Senior Associate Director of Recruitment & Outreach
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
As the Senior Associate Director of Recruitment & Outreach, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the University of Illinois by leading initiatives that attract and enroll a talented, diverse student body. You'll drive high-impact strategies that amplify our recruitment efforts, foster inclusion, and engage with a broad spectrum of stakeholders-both on campus and beyond. As a key member of the leadership team, you'll inspire your staff, connect with communities, and ensure Illinois remains a destination for high-achieving students from all backgrounds.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Recruitment Management
Provide overall leadership, direction, and supervision for all recruitment and yield enhancement activities, aligning efforts with the university's strategic goals.
Analyze geographic and demographic trends using data to develop strategies that maximize the enrollment of a diverse, academically talented undergraduate population.
Oversee multiple recruitment teams, including campus-based and regional staff, ensuring that hiring, training, and communication processes are seamless and effective.
Oversight of large and targeted recruitment efforts such as events, campus visit programming, diversity-focused initiatives, regional recruitment and stakeholder engagement.
Collaborative leadership in the Recruitment & Yield Network, fostering recruitment initiatives with campus partners and ensuring that university-wide initiatives support the goals of Undergraduate Admissions.
Lead outreach efforts by attending recruitment events and representing Illinois at high schools, community colleges, and fairs, including some overnight travel.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiatives
Drive the University's efforts to expand opportunities for underrepresented and first-generation college students by cultivating relationships with underserved schools, agencies, and community organizations.
Develop sustainable recruitment pipelines that enhance access for students from historically marginalized groups, aligning recruitment practices with the University's mission of inclusion and equity.
Provide leadership on diversity-focused recruitment strategies, ensuring that efforts contribute to a more inclusive and equitable student body.
Data-Informed Planning & Stakeholder Engagement
Collaborate with the Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions to create a strategic recruitment plan, informed by data tools like EPS, Descriptor Plus, and EIS, as well as historical trends in applications, admissions, and enrollment.
Identify primary and secondary markets, making informed decisions to optimize recruitment efforts and resource allocation.
Lead training and professional development for recruitment staff and university-wide constituents, ensuring all stakeholders are equipped to support Illinois' recruitment and outreach initiatives.
Engage with alumni, faculty, and other campus stakeholders to enhance recruitment strategies and involve them in outreach efforts.
Special Projects & Other Responsibilities
Chair one first-year admissions review committee and possibly serve on additional review committees, reading applications, evaluating applicants, and making final admission decisions.
Take on special projects and duties as assigned, providing leadership and support in areas that advance the goals of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
Ensure recruitment teams are leveraging the latest technology and tools to deliver timely, accurate, and engaging information to prospective students and families.
Supervision & Management
Supervise or oversee the supervision of all professional, support, and student staff within the recruitment and outreach unit, and champion their training and professional development.
Conduct performance evaluations, set performance goals, and meet with direct reports regularly to review the status of their professional and personal goals.
Cultivate a positive culture of growth, professionalism, creativity, innovation, and respect with the goal of building a united and productive team environment.
Be a model team player by eagerly serving and prioritizing the fair treatment of others.
Manage resources effectively to ensure work is optimized and employees are positioned for success.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Minimum of five (5) years of direct experience in undergraduate admissions with an emphasis on campus wide recruitment and outreach initiatives.
Minimum of five (5) years of experience supervising professional staff.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Must be able to collaborate with multiple administrative and academic offices across campus to coordinate a systematic recruitment effort.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Strong presentation and interpersonal communication skills.
Dynamic personality.
High-quality customer service skills.
Ability and willingness to travel.
Ability to work effectively as a part of a team.
Ability to maintain strong work ethic and handle a high volume of work, execute projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
Understanding and commitment to affirmative action in educational access and employment.
Ability to lift and move heavy boxes of materials.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Customer Relationship Management systems.
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. The budgeted salary range for this position is $95,000.00 - $107,000.00.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on January 6, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Application materials should include a cover letter, a current resume, and at least three references, including contact information.
Work authorization sponsorship is not available for this position.
Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jennifer Steiling at Steiling@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .
