Director, ESS Administration and Operations

Director, ESS Administration and Operations

Bookmark this Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status

Posting Details

 I. JOB OVERVIEW 

Job Description Summary:  | The Office of Enrollment and Student Success (ESS) is a mission-driven organization providing a cohesive experience throughout all phases of the student lifecycle, from the pre-college programs to career services with a strong focus on admissions and the enrollment process through graduation and beyond, by supporting a connected, comprehensive and student-centered approach to the student experience.

Reporting to the Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success, the ESS division includes the offices of precollege programs, the visitor center, undergraduate admissions, graduate enrollment management, career services, student financial assistance, student success, the student services hub and enrollment operations. ESS is committed to a student-first mentality, utilizing a data-driven approach to continuous assessment and improvement across the organization.

The Director will be an integral part of the ESS leadership team and is responsible for oversight of core administrative and operational functions for the division and leadership, serving as the central point of contact for all financial, contractual, event, and human resources-related functions for ESS working closely with internal university entities and external business partners. They will oversee support and/or coordination of strategic initiatives including Board of Trustee and Enterprise Risk reports, professional development plans for the division and other projects with high visibility and impact. They will additionally manage the enrollment operations team which includes financial, administrative, marketing and data support for all ESS units.

Position Responsibilities:
Advise VP on matters related to the day-to-day operation of ESS, assisting in effective decision-making and resolving issues that arise in a timely manner Leads the day-to-day operations of the central Enrollment and Student Success operations team, monitoring and overseeing budget planning, HR actions, and communications to ensure a unified approach which fosters collaboration to achieve integrated and streamlined operations Serves on and acts as an advisor to the ESS leadership team regarding matters of strategy implementation, organizational change, communications, finance, HR, policy, operational and business In partnership with the FD to develop program proposals and financial models, confirming funding and organizational needs are appropriately captured by working with colleagues in finance to review, update, and develop processes and procedures to ensure compliance while meeting the unique needs of the organization Cultivates campus wide relationships and communication with campus stakeholders to elevate visibility and understanding of ESS operations, SEM plan goals, and initiatives In partnership with the FD to monitor and maintain the entirety of the organization’s budget including oversight of each individual unit, and provides advice and technical assistance to the Vice Provost (VP) for ESS and members of the ESS leadership team with cost analysis, fiscal allocation, forecasting, and budget development Oversees the development and implementation of ESS internal and external communications Manages all contracts within the organization, serving as the point of contact for GWIT, OGC, Privacy, Risk Management and Finance Partners with HR representative to support HR activities as the ESS liaison; develops and modifies organizational structures, position descriptions and salary plans with HR for all ESSResponds to inquiries from senior leadership and handles special requests Leads strategic planning and annual reporting efforts for ESS, developing and maintain high-level knowledge of each units’ functions, needs and priorities; assists ESS leadership in measuring progress of ESS goals and strategic plans, focusing on process improvements and other initiatives Organizes and coordinates cross-functional teams to support collaboration across functional areas and operationalize short- and long-term ESS vision and plans Coordinates ESS leadership meetings, planning sessions, retreats and division training programs Ensure all administrative issues are addressed properly, efficiently and judiciously, and keep track of progress until resolved Develops internal policies and processes that create efficiencies across the organization and create documentation that reflects the details of these policies and practices for clarity and consistency.
Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.
Minimum Qualifications:  | Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 8 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant area of study plus 6 years of relevant professional experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications:   
Preferred Qualifications:  | Ability to manage and motivate a team, set clear direction and articulate goals and expectations for excellence and success Results-driven and adept at using data to inform decision-making, continuous improvement, and customer service Outstanding written, oral and interpersonal communication skills Experience with conducting benchmarking research, developing reports and presentations for high level executives Experience successfully leading change and leading people with and through change Capacity to navigate the complexities of the university and collaborating across university divisions Entrepreneurial, innovative and forward thinking with a focus on implementing and supporting the pre-eminent student experience Openness to change and the capacity to affect change Knowledgeable about systems thinking and design thinking with the ability to not only problem solve with individual colleagues, but develop enterprise solutions and design systems across the ESS unit to better support the student experience Demonstrated experience managing and allocating resources to support current and new operations and initiatives The ability to understand different perspectives, opinions and priorities and to see the bigger picture to work effectively and affect change Thoughtful, with excellent judgment, open to new ideas and sharing them with others
Hiring Range  | $88,562.15 - $128,379.87
GW Staff Approach to Pay  | How is pay for new employees determined at GW?

 Healthcare Benefits
GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/benefits-programs.

 II. JOB DETAILS 

Campus Location:  | Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.
College/School/Department:  | Enrollment Management
Family  | Administration
Sub-Family  | Administrative / Operations
Stream  | Management
Level  | Level 3
Full-Time/Part-Time:  | Full-Time
Hours Per Week:  | 40
Work Schedule:  | M-F, 9-6 Evenings & Weekends as needed
Will this job require the employee to work on site?  | Yes
Employee Onsite Status  | Hybrid
Telework:  | Yes
Required Background Check:  | Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search
Special Instructions to Applicants:  | Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status
Internal Applicants Only?  | Yes (University Wide)
Posting Number:  | S014008
Job Open Date:  | 01/16/2026
Job Close Date:  | 01/19/2026
If temporary, grant funded, Sponsored Project funded or limited term appointment, position funded until:  |
Background Screening  | Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.
EEO Statement:  | The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents needed to Apply

2013 H Street, NW, 3rd Floor
 Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202-994-8500
Fax: 202-994-9680
Email: askhrmd@gwu.edu
Recognition_Toolkit
Talent@GWLogin