Jobs › University of Chicago

Associate Director, Masters Admissions

University of Chicago · Chicago, IL · $72,250–$93,500 a year · Full time

Posted Jul 21, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

Apply at University of Chicago

Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a recruitment strategy you changed based on data. What did the numbers show?

What they are checking: Whether they make recruitment decisions from evidence instead of repeating last year's travel and events.

Describe a project you managed that involved several offices. How did you keep it on track?

What they are checking: Whether they can run cross-office projects, which the posting names as a core expectation for associate directors.

Tell me about a time you mentored or guided a newer counselor.

What they are checking: Whether they can help develop junior staff, which is expected at the associate director level.

What would you do

You are often the first impression of UChicago, whether in person, online or by email. How do you keep that consistent when you are busy?

What they are checking: Whether they treat every applicant interaction as representing the university, even in peak season.

An applicant you admitted is struggling to get a student visa in time. What can you do and what can't you do?

What they are checking: Whether they know the limits of admissions in immigration matters and when to involve international student services.

A parent calls repeatedly asking why their child was denied. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they stay respectful and protect applicant privacy and committee decisions without being dismissive.

About the work

Walk me through a full admissions cycle you have run for a graduate program, from recruitment to yield.

What they are checking: Whether they understand every stage of the funnel and where master's programs usually lose applicants.

This office sits in international admissions. How do you evaluate transcripts and credentials from education systems you know less well?

What they are checking: Whether they use credential resources carefully and avoid unfair assumptions about unfamiliar schools or grading scales.

How do you read an application holistically when test scores and grades point in different directions?

What they are checking: Whether they can weigh evidence fairly and explain their judgment to a committee.

Which CRM or admissions system have you used, and how did you use it to manage communications at scale?

What they are checking: Whether they can build segmented communication plans rather than sending the same message to everyone.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at University of Chicago from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by University of Chicago.

Department ESA International Admissions About the Department The Office of College Admissions has a staff of over 40 people, most of whom are Admissions Counselors. They manage marketing to, and recruitment of, prospective students as well as the admissions process for first year and transfer students into The College, summer programs for high school students, and select master’s admissions programs. The Admissions Office is a forward-facing department often providing the first impression of UChicago to visitors in-person and virtually as well as telephonically and via email engagement. This Office is responsible for bringing to campus a class of students with a diverse set of backgrounds who are prepared to take on rigorous academics while engaging with the University, surrounding neighborhood, and city of Chicago. For more information, please visit our site http://www.collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu. Job Summary The ideal candidate for this position will draw on knowledge and experience of the admissions process to support the work of Enrollment and Student Advancement related to admissions for a master’s degree. Associate Directors are expected to work well both individually and in teams, to problem solve, manage projects, and act as a positive representative of the University of Chicago. All Admissions staff members act as a first line of engagement for prospective students and manage general recruitment and application review responsibilities, in addition to managing other projects within various teams. Responsibilities • Manages an admissions portfolio and is the primary evaluator of applications for admission related to a specific subject area and/or territory. • Each Associate Director will have ownership of a portfolio of projects related to master’s admissions with a high level of authority. Portfolios may include marketing and communications, admissions operations, programming and events, strategic partnerships, working with current student employees, and more. • Recruits and/or evaluates applicants for master’s admission by interviewing, reading applications and summarizing evaluations. Completes these tasks independently or with some guidance and instruction from others. • Establishes and manages partnerships with external constituencies, including colleges and universities worldwide, to build a robust pipeline of talented candidates into UChicago master’s programs. • Delivers information sessions and specialized presentations, as well as participates in virtual and on-campus events for prospective master’s students. • Conducts college and university visits, attends college fairs, and hosts presentations either virtually or by travel. Admissions travel may last 4-6 weeks over the course of a year. • Maintains relationships with all individuals involved in the recruitment process, including routinely counseling students and parents regarding the admission process. • Responds to inquiries via phone and e-mail, providing a positive experience for all who interact with the department. • Weekend and evening availability is expected throughout the year for some aspects of the position including application review, travel, and admissions events. • May manage student workers and/or full-time staff. • Expands outreach messaging via alumni clubs and special events and/or reunions. Maintains updated alumni contact records and cultivates new contacts in appropriate industries. Manages portfolio of prospective students that require special handling. • Manages regional event programming such as receptions and career trek field trips for students. Works independently to expand outreach to employers in the region. • Performs other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: --- Preferred Qualifications Education: • Master’s degree or higher. Certifications: • Valid United States driver’s license. Technical Skills or Knowledge: • Familiar with Microsoft Office. • Familiar with Slate CRM. Preferred Competencies • Excellent verbal and written communication. • Presentation skills. • Customer service skills. • Maintain confidentiality. Working Conditions • Work will take place in an office setting and remotely, during work-related travel, on and off-campus events, and application review season. • Some travel. Application Documents • Resume/CV (required) • Cover Letter (required) • References Contact Information (required) (3) • When applying please include this information as three separate documents. The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions. When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Job Family Student Affairs & Services Role Impact Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours 37.5 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required Yes Pay Rate Type Salary ​ FLSA Status Exempt ​ Pay Range $72,250.00 - $93,500.00 The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting. Benefits Eligible Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook . Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

Apply at University of Chicago