International Operations & Recruitment Specialist - Global Education Office

Virginia Commonwealth University•Richmond, VA

2d•$65,000 - $70,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Global Education Office at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) has an exciting opportunity for two dynamic International Operations & Recruitment Specialists to join a collaborative team dedicated to expanding VCU's global reach and supporting the success of students from around the world. The International Operations & Recruitment Specialist is responsible for the operational execution of Virginia Commonwealth University’s international enrollment goals within an assigned geographic territories. This position focuses on the downstream pipeline: executing pre-determined recruitment strategies, managing critical external stakeholder networks, tracking applications, and deploying tactical yield initiatives to transition admitted students to campus. This role serves as the primary operational engine and relationship manager for existing global accounts, such as certified international recruitment agencies, in-country enrollment partners, and sponsored student organizations, while maintaining data integrity across core institutional platforms.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or equivalent experience in a related field.
Minimum of 2–3 years of professional experience in higher education admissions, international student services, global relations, or corporate client/account management.
Demonstrated operational hands-on experience and proficiency utilizing CRM/database software, specifically Slate and/or TerraDotta (or equivalent enterprise enrollment management platforms), with a proven track record of maintaining data entry integrity.
Exceptional intercultural communication and customer service skills, with the ability to maintain strong, professional relationships with diverse international audiences, embassy sponsors, and external educational agencies.
Proven ability to manage a high volume of administrative tasks, specifically tracking student files through a multi-stage enrollment funnel.
Valid passport and the willingness and ability to travel extensively (up to 30% time commitments), working evenings and weekends as required by the recruitment cycle.
Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree from an accredited institution in higher education administration, international relations, business administration, communication, or a related field.
Advanced operational proficiency in Slate and TerraDotta, including experience building queries, tracking applicant workflows, running communication templates, and managing agency/partner tags.
Prior professional experience working specifically within international undergraduate or graduate admissions, including a foundational understanding of foreign educational systems.
Proven experience managing and maintaining complex relationship portfolios, such as educational recruitment agencies, in-country pathway partners, or sponsored student organizations (e.g., SACM, AMIDEAST, Fulbright).
Proficiency or fluency in one or more languages other than English that align with major or emerging international student recruitment markets (e.g., Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, Vietnamese).
Experience living, studying, or working abroad, with a demonstrated ability to navigate diverse cultural norms and expectations to effectively yield international students.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary, year-round operational contact for pre-established international recruitment networks, in-country enrollment partners, and sponsored student organizations (e.g., foreign embassies, cultural missions) within the assigned territories.
Plan and conduct approximately 30% domestic and international travel annually to execute pre-determined recruitment playbooks, representing VCU at select international high schools, U.S. community colleges, university fairs, and partner events.
Maintain and document consistent, high-touch communication protocols with existing external stakeholders and partners to support long-term pipelines; facilitate communication hand-offs when campus executive or faculty intervention is required.
Actively track prospective student records through the application lifecycle within Slate. Conduct proactive outreach to applicants to resolve missing requirements, answer inquiries, and expedite the application-completion process.
Implement collaborative, high-touch territory yield campaigns (including webinars, digital touchpoints, and follow-up streams) to convert admitted applicants into deposited, registered students, partnering closely with internal VCU units such as Immigration Services, International Student Support, and academic departments.
Maintain flawless data entry and records management for international prospects, applicants, and agency partners across Slate and TerraDotta, ensuring precise tracking of partner-referred pipelines and sponsored student documentation.
Collaborate with campus partners to support the seamless arrival and onboarding of incoming international cohorts, serving as a primary point of contact for the territory's students through their initial transition and orientation.
Demonstrate and foster an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility when working with a diverse population of international students, global sponsors, faculty, and staff from all backgrounds.