Director, Domestic Student Recruitment

Position Job Title: Director, Domestic Student RecruitmentLocation: Niagara Falls, Ontario (Hybrid)Reports To: Vice President, Direct RecruitmentThe University of Niagara Falls Canada (UNF), Ontario’s newest university set to open its doors in 2024, will be offering a host of distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to prepare graduates to be leaders in a digital world. Our programs are designed to promote a digital mindset characterized by digital fluency – a combination of technical proficiency, literacy, ethics and communication – and by a growth mindset that is future-focused, collaborative, change-oriented and disposed toward continuous learning. The University of Niagara Falls Canada is a subsidiary of GUS Canada and part of the Global University Systems (GUS) network. GUS is one of the largest education groups in the world; offering accredited bachelor's, master’s, medical and law degree programs, vocational and professional qualifications, and language courses to approximately 100,000 students globally. GUS Canada has successfully introduced many innovative post-secondary institutions to communities across the country over the past decade, including University Canada West (Vancouver), the Canadian College of Technology and Business (Vancouver), the Toronto School of Management (Toronto), the Trebas Institute (Toronto and Montreal), and The Language Gallery (Vancouver and Toronto).Primary PurposeWe are seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to join our team as the Director of Domestic Student Recruitment. In this leadership role, you will be responsible for overseeing and executing the recruitment strategies and activities aimed at attracting domestic students to our educational institution. This role involves strategic planning, team leadership, relationship building, data analysis, and collaboration with various stakeholders to achieve enrollment goals. You will work collaboratively with various stakeholders to achieve enrollment targets while maintaining a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.This role will report directly to the Vice President, Direct Student Recruitment will work collaboratively to strategize the domestic student recruitment.Specifc ResponsibilitiesRecruitment Strategy Development· Develop and implement comprehensive recruitment strategies and initiatives in collaboration with senior leadership.· Analyze market trends, demographics, and competitor institutions to inform recruitment strategies and identify target markets.Overview· Oversee the creation and execution of innovative outreach programs (High Schools, Post secondary institutes – colleges & universities, L&D or HR & training department of employers across province) to attract a diverse pool of prospective students.Team Management and Leadership· Lead, mentor, and supervise a team of recruitment professionals, ensuring their success in achieving recruitment goals.· Set performance targets, conduct regular evaluations, and foster a collaborative and motivated work environment.· Develop professional development plans and training programs to enhance the skills and capabilities of the recruitment team.Relationship Building· Establish and maintain strong relationships with high school counselors, community organizations, and other key stakeholders.· Represent the institution at college fairs, community events, and conferences to promote the university and build partnerships.· Develop strategic partnerships with educational institutions, community organizations, and industry leaders to enhance recruitment efforts.Outreach and Events· Plan and execute large-scale recruitment events and activities, including information sessions, open houses, campus tours, and other engagement opportunities.· Coordinate logistics, develop event materials, and ensure a positive and memorable experience for prospective students and their families.· Innovate and improve upon existing outreach programs to increase engagement and enrollment.Application Support and Evaluation· Oversee the application process for domestic students, ensuring timely and accurate processing of applications and required documents.· Collaborate with the admissions team to review applications and make informed admission decisions consistent with institutional policies.· Develop and implement policies and procedures to streamline the application process and enhance applicant experience.Data Analysis and Reporting· Utilize data management systems and tools to track recruitment activities and monitor progress towards enrollment goals.· Generate comprehensive reports on recruitment outcomes and analyze data to identify trends and assess the effectiveness of recruitment strategies.· Make data-driven recommendations for continuous improvement and strategic adjustments.Collaboration and Communication· Work collaboratively with various departments within the institution, including academic departments, student services, and marketing, to ensure a coordinated and cohesive approach to student recruitment.· Communicate regularly with internal stakeholders to provide updates on recruitment activities and progress.· Serve as a key point of contact for recruitment-related inquiries and initiatives across the university.Professional Development· Stay informed about emerging trends, best practices, and changes in the field of student recruitment.· Attend conferences, workshops, and professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills relevant to domestic student recruitment.· Lead initiatives to share knowledge and best practices within the recruitment team and across the institution.Customer Focus· Always portray a positive and professional image of the university, generating a positive and sought-after image.· Provide advisory services to all stakeholders, encouraging community partners to work with the university in a timely and efficient manner.· Train high school counselors and other partners/stakeholders on university programs and values.· Guide partner-referred students through the full application cycle, from initial inquiry to finalizing their application.· Explore possible career paths for students and match them with specific university offerings.· Build commonalities to gain trust and engage potential students and partners.Communication and Liaison· Manage relationships with local community partners, high school counselors, and other stakeholders.· Participate in community events, education fairs targeting domestic students, high school events, and roadshows. Conduct in-house seminars/open house sessions to generate interest.· Ensure clear and effective communication with staff, partners, and students.· Communicate relevant product developments, including changes to admission, compliance, and course requirements, internally and externally.Analysis, Reporting, and Data Management· Research and provide valid information and market feedback on industry trends to inform strategic planning and forecasting.· Collect and compare pertinent data on target markets, making recommendations and writing proposals as needed.· Provide management with relevant data for team and competitor analyses.Human Resources Responsibilities· Ensure that all direct reports comply with the university’s core policies and procedures as detailed in the Employee Handbook.· Report any non-compliance by employees of company policies and procedures, working with the HR Department to ensure appropriate action is taken.Additional Responsibilities· Represent the domestic recruitment department in high-level strategic meetings and contribute to the overall performance of the university.· Lead special projects and initiatives as assigned by the VP, Student Recruitment.· Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the recruitment team.Position RequirementsCompetencies:· Minimum of 8 years of experience in student recruitment or admissions, with demonstrated success in recruiting domestic students.· Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team towards achieving recruitment goals.· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.· Good strategic planning, forecasting & budgeting, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and analytical reasoning skills.· Knowledge of domestic student recruitment strategies, market trends, and best practices in the higher education industry· Familiarity with data management systems and tools for tracking recruitment activities and analyzing data.· Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in student recruitment efforts.· Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and deadlines.· Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and travel as required for recruitment events.· Ability to exercise diplomacy and tact when administering University policies.· Ability to design and develop training documentation.· Proficient in the use of enterprise systems (e.g. Salesforce, SYS etc..), database, spreadsheet, presentation, and word processing applications.· Takes a consultative sales approach, always aiming for ‘win-win’ outcomes that best benefits the company, student’s interests, and other stakeholders.Education and Experience:· Bachelor’s degree in business administration or relevant field· Minimum eight (8) years of related experience in admissions, student recruitment, enrollment management, and/or systems development; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.· Good knowledge and understanding of the CANADA education system, tertiary education especially.· Contacts in the local community and with high school counsellors is desired.· MBA degree preferred.