Assistant Director Student Recruitment

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

About The Position

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Iowa State University is seeking an Assistant Director for Student Recruitment to lead undergraduate recruitment strategy and advance enrollment growth. Reporting directly to the Associate Dean for Academic Innovation, this highly visible role uses data, team leadership, and strategic partnerships to strengthen enrollment outcomes across CALS academic programs. The position shapes college-wide recruitment strategy, leads a collaborative team, and works with academic departments and campus leaders to develop approaches that connect more students with CALS programs. Success depends on building relationships, sharing insights, and turning ideas into action to advance shared recruitment goals. CALS offers nationally recognized academic programs, impactful research, and extensive Extension outreach. Its programs prepare students to address challenges in agriculture, food systems, natural resources, health, and community development. The position joins a collaborative college community where partnerships help students discover pathways to meaningful careers. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship; immigration sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
Five years of related experience.
Strategic thinking and analytical skills to interpret enrollment trends and translate insights into effective recruitment strategies.
Leadership and team development skills to guide staff, establish priorities, and foster accountability and collaboration.
Communication and relationship-building skills to engage stakeholders, influence decisions, and build productive partnerships.
Planning and resource management skills to align recruitment activities and resources with college priorities.
Adaptability and initiative to address departmental needs, respond to enrollment challenges, and identify opportunities for improvement.
Legal authorization to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading, supervising, or developing teams, including setting priorities, guiding performance, and supporting team effectiveness.
Experience developing or implementing strategies related to student recruitment, enrollment, admissions, or student engagement.
Experience using data and performance metrics to inform strategic decisions and improve outcomes.
Experience building partnerships with academic departments, faculty, staff, or external stakeholders.
Experience presenting data, recommendations, or strategic plans to support planning, resource allocation, or organizational priorities.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement undergraduate recruitment strategies aligned with university and college enrollment priorities.
Analyze recruitment trends, conversion rates, and enrollment outcomes to identify opportunities, set goals, and improve student yield across academic programs.
Lead, coach, and develop the CALS recruitment team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Oversee recruitment planning, budgeting, staffing, and performance management to align resources with college priorities.
Build partnerships with department leaders, faculty, staff, Admissions, Marketing, Extension, and external organizations to coordinate recruitment efforts and expand outreach.
Present recruitment data, strategies, and recommendations to college leadership to inform decisions and resource allocation.
Lead recruitment events, campus visits, admitted-student experiences, and outreach initiatives that showcase CALS programs to prospective students.
Guide scholarship strategy by evaluating fund utilization and outcomes and advising leadership on investment priorities that support recruitment, enrollment, and student success.
Collaborate with campus partners to support prospective students through recruitment and transition to Iowa State and contribute to student retention and success.