Senior Associate Director of Recruitment & Outreach at University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois

Job Description:

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.


• Experience with admissions software.


• Experience with project management.


• Experience with CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software (i.e. Slate, Banner, Peoplesoft, etc.).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• 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 .


Requisition ID: 1027917R
Job Category: Education & Student Services
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu


Apply Now