Heather Oleary

About Heather Oleary

As a forward-thinking enrollment management executive with 20+ years of experience, I have built a career driving growth, innovation, and inclusion in graduate education across top-tier institutions. At Suffolk University, I lead graduate enrollment strategy for the Sawyer Business School and the College of Arts & Sciences, consistently delivering results—even in today’s highly competitive and shifting marketplace.I specialize in aligning recruitment strategies with institutional priorities, building high-performing and diverse teams, and implementing market-informed program innovations that enhance student acquisition and long-term success. With a strong foundation in data analytics, market research, and strategic partnerships, I translate insights into action, ensuring strategies are both mission-driven and measurable.In my expanded role as Director of Graduate Admission & Enrollment Marketing Strategy, I integrate admissions leadership with marketing strategy—bridging Enrollment Management (80%) and the Office of Marketing & Communications (20%) to connect recruiting, admissions, digital campaigns, and market research. This integrated approach strengthens Suffolk’s competitive position and ensures that enrollment marketing is directly tied to conversion and yield.Recent highlights of my work include- Driving a 38% increase in domestic graduate enrollments for CAS- Relaunching the MHA program, resulting in a 57% year-over-year enrollment boost- Leading Suffolk’s new Wentworth Institute of Technology partnership, expanding our pipeline and securing the first enrolled student in year one- Restructuring Suffolk’s graduate scholarship model to improve yield and market alignment- Achieving a 32% increase in campus visitors, strengthening engagement and domestic pipelines.I am also honored to represent Enrollment Management on Suffolk University’s PILOT initiative, a cross-institutional effort to reimagine the student experience, and to serve on the Corporate Partnership Committee, bringing an enrollment and employer engagement perspective to strategic planning.Above all, I am known as a collaborative, mission-driven leader with a passion for mentoring, building inclusive teams, and designing strategies that expand access and opportunity for students.

Experience

1. Director of Graduate Admission & Enrollment Marketing Strategy

   Suffolk University

   Aug 2025 — Present · Boston, MA, US

   As Director of Graduate Admission & Enrollment Marketing Strategy, I integrate admissions leadership with enrollment marketing strategy to drive Suffolk University’s graduate enrollment growth. My role spans Enrollment Management and the Office of Marketing & Communications, bridging recruiting, admissions, marketing, and research to deliver positive measurable outcomes.

Education

• Roger Williams University

  BS, Psychology

• University of California, Davis - Graduate School of Management

  MBA, Marketing, Strategic Management

Skills

• Event Planning
• Analysis
• Marketing Research
• Strategy
• Marketing Communications
• Microsoft Excel
• Leadership
• Talent Management
• Enrollment Management
• Marketing
• Analytics
• Public Relations
• Blogging
• Business Strategy
• Interviewing
• Social Media
• Human Resources
• Social Networking
• Nonprofits
• Program Management
• Analytical Skills
• Management
• Team Leadership
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Marketing Strategy
• Market Research
• Strategic Planning
• Training
• Qualitative Research
• Student Affairs
• Non-Profits
• Strategic Communications
• Strategic Consulting
• Management Consulting
• Microsoft Office
• Competitive Analysis
• Project Management
• Higher Education
• Research
• Consulting