Director of First-Year Recruitment

Appalachian State University•Boone, NC

About The Position

This position leads the planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating of all first-year student recruitment operations for the Office of Admissions at Appalachian State University. Reporting to the Senior Director of Enrollment Management, Admissions, the Director of First-Year Recruitment is responsible for developing and implementing recruitment strategies that generate over 20,000 applications annually, with oversight of domestic and international first-year student recruitment. This role emphasizes staff management, territory strategy, recruitment travel (both in-state and out-of-state), and recruiter outreach. The position also focuses heavily on personnel hiring, training, development and accountability, fostering a high-performing and professional recruitment team.

Requirements

Master’s degree in college student personnel, public administration, general business, or a related field.
At least three years of experience in student admissions or recruitment in a post-secondary institution or relevant experience, including two years in a leadership capacity supervising professional staff.
Demonstrated experience in program development, implementation, and evaluation.
Knowledge of recruitment strategies, enrollment management, and student outreach.
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, analytical, and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with both domestic and international student populations.
Familiarity with data analysis and predictive modeling in recruitment strategies.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet enrollment goals.
Strong background in fostering teamwork and staff development.
Passion for college access
Bilingual

Responsibilities

Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate professional staff and student employees involved in first-year recruitment.
Provide leadership, coaching, and professional development opportunities to ensure a highly effective team.
Evaluate territory performance.
Monitor recruitment activity and territory funnel development.
Use data to inform coaching and accountability.
Foster a positive and productive work environment with a focus on accountability, teamwork, and excellent customer service.
Work collaboratively with the CRM /Slate team to ensure proper data visualization and accountability.
Lead and coordinate all activities related to first-year student recruitment.
Develop and oversee a comprehensive territory management plan that includes both in-state and out-of-state recruitment efforts.
Establish and strengthen relationships with high school counselors, community organizations, and other partners to promote the university and enhance recruitment efforts.
Represent the university to prospective students, families, and external stakeholders, promoting Appalachian State as a premier higher education choice.
Design and implement data-driven strategies to track recruitment activities and establish predictive models for enrollment.
Development of applicant generation, admitted student engagement, and yield strategies.
Plan, budget, track, manage, and evaluate all recruitment travel.
Regular tracking and reporting on recruitment efforts, successes and challenges, conversion rates throughout the recruitment funnel, and enrollment projections.
Assist in ensuring a high-quality, personalized campus visitation experience for prospective students, tailored to encourage application and enrollment.
Collaborate in the planning and execution of recruitment events and programs, both on-campus in Boone and Hickory and off-campus.
Supervise professional staff involved in campus tours and presentations, ensuring a professional and welcoming experience for all visitors.
Work closely with the Office of Transfer Admissions and Engagement, CRM /Slate team, Financial Aid, Registrar, Housing, Orientation, Academic Colleges, Student Success, and other campus partners to ensure seamless student services throughout the recruitment cycle.
Collaborate with academic departments and colleges to align recruitment strategies with university enrollment goals.
Actively participate in university committees and initiatives, serving as a key member of the Office of Admissions Leadership Team.
Provide input and strategic direction on policies and procedures related to First Year admission, working with administration, staff and faculty to remove barriers, as appropriate.
Work collaboratively with the CRM /Slate team to: Ensure proper data visualization and accountability. Collaborate with Enrollment Management Communications & CRM. Develop strategic outreach and call campaign initiatives.
Exercise authority in decision-making related to recruitment strategies, territory assignments, and staff development.
Maintain confidentiality and compliance with FERPA and other policies regarding student information.
Oversee risk management and safety during recruitment travel and events.