Job Title

Director, Undergraduate Recruitment

Agency

Tarleton State University

Department

Division of Enrollment Management

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Stephenville, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

As the Director of Undergraduate Recruitment at Tarleton State University you will play a dynamic role in leading innovative recruitment initiatives that align with our next-level enrollment goals. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of University Recruitment, this position provides strategic leadership to a dedicated team across multiple campuses and locations. This role requires proactive problem solving, advanced data analysis, and the ability to make confident, forward-thinking decisions that drive measurable results.

If you’re passionate about making a tangible impact and leading a team to new heights, we look forward to hearing from you. This is your chance to be a key player in the future of Tarleton State University and help us shape the next generation of Tarleton State Texans! This position is located in Stephenville and requires occasional travel to our multiple campus locations. General working hours are Monday-Friday; 8:00 AM-5:00 PM or as work requirements indicate. Must be able to work remotely at the request of the University.

Responsibilities

Strategic Recruitment Initiatives

• Lead the development and implementation of data-informed recruitment strategies that support enrollment of key populations, including new first-time, transfer, first-generation, high-ability, non-traditional, out-of-state, international, veteran, and other identified student groups. 
• Identify emerging markets and design recruitment efforts that resonate with an ever-changing student population, while balancing attention across all undergraduate programs and campus locations (Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan, Online).
• Work closely with Enrollment Management and university-wide cross-functional teams to ensure that comprehensive information, materials, and resources, are intentionally curated and shared with prospective students throughout each stage of the enrollment funnel.

Operations and Management

• Leverage lead generating technologies and engagement platforms to identify and tap into new markets, expanding the university’s reach and visibility.
• Consistently review and report progress toward recruitment goals and use data to inform strategic adjustments. Assess recruitment processes, identifying opportunities for improvement and implementation of best practices to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with contracted enrollment partners, university stakeholders, and school officials to foster collaboration and support recruitment efforts.
• Oversee departmental budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to maximize recruitment impact while maintaining fiscal responsibility. This includes expenses related to recruitment travel, contracted platforms, print materials, exhibitor registration fees, fleet vehicle maintenance, and other essential operational needs.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a growth mindset within a geographical team, providing direct supervision to Assistant Directors (2) located at the Fort Worth and Waco Campuses, and a Stephenville Campus based Senior Recruitment Coordinator (1). Support team leaders in supervising recruitment staff, including Recruitment Coordinators, Admissions Counselors, and student interns. The Director of Undergraduate Recruitment is responsible for approximately 20 departmental staff members.
• Drive the hiring, and retention of top-tier talent within the department, ensuring a strong and motivated team that is well-equipped to meet the university’s recruitment objectives.
• Establish annual goals and performance metrics for the recruitment team, regularly assessing progress and making data-informed adjustments to optimize outreach and event strategies.

Other

• Take on special projects and initiatives as assigned with an eye toward optimizing our recruitment and enrollment success.
• Stay current with trends in higher education recruitment and enrollment management, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the team.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree in public relations, marketing or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ten years of progressively responsible experience related to public relations, marketing, admissions, and/or recruitment with at least two years of supervisory experience.
• Three years of work experience in higher education.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Leadership and Critical Thinking: Proven leadership skills with the ability to make informed decisions and solve complex problems effectively.
• Data Proficiency: Advanced capabilities in data manipulation, analysis, and reporting, with a focus on using data to drive recruitment strategies.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex information to audiences.
• Organizational Skills: Exceptional organizational abilities with a keen attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in all tasks.
• Territory Management Expertise: In-depth understanding of territory management, particularly within Texas markets, to optimize recruitment efforts.
• Higher Ed Technology: Extensive knowledge of CRM systems, higher education platforms, and related information technologies. Experience with Salesforce, SMS-Magic, Encoura, College Board, Niche, Ellucian Banner, and/or Capture Higher Ed is highly desired.
• Digital Literacy: Adept at leveraging digital tools and platforms to enhance recruitment efficiency and outreach efforts.
• Curious Learner: A continuous learner eager to stay current with industry trends, explore new tools and technologies, and apply innovative solutions to recruitment challenges.
• Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional interpersonal skills with a proven ability to build and maintain relationships across various levels of the organization.
• Strong Work Ethic: Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and take initiative in a rapidly evolving environment.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Adaptability: Willingness to work a flexible schedule beyond standard office hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, as required.
• Off-Site Event Management: Proven expertise in planning, coordinating, and executing in-person and virtual recruitment events, ensuring seamless operations and maximizing engagement with prospective students, families, and school officials.

Preferred Knowledge and Experience: 

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Five years of supervisory experience and five years of higher education experience, preferably in enrollment management.

Salary:

Commensurate with experience

The target base annual salary is commensurate with experience and may be negotiable based on funding availability and candidate experience/skillset in relation to the minimum requirements of this position. Tarleton State University offers a career filled with purpose and opportunity in addition to competitive wages. As part of the Tarleton family, the following benefits are also available to full time and qualifying part time employees:

Educational Benefits - employee perks that help enrich, grow, and foster career and professional development:

• Family Education Benefit (Tuition Scholarship) – scholarship opportunities for Tarleton employees, their spouses, or their dependents available after 6 months of continued full-time employment. Click the link to learn more about this incredible Texan benefit!

• Doctoral Educational Assistance – Full-time budgeted employees at all A&M System Universities, Agencies, and System Offices are qualified for reimbursement of tuition and mandatory fees. Eligibility: This program is applicable to the pursuit of a first doctorate degree only to full-time, budgeted employees who have been in a position no less than 2 long semesters. Click the link for additional details!

Employee Health, Wellness, and Financial Planning

• Fully covered employee health insurance

  • Reimbursement of Insurance Premium Deductions! The State of Texas contributes to eligible employees’ insurance coverages as of the 1st day of the month following 60 days of employment in an eligible position. For those who elect coverage PRIOR to the first of the month after 60 days of employment, Tarleton State University will reimburse employees the State contribution towards health coverage during those first 60 days.

• Dental insurance

• Vision insurance

• Retirement and Insurance programs

Paid Leave

Tarleton employees enjoy one of the greatest PTO packages in the area!

• Paid sick leave

• Holiday pay

• Vacation

• Longevity pay

• Paid Birthday Leave – Tarleton State University awards all leave-eligible employees paid time off for their birthday!

Other

• Complimentary tickets to all Athletic and Performing Fine Arts events!

  • Tarleton Employees enjoy two complimentary general admission tickets for athletics and performing fine arts events on campus! Join Texan Nation on the bleachers or in the auditorium.

• Employee Wellness Release Time

• Staff Gym Membership Discount with Campus Recreation

• and other Tarleton Discounts

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a completed application for consideration. Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.

Application Procedure:

During the application process applicants have one opportunity to enter the requested information, upload documents and Submit the application. Applicants will not be able to make changes or add additional documents once the application materials have been submitted via "Submit" action.

Employment applications must include:

• Completed online application

• Cover Letter / Letter of Interest addressing qualifications

• Curriculum Vitae or Resume

• At least 3 current professional references and their full contact information

Applications received by Tarleton State University must have all job application data entered.  Failure to provide all job application data could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application.  “See resume” is not an acceptable entry in the job application.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.