Katie Wuchter
Indian Head Park,IL
Summary
Dynamic recruitment and retention leader with a proven track record at UIC, driving strategic enrollment initiatives and enhancing retention through data-driven decision-making. Expert in stakeholder collaboration and project management, achieving significant enrollment growth while optimizing student-focused processes. Skilled in CRM database management and team leadership, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Recruitment, Retention, and Innovation
UIC
Chicago, IL
10.2023 - Current
- Developed, executed, and assessed strategic recruitment and retention plans for UIC Extended Campus programs.
- Led recruitment and retention teams to optimize student-focused processes, achieving enrollment goals.
- Directed annual planning process for UIC Online programs, analyzing previous results and strategizing for future targets.
- Collaborated with colleagues to align on enrollment goals and implement tailored recruitment strategies.
- Established strong partnerships with colleges to develop and execute annual recruitment and retention plans.
- Identified program improvement opportunities, evaluating viability with college partners to enhance effectiveness.
- Conducted analysis of recruitment data, reporting trends to senior leadership to inform strategic decisions.
- Monitored financial success of programs in collaboration with finance staff, ensuring alignment with enrollment projections.
Associate Director of Recruitment, Retention, and Innovation
UIC
Chicago, IL
04.2022 - 10.2024
- Developed and executed strategic recruitment and retention plans for UIC Extended Campus programs.
- Managed recruiting and retention teams, optimizing student-focused processes.
- Analyzed competitors to extract insights guiding program development and enhancing recruitment strategies.
- Tracked and assessed recruitment data to exceed enrollment goals and inform new initiatives.
- Conducted ROI analyses to evaluate effectiveness of recruitment and retention efforts.
- Organized recruitment events, including information sessions and webinars featuring subject matter experts.
- Coordinated submissions for US News and World Report rankings.
- Facilitated quarterly UIC Online Leaders meetings, offering insights on online student retention.
Associate Director of Recruitment
DePaul University
Chicago, IL
03.2021 - 04.2022
- Directed team of nine, including two assistant directors and three graduate assistants, to complete data analysis projects and support professional development.
- Served as lead recruiter for Doctorate in Business Administration cohorts, generating over 5.5 million dollars for university in three years.
- Managed recruitment territory with affinity groups and corporations, organizing off-campus events for audiences of up to 150 participants.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive marketing plan to attract students to Kellstadt Graduate School of Business.
- Designed training modules for onboarding and continuous improvement of team performance.
- Led team training on CRM database usage, academic programs, and admission criteria.
- Conducted statistical analysis of programs for US News rankings, enhancing institutional visibility.
Assistant Director of Recruitment
DePaul University
Chicago, IL
11.2017 - 03.2021
- Managed recruitment funnel exceeding 7,000 inquiries to meet enrollment goals for over 1,000 students annually.
- Led recruitment efforts resulting in 47% enrollment in master's business programs with a 73% yield rate for Fall Quarter.
- Advised approximately 450 students, including provisionally admitted and Corporate Educational Outreach cohorts.
- Established role of Marketing Liaison to enhance communication flow and coordinate prospect campaigns with University Marketing team.
- Supervised and trained graduate assistants on execution of data analytics projects.
Academic Advisor
Robert Morris University
Chicago, IL
08.2011 - 06.2012
- Advised 125 college freshmen on academics, vocational opportunities, and social development.
- Collaborated with faculty to develop curriculum plans and quarterly course schedules for students.
- Conducted freshmen seminar each quarter, equipping students with skills for academic success.
- Facilitated acclimation to college environment through targeted support strategies.
High School Relations Counselor
Robert Morris University
Chicago, IL
08.2010 - 08.2011
Education
Masters of Arts - Counseling, Type 75 Certification
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL01.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology, Business Administration
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL01.2006
Master of Business Administration - Management, Human Resource Management
DePaul University, Kellstadt Graduate School of Business
Chicago, ILSkills
- Team leadership
- Enrollment forecasting
- Stakeholder collaboration
- Strategic planning
- Project management
- Competing program analysis
- Training development
- Data-driven decision making
- Recruitment metrics analysis
- CRM database management (Slate)
- Data analytics and reporting
- Recruitment campaign strategies
- Student record maintenance
- Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
- Adobe software skills
- Effective communication
Timeline
Director of Recruitment, Retention, and Innovation
UIC
10.2023 - Current
Associate Director of Recruitment, Retention, and Innovation
UIC
04.2022 - 10.2024
Associate Director of Recruitment
DePaul University
03.2021 - 04.2022
Assistant Director of Recruitment
DePaul University
11.2017 - 03.2021
Academic Advisor
Robert Morris University
08.2011 - 06.2012
High School Relations Counselor
Robert Morris University
08.2010 - 08.2011
Masters of Arts - Counseling, Type 75 Certification
Lewis University
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology, Business Administration
Eastern Illinois University
Master of Business Administration - Management, Human Resource Management
DePaul University, Kellstadt Graduate School of Business