Graduate Academic Advisor I and Recruitment Specialist – Ilitch School Graduate Programs

Graduate Academic Advisor I and Recruitment Specialist – Ilitch School Graduate Programs

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Graduate Academic Advisor I and Recruitment Specialist – Ilitch School Graduate Programs at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

The Graduate Advisor & Recruitment Specialist for the Mike Ilitch School of Business plays a key role in driving enrollment growth and supporting student success across undergraduate and graduate programs. This position has a strong emphasis on strategic recruitment, relationship building, and outreach designed to attract high-quality prospective students. The Graduate Advisor & Recruitment Specialist provides academic advising, enrollment coaching, and personalized support to ensure newly admitted students transition successfully into their programs.

• Provide academic advising and enrollment support for newly admitted and continuing students, including assistance with course planning, registration, program requirements, and academic policies.

• Guide students through the admissions process, from initial inquiry through application completion, decision release, and enrollment confirmation.

• Assist with new student onboarding, including orientation programming, advising workshops, and early-term transition support.

• Identify potential academic or engagement concerns and connect students with appropriate university resources.

• Maintain accurate advising notes and student records within university systems.

• Proactively conduct outreach campaigns to students at risk of non-enrollment or stop-out to support retention goals.

• Provide individualized academic success plans for students needing additional guidance or intervention.

• Monitor student progress toward degree completion and conduct periodic degree audits.

• Host group advising sessions, drop-in hours, and themed workshops (e.g., registration prep, graduation planning).

• Serve as a resource for students navigating university policies such as leave of absence, petitions, or academic standing.

• Develop and implement targeted recruitment strategies to increase enrollment across business programs, with a focus on high-yield markets and emerging demographics.

• Represent the Mike Ilitch School of Business at on-campus, off-campus, and virtual recruitment events, including information sessions, graduate fairs, corporate outreach visits, and community events.

• Build strong relationships with corporate partners, community colleges, university departments, and external organizations to expand recruitment pipelines.

• Conduct one-on-one consultations, presentations, and information sessions for prospective students to provide program details, admissions requirements, and enrollment guidance.

• Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications Office to develop recruitment materials, email campaigns, social media content, and digital engagement strategies.

• Track recruitment metrics, analyze prospective student data, and provide regular reports to leadership to inform recruitment strategies and yield improvement efforts.

• Engage with inquiries through phone, email, CRM systems, and virtual platforms to ensure timely and personalized follow-up.

• Develop and maintain communication workflows in the CRM to support lead nurturing across the recruitment funnel.

• Analyze competitor program trends to inform recruitment strategies and program positioning.

• Coordinate follow-up campaigns targeting incomplete applications, admitted-student yield, and re-engagement of past inquiries.

• Manage relationships with external vendors, recruitment platforms, and professional associations to enhance visibility.

• Work closely with international recruitment partners…