Assistant Director Professional Development, Graduate Recruitment and Retention

Department

SCOEHS College Communications

Compensation

$61,200.00 to Negotiable Annual

 

General Description / Primary Purpose:

The Assistant Director for Professional Development, Graduate Student Recruitment & Retention supports the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services in developing, coordinating, and implementing initiatives that strengthen graduate student success. This role oversees professional development programming, leads recruitment strategies to attract high-potential graduate students, and develops retention and engagement initiatives that promote timely degree completion. The Assistant Director works collaboratively with faculty, staff, campus partners, and external organizations to enhance the graduate student experience and elevate the college’s academic reputation. There may be occasional out of office travel required for this position.

Job Functions

Professional Development (Primary Area)

• Work with faculty to develop, implement, and assess a comprehensive graduate professional development curriculum aligned with career readiness, research skill-building, and educator preparation.

• Coordinate workshops, seminars, panels, and networking events in partnership with faculty, alumni, and employer organizations.

• Provide individualized and group advising related to academic planning, career exploration, job market preparation, and professional skill-building.

• Track student progress and engagement to identify professional development needs and measure program outcomes.

• Maintain resources (guides, online modules, handbooks, digital content) to support student professional growth.

Graduate Student Recruitment

• Lead the planning and execution of targeted recruitment strategies for master’s and doctoral programs within the Silverfield College of Education.

• Collaborate with program coordinators and the graduate school on recruitment messaging, application pipelines, and yield strategies.

• Coordinate participation in recruitment events such as graduate fairs, information sessions, webinars, and community partnerships.

• Collect and analyze recruitment data to assess trends, identify barriers, and recommend improvements.

• Develop recruitment materials and digital content highlighting program strengths, faculty expertise, and student success.

Graduate Student Retention & Success

• Design and implement retention-focused initiatives such as mentoring programs, orientation activities, cohort-building events, and academic support resources.

• Monitor student progress and connect students to academic, social, wellness, and financial support services.

• Facilitate early-alert and intervention processes for students experiencing academic or personal challenges.

• Conduct climate assessments or feedback surveys to identify graduate student needs and inform program improvements.

• Develop recognition and engagement opportunities that support belonging and persistence.

Administration & Collaboration

• Build strong working relationships with faculty, department chairs, student services, and the graduate school to coordinate services and support.

• Manage budget allocations for professional development and recruitment activities.

• Prepare reports, dashboards, and recommendations for college leadership regarding recruitment, retention, and program effectiveness.

• Represent the college on committees, task forces, and external partnerships related to graduate education and professional development.

 

Required Qualifications

Master's and 1+ years of relevant experience or Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of relevant experience. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219.

 

Statement(s) of Understanding

This position requires a background check. In conjunction with the University's policy, this position may also require a credit check.

The holder of this position is designated as a “Responsible Employee” pursuant to their role under Title IX. Therefore, the incumbent must promptly report allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual violence, and child sexual abuse by or against any student, employee, contractor, or visitor to the University’s Title IX Administrator or any divisional Title IX Coordinator

 

 

Equal Opportunity

The University of North Florida (UNF) is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who interact in our community. In building this environment, we strive to attract students, faculty and staff from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and life experiences. The University of North Florida does not commit or permit discrimination or harassment on the basis of genetic information, race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, marital status, national origin, or veteran status in any educational, employment, social, recreational program or activity that it offers. In addition, UNF will not commit or permit retaliation against an individual who reports discrimination or harassment or an individual who cooperates in an investigation of an alleged violation of university regulation.

Carnegie

UNF is a Carnegie Community Engaged Institution. This designation celebrates the University’s collaboration with community partners from the local to the global level. It reflects UNF’s mission to contribute to the public good and prepare educated, engaged citizens.