Director of Recruitment

Job Summary

The Director of Recruitment is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing comprehensive recruitment strategies that support Oklahoma Panhandle State University''s enrollment goals. This position provides leadership for student recruitment initiatives, supervises recruitment staff, coordinates outreach efforts, develops strategic partnerships, and works collaboratively with academic and administrative departments to attract, enroll, and support prospective students. The Director serves as a key ambassador for OPSU and promotes the university''s mission, academic programs, student success opportunities, affordability, and campus experience to prospective students, families, school counselors, and community stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute recruitment strategies that align with university enrollment objectives.
• Analyze enrollment trends, demographic data, and market opportunities to guide recruitment initiatives.
• Establish annual recruitment goals, benchmarks, timelines, and performance metrics.
• Collaborate with the Vice President of Advancement to create and implement strategic enrollment plans.
• Lead and manage undergraduate recruitment activities, including territory management and recruitment travel.
• Coordinate campus visits, recruitment events, preview days, and special visitation opportunities.
• Ensure timely and effective communication with prospective students and families throughout the enrollment process.
• Monitor inquiry, application, admission, scholarship, and enrollment conversion rates.
• Supervise, train, evaluate, recruitment coordinators, student ambassadors, and other recruitment personnel.
• Foster a positive, student focused, service-oriented culture within the recruitment office.
• Develop professional growth opportunities, expectations, and accountability measures for recruitment staff.
• Establish and maintain relationships with high schools, community colleges, career technology centers, school counselors, tribal organizations, military partners, and community stakeholders.
• Serve as a primary liaison to school counselors and educational partners.
• Represent OPSU at college fairs, conferences, school visits, and community events.
• Collaborate with Campus Communications and Marketing staff to develop recruitment materials, campaigns, and digital outreach strategies.
• Assist with social media engagement, email and text communication plans, print materials, and event based messaging.
• Ensure consistent institutional messaging and OPSU branding in all recruitment efforts.
• Work closely with Admissions, Financial Aid, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Athletics, and other campus departments to create a seamless enrollment experience.
• Assist prospective students and families with admission processes, scholarship opportunities, campus resources, and enrollment next steps.
• Support retention and transition efforts by helping students connect early with campus personnel, services, and engagement opportunities.
• Utilize CRM systems and enrollment management software to track recruitment activity, student engagement, and outcomes.
• Generate reports and analyze recruitment effectiveness.
• Provide enrollment projections, recruitment assessments, and strategic recommendations to university leadership.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure data integrity.
• ticipate in university committees, institutional events, and special projects as assigned.
• Support advancement initiatives and collaborate with campus partners on enrollment related priorities.
• Assist with budget planning, resource allocation, and operational needs related to recruitment.
• Ability to work various hours, including evenings and weekends, throughout the year for recruitment events and institutional priorities.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, and transport recruitment materials up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively in individual, small group, and large presentation settings.
• Other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Advancement or his/her designee.

Qualifications

• Bachelor''s degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of one to three years of experience in admissions, recruitment, enrollment management, student services, marketing, communications, or a related field.
• Demonstrated leadership, supervisory, or team management experience.
• Strong public speaking, written communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to build relationships with students, families, school counselors, campus partners, and diverse communities.
• Strong organizational, planning, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, CRM systems, and enrollment management technologies.
• Valid driver''s license and ability to travel extensively, including evenings, weekends, and overnight travel as needed.
• Master''s degree in Higher Education Administration, Business, Marketing, Communications, Student Affairs, or a related field.
• Five or more years of progressive experience in recruitment, admissions, enrollment management, or student services.
• Experience supervising recruitment personnel and managing enrollment strategies.
• Experience working in public higher education.
• Knowledge of rural, regional, first generation, transfer, and community college recruitment markets.

About Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU): OPSU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is the first public Hispanic Serving Institution in Oklahoma. The university is a baccalaureate degree granting institution located in Goodwell, Oklahoma. Rooted in "Progress through Knowledge," OPSU is committed to promoting excellence in the preparation of students for success in a global community. Our university achieved multiple rankings by the 2023 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings: #3 Best Value Regional Colleges West; #8 Top Public Colleges for the Western Region; and #17 Best Regional Colleges West. U.S New and World Report also recognized OPSU as one of the top ten universities in Oklahoma, standing out of our affordable tuition rates.