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Graduate Development Program Jobs in Chicago, IL

Graduate Recruiter

River Forest, IL · On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Collaborate with academic deans, program chairs, and additional academic personal on enrollment ... Professional development opportunities. * Tuition remission for employees and their dependents ...

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Graduate Development Program information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$33K

$123.7K

$206K

How much do graduate development program jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate development program in Chicago, IL is $123,678.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,400.00 and $147,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Graduate Development Program position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Graduate Development Program, candidates typically need a relevant bachelor's degree, a strong academic record, and enthusiasm for learning in a professional environment. Familiarity with industry-specific software, data analysis tools, or project management systems can be beneficial depending on the sector. Excellent communication, adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help individuals stand out in this rotational, mentorship-driven setting. These skills and qualifications are vital for successfully integrating into diverse teams, learning quickly, and maximizing the opportunities these programs offer for early-career development.

What kinds of career advancement opportunities can I expect after completing a Graduate Development Program?

Graduate Development Programs are designed to fast-track participants into roles of greater responsibility by providing exposure to multiple business areas and structured mentorship. Upon completion, graduates may transition directly into specialized positions within the organization, often with clearer pathways to leadership or management roles. Many programs also offer ongoing professional development, networking opportunities, and support from senior leaders to help alumni continue growing their careers. The skills and insights gained throughout the program make graduates highly competitive for a wide range of future opportunities within the company or industry.

What is a Graduate Development Program job?

A Graduate Development Program (GDP) is an entry-level job designed for recent graduates to gain structured training and hands-on experience in a specific industry or company. These programs typically last from one to three years and include rotations across different departments, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. The goal is to equip graduates with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed for long-term career growth within the organization.

Infographic showing various Graduate Development Program job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $123,678 per year, or $59.5 per hour.
Graduate Recruiter

Graduate Recruiter

Dominican University

River Forest, IL • On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Develop and implement recruitment strategies for graduate academic programs in collaboration with the Executive Director and university partner offices.

  • Conduct onsite and virtual presentations and outreach to prospective students and professional organizations to promote graduate programs and generate leads.

  • Track, report, and analyze recruitment activities and enrollment funnel results using CRM and other technology tools.


Job description

Position Title: Graduate Recruiter
Department: Enrollment Management
Reports To: Executive Director of Graduate and Adult Enrollment
Position Summary:
The Graduate Recruiter is responsible for the successful recruitment and enrollment within their portfolio of programs. A key indicator of success will be achieving the enrollment goals within their portfolio of programs. The Recruiter will partner with the Executive Director and university partner offices to create recruitment strategies and attend off-campus recruitment events, including but not limited to college fairs, conferences relevant to their portfolio of programs, non-profit organizations, and businesses, with the goal of generating new graduate leads and promoting a portfolio of graduate academic programs leading to enrollments.
The Graduate Recruiter is responsible for nurturing prospective students throughout the enrollment lifecycle from lead to admitted student.
Duties/Responsibilities
  • Contribute to the determination and achievement of Graduate enrollment goals while also setting and achieving individual goals.
  • Work with the Executive Director to develop recruitment strategies and tactics that will maximize opportunities related to conversion and yield.
  • Implement and carry out recruitment strategies and tactics. Report back on results from all recruitment activities with quantitative and qualitative information.
    • Track and compare recruitment strategies and tactics to graduate enrollment benchmarks
  • Partner with the Executive Director to research and develop relationships with professional organizations and businesses to promote the graduate portfolio of programs.
  • Conduct onsite and virtual presentations for prospective students, business professionals, advisors, and other contacts about specific graduate programs.
  • Present at on-campus and virtual prospective student events; including but not limited to graduate open house(s), information sessions, webinars, and new student orientation.
  • Collaborate with academic deans, program chairs, and additional academic personal on enrollment topics including but not limited to recruitment, enrollment goals, prospective student insights, and overall enrollment.
  • Work with the academic areas to stay up to date on program knowledge and trends in the field.
  • Responsible for proactive outreach throughout the prospective student lifecycle including phone, email, in-person, and text messaging.
    • Log all calls, emails, and walk-ins in the CRM system to ensure all interactions are logged and can be reported on.
  • Handle a wide variety of tasks in a busy service-oriented atmosphere; establishes priorities utilizing excellent organizational ability and interpersonal skills.
  • Maintain and utilize a successful reporting process fully utilizing the CRM and other technology tools to report out on the enrollment funnel and results of recruitment activities.
    • Update and distribute weekly enrollment funnel reports
    • Create and distribute recruitment reports each semester.
  • Actively participate in departmental, college, and university committees.
  • Perform other duties as requested by supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree
  • A valid driver's license or alternate means of reliable transportation is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Experience in sales, admissions, enrollment management or recruiting students in a college setting
  • Minimum 1 year of experience working with or advising adult students of non-traditional age at the undergraduate or graduate level
  • Experience using technology and analytical skills to make recruitment and enrollment decisions.
  • Experience with Slate (CRM) and Jenzabar (ERP)

Physical Demands
  • Ability to spend long durations of the workday sitting at a desk and working on a computer
  • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times

Salary and FLSA Status
  • Salary: $55,000 - $60,000
  • FLSA Status: Exempt - Full-time

Benefits
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement plan with employer matching
  • Professional development opportunities.
  • Tuition remission for employees and their dependents

Application Instructions
  • Submit a cover letter or CV
  • Applications should be submitted by [Review Date].

Employment at Dominican University is contingent upon the successful completion of a background investigation.
About Dominican University
Dominican University is a Catholic, comprehensive teaching university located in River Forest, a suburb of Chicago, with an additional campus in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Dominican University offers associate, baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. It is highly regarded for its academic rigor, thoughtful accompaniment of students, intentional affordability, and values-based, relationship-centered learning environment.
Dominican currently enrolls over 3,800 students, including 2,690 undergraduates and 1,114 graduate students. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of undergraduate students identify as Latinx, 5% as Black or African American, and 3% as Asian. Under-represented minority students comprise 77% of the undergraduate enrollment and 38% of the graduate enrollment. Over 90 percent of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid. Nearly half of all undergraduates are first-generation college students; over half are federal Pell Grant recipients, illustrating their families' level of income; and 58% are eligible for low-income MAP grants from the State of Illinois.
Recognized since 2011 as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education, Dominican is committed to expanding and enhancing educational opportunities for Latinx students and all students from historically underrepresented groups. For more information, visit www.dom.edu.