Associate Director Student Recruitment

Position Title:

Associate Director Student Recruitment

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 7 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, business, communications, or a related field.


Experience leading large teams across multiple locations or in hybrid/remote settings.


Demonstrated success in developing and implementing data-driven recruitment strategies.

Knowledge of international student recruitment, visa processes, and global enrollment trends.


Experience with CRM and recruitment technologies (e.g., Salesforce or similar).


Involvement in professional organizations such as NACAC, NAFSA, ACT Council, or ACAC.

Job Description:

Iowa State University is seeking a dynamic, collaborative, and strategic leader to serve as the Associate Director Student Recruitment in the Office of Admissions. This role provides vision and direction for recruitment efforts across domestic and international markets, leading high-performing teams to achieve enrollment goals and support institutional priorities. The successful candidate will bring strong leadership skills, an innovative mindset, and the ability to build partnerships across campus and beyond to advance student recruitment and success.

Key Responsibilities

• Set functional directives for recruitment teams, ensuring alignment with the subdivision’s strategic plan.
• Build and lead high-performing teams that achieve common goals.
• Develop, implement, and monitor innovative, data-driven recruitment strategies that support domestic and international first-year and transfer enrollment goals.
• Lead a comprehensive territory management system using data, technology (e.g., Salesforce), and relationship-building practices.
• Monitor recruitment outcomes, adjusting strategies to meet or exceed enrollment, tuition revenue, and class composition goals.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the Assistant Vice President and Executive Director of Admissions, offering strategic insight and proactive solutions.
• Serve as a member of the Admissions senior leadership team, helping to shape office policy, strategy, and initiatives that enhance the Office of Admissions as an employer of choice.
• Mentor, coach, and develop staff through ongoing feedback, engagement, and growth opportunities.
• Lead and support staff across on-campus, hybrid, and remote work environments, managing emergent travel or staffing situations as needed.
• Partner with HR and unit leaders to maintain and execute staffing plans.
• Provide full supervisory responsibility for direct reports, including hiring, performance management, and professional development.
• Oversee annual and multi-year planning for recruitment projects, budgets, and resource needs.
• Direct recruitment budgets in collaboration with leadership and fiscal managers; present annual budget recommendations.
• Ensure Iowa State is effectively represented through high school visits, college fairs, events, and outreach programs locally, nationally, and internationally.
• Conduct research to stay informed on recruitment trends, student behaviors, and the impacts of state and federal policy.
• Collaborate with academic colleges, campus partners, and statewide committees to align recruitment strategies and share actionable data.
• Represent Iowa State in professional organizations, building a strong external network and contributing to best practices in the field.
• Serve as a representative of the university and department at key meetings, events, and committees on and off campus.
• Collaborate with the Admissions systems team on the CRM implementation to ensure recruitment efforts are supported.

About the Department

The Office of Admissions at Iowa State University plays a vital role in welcoming, supporting, and enrolling future Cyclones. Through innovative recruitment strategies, strong campus partnerships, and student-centered outreach, the office leads efforts to attract and enroll a talented student body. The team is dedicated to innovation, integrity, and collaboration, leveraging data and best practices to ensure a seamless admissions experience. By joining the Office of Admissions, you will be part of a forward-thinking, service-oriented organization that makes a lasting impact on the future of the university and the students we serve.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Example of Duties

• Directs multiple areas of student recruitment such as international, transfer, and first-year enrollment.

• Develops recruitment plans and strategies to meet enrollment goals.

• Manages supervisors and staff.

• Provides direction for territory management.

• Develops and maintains strong relationships and cross-campus collaborations.

Level Guidelines
• Provides input into annual departmental objectives and action plans
• Accountable for achievement of key annual objectives for a department
• May provide input into institution policy within area of functional expertise
• Responsible for functional output of a department or work team
• Manages subordinate staff
• Has full management responsibility for direct reports, specifically the authority to hire, fire, and counsel
• May provide input to the budgeting process
• Requests approval for financial actions beyond a limited scope
• May provide input into financial decisions that impact department or work area

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS810

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following: 1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae 2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485. Why Choose ISU? Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as: • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans • Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa) • Life insurance and long-term disability • Flexible Spending Accounts • Various voluntary benefits and discounts • Employee Assistance Program • Wellbeing program • Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

Original Posting Date:

October 1, 2025

Posting Close Date:

October 15, 2025

Job Requisition Number:

R17876