Director of Undergraduate Recruitment

Position Overview

As the Director of Undergraduate Recruitment at Tarleton State University you will play a dynamic role in leading innovative recruitment initiatives that align with our next-level enrollment goals. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of University Recruitment, this position provides strategic leadership to a dedicated team across multiple campuses and locations. This role requires proactive problem solving, advanced data analysis, and the ability to make confident, forward-thinking decisions that drive measurable results.

If you’re passionate about making a tangible impact and leading a team to new heights, we look forward to hearing from you. This is your chance to be a key player in the future of Tarleton State University and help us shape the next generation of Tarleton State Texans!

This position is located in Stephenville and requires occasional travel to our multiple campus locations. 

Responsibilities:

Strategic Recruitment Initiatives

• Lead the development and implementation of data-informed recruitment strategies that support enrollment of key populations, including new first-time, transfer, first-generation, high-ability, non-traditional, out-of-state, international, veteran, and other identified student groups. 
• Identify emerging markets and design recruitment efforts that resonate with an ever-changing student population, while balancing attention across all undergraduate programs and campus locations (Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan, Online).
• Work closely with Enrollment Management and university-wide cross-functional teams to ensure that comprehensive information, materials, and resources, are intentionally curated and shared with prospective students throughout each stage of the enrollment funnel.

Operations and Management

• Leverage lead generating technologies and engagement platforms to identify and tap into new markets, expanding the university’s reach and visibility.
• Consistently review and report progress toward recruitment goals and use data to inform strategic adjustments. Assess recruitment processes, identifying opportunities for improvement and implementation of best practices to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with contracted enrollment partners, university stakeholders, and school officials to foster collaboration and support recruitment efforts.
• Oversee departmental budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to maximize recruitment impact while maintaining fiscal responsibility. This includes expenses related to recruitment travel, contracted platforms, print materials, exhibitor registration fees, fleet vehicle maintenance, and other essential operational needs.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a growth mindset within a geographical team, providing direct supervision to Assistant Directors (2) located at the Fort Worth and Waco Campuses, and a Stephenville Campus based Senior Recruitment Coordinator (1). Support team leaders in supervising recruitment staff, including Recruitment Coordinators, Admissions Counselors, and student interns. The Director of Undergraduate Recruitment is responsible for approximately 20 departmental staff members.
• Drive the hiring, and retention of top-tier talent within the department, ensuring a strong and motivated team that is well-equipped to meet the university’s recruitment objectives.
• Establish annual goals and performance metrics for the recruitment team, regularly assessing progress and making data-informed adjustments to optimize outreach and event strategies.

Other

• Take on special projects and initiatives as assigned with an eye toward optimizing our recruitment and enrollment success.
• Stay current with trends in higher education recruitment and enrollment management, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the team.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree in public relations, marketing or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ten years of progressively responsible experience related to public relations, marketing, admissions, and/or recruitment with at least two years of supervisory experience.
• Three years of work experience in higher education.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Leadership and Critical Thinking: Proven leadership skills with the ability to make informed decisions and solve complex problems effectively.
• Data Proficiency: Advanced capabilities in data manipulation, analysis, and reporting, with a focus on using data to drive recruitment strategies.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex information to audiences.
• Organizational Skills: Exceptional organizational abilities with a keen attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in all tasks.
• Territory Management Expertise: In-depth understanding of territory management, particularly within Texas markets, to optimize recruitment efforts.
• Higher Ed Technology: Extensive knowledge of CRM systems, higher education platforms, and related information technologies. Experience with Salesforce, SMS-Magic, Encoura, College Board, Niche, Ellucian Banner, and/or Capture Higher Ed is highly desired.
• Digital Literacy: Adept at leveraging digital tools and platforms to enhance recruitment efficiency and outreach efforts.
• Curious Learner: A continuous learner eager to stay current with industry trends, explore new tools and technologies, and apply innovative solutions to recruitment challenges.
• Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional interpersonal skills with a proven ability to build and maintain relationships across various levels of the organization.
• Strong Work Ethic: Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and take initiative in a rapidly evolving environment.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Adaptability: Willingness to work a flexible schedule beyond standard office hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, as required.
• Off-Site Event Management: Proven expertise in planning, coordinating, and executing in-person and virtual recruitment events, ensuring seamless operations and maximizing engagement with prospective students, families, and school officials.

Preferred Knowledge and Experience: 

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Five years of supervisory experience and five years of higher education experience, preferably in enrollment management.

Salary: Commensurate with experience

2024-2025 Viewbook 

Benefits