and provide regular feedback, coaching and performance management for direct reports, with attention to accountability, career growth and professionalism. This includes but is not limited to the following:

• Determine staffing needs, initiate and implement the hiring process, and recommend hiring selection based on laws, policies and procedures.
• Determine the appropriate levels of staffing/funding patterns based on budget allocations and work plan objectives, including possible reallocation of job duties.
• Direct and manage staff training to ensure that the team members are providing clear and consistent support in graduate student recruitment, advising, and retention.
• Assign work responsibilities and supervise staff, including authorization of work schedules, vacation and sick leave, and disciplinary actions when required.
• Establish performance standards, evaluate employee work products and effectively prepare and process employee performance appraisals.

GRADUATE RECRUITMENT, ADVISEMENT, AND SUPPORT (25%)

Lead and manage the operations of the Graduate Student Success team as they engage in recruitment, advising, and support of students across all graduate programs. Responsibilities include:

• Develop and/or expand partnerships both internal and external to Mines, that foster continual improvement in graduate student enrollment and success
• Identify and provide guidance and training opportunities regarding policy and procedures related to all aspects of graduate students' progress toward degree and graduation.
• Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of policy enforcement and advisory processes using both qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Develop comprehensive reports to illustrate outcomes, trends, and areas for improvement.
• Recommend enhancements to best practices and policy frameworks to optimize operations and ensure effective student support.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED (5%)

• Other duties as assigned to meet the objectives of the office, programs, and/or Mines.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimal Level of Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Student Affairs, Student Personnel Administration, Student Affairs, Education, Public Administration, Engineering, or other related field.
• 5+years of progressively responsible, professional level experience in higher education, in admissions, recruitment, outreach and marketing.
• 3+ years of supervisory experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities and Other Attributes (KSAOs):

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to interpret and apply academic and financial policies and regulations
• Strong organizational and time management skills with attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and make decisions with minimal supervision
• Ability to initiate and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Proficiency in delivering oral presentations (e.g. informational/training sessions) to a wide range of audiences that may include students, staff, faculty, and external collaborators
• Proficiency in virtual communication platforms, data management systems, and software
• Analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, projecting consequences of proposed actions, and making recommendations in support of goals;
• Ability to adapt communication style to various audiences and situations
• Commitment to supporting student success and retention

Preferred Qualifications:

• Desired level of Education and Experience:
• Master's degree in Student Affairs, Student Personnel Administration, Student Affairs, Education, Public Administration, Engineering, or other related field.
• 5+years of progressively responsible, professional level experience in higher education, in admissions, recruitment, outreach and marketing.
• 3+ years of supervisory experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities and Other Attributes (KSAOs):

• Strong knowledge of graduate education processes, policies, and procedures
• Proficiency in student information systems and CRM platforms
• Experience with currently used software and systems including Slate, WorkDay, OnBase, Tableau, Banner
• Experience with STEM graduate programs or technical fields
• Previous experience in research administration or higher education financial management
• Knowledge of Colorado School of Mines programs and culture

About Mines & Golden, CO

When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines.

Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines' scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 36 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2025).

Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds.

At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that's manufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 "Very High Activity" research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size.

Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world's problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a diverse and inclusive community, where our different perspectives, experiences and cultures enrich the educational and work experience?

Look to Mines.

Equal Opportunity

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequity or concerns for safety.

Annual Rate

$86,000 - $95,000

Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate's education, training and experience as well as the position's scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

In addition to the amazing benefits mentioned below, Mines continues to show its dedication to its employees by offering an 11% employee contribution through our Mines Defined Contribution Plan and an incredible 12% employer contribution with immediate 100% vesting for our Administrative Faculty positions!

Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees.

For this role, that includes:

• Flexible health and dental care options
• Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year - including a week-long winter break for entire campus.
• Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution
• Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents)
• Free RTD Ecopass

All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the state-of-the-art Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more) and equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center. We are proud to have recently opened an on campus daycare center. For more details about benefits at Mines, visit mines.edu/human-resources/benefits.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should apply online as soon as possible but before Monday, November 10, 2025. If you submit your application after November 10, 2025, it may or may not be considered.

How to Apply: Applicants must submit a letter of application addressing this position specifically and a curriculum vitae or resume. References will not be contacted until later in the selection process and applicants will be informed before that contact is made.

Contact Dorie Gelber, Human Resources, at dorie.gelber@mines.edu with any questions about this opportunity.

Background Investigation Required Prior to Start

Accommodations - It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and their implementation rules and regulations, in support of equal opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities to promote diversity and inclusion at Mines. To meet this goal, Mines will make reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process and within our working environment.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at hr@mines.edu or 303.273.3250 for assistance.

Colorado's premier engineering and applied science university for 150 years and counting