Description
The Recruitment Team in the Office of the Registrar is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Student Recruitment Specialist.
The University of Calgary student recruitment team is committed to attracting top quality candidates to the institution by utilizing creative and compassionate methods to meet, listen to, inform, and advocate for prospective students from diverse backgrounds. Working within institutional policies and goals, student recruiters provide clear advice about how to choose, apply for, accept, and enhance best-fit academic programs, as well as empowering inadmissible applicants to create suitable academic pathways to actualize their goals.
Reporting to the Coordinator, International Student Recruitment, the Student Recruitment Specialist, International is accountable for planning and executing defined regional recruitment of undergraduate students to the University of Calgary to meet the goals of the institutional Comprehensive Institutional Plan and Recruitment Strategy. They will work with a high degree of independence to ensure the objectives and strategic plans related to student recruitment at the University of Calgary are effectively implemented and provide research and analysis to strengthen student recruitment. The Student Recruitment Specialist, International will exercise a high level of expertise in admissions requirements for applicants to the University of Calgary and a strong understanding of the admissions and recruitment trends and best practices in Alberta, across Canada and internationally. This involves performing outreach activities throughout Canada and internationally, depending on the defined region, as well as providing one-on-one general and admission and career related advice to prospective students.
There is a high degree of risk associated with recruitment travel, specifically internationally and therefore a high degree of personal responsibility and accountability associated with this role.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
- Recruits qualified undergraduate applicants to the University from various markets using various tactics such as personal visits, presentations, one-on-one meetings, telephone, correspondence, volunteers and electronic media.
- Responsible for providing up-to-date, accurate information about the University and its programs in order to actively promote and market those programs to prospective applicants.
- Provides advisement to prospective students and their families on the Canadian educational system(s), University of Calgary programs, admissions criteria, requirements and processes.
- May provide pre-screening of application credentials to facilitate the application and admission process.
- Organizes, implements, and conducts varied on- and off-campus informational/promotional sessions for prospective applicants.
- Travels extensively to regions within Canada and/or internationally to deliver information via presentations and brochures about the University to prospective international students and their families.
- Identify innovative ways of bringing information to its stakeholders in an efficient and effective manner.
- Assists the Assistant Registrar, Student Recruitment and Applicant Relations, the Associate Registrar, Admissions and Recruitment, and the Director, Marketing and Communications, with input for marketing publications and other materials required for direct mail campaigns, electronic media, presentations, etc. that target prospective students and key influencers (e.g. guidance counsellors, teachers, parents, etc.). This may include assisting with the editing of copy, writing of electronic invitations, suggestions for content in print and on the Web, conducting research, etc.
- Assists in the planning and implementation of multi-channel marketing and communications plan which may include: region specific social media, direct-mail, electronic communications (e.g. e-mail newsletters/bulletins) and telephone campaigns related to the recruitment objectives of the University for both attracting students and conversion activities. Contributes to the development and ongoing refinements of marketing strategies for student recruitment.
- Plans and targets visits strategically-defined regions within Canada and abroad to meet the University of Calgary's enrolment goals.
- Investigates invitations to attend education fairs and recommends the University of Calgary's participation to the Assistant Registrar, Student Recruitment and Applicant Relations and the Associate Registrar, Admissions and Recruitment as appropriate.
- Identifies and targets key contacts/organizations in student recruitment to facilitate University of Calgary's recruitment initiatives, conversion strategies, and applicant follow-up.
- Develops contacts, including government representatives abroad, and networks for the purpose of strengthening the ongoing presence and reputation of the University and to encourage applications to the University.
- Develops a wide range of contacts within the University community; e.g., faculty offices, departments, faculty members, administrative areas, etc., to sustain both a broad information base about the University and to be able to draw on such resources as part of recruitment-related activity.
- Risk, responsibility and accountability overlap all aspects of this role.
- On-the-spot decision-making will be required and the opportunity to consult with someone more senior will not be possible for most of the time while travelling.
- Participation on national or international recruitment committees as assigned.
- Conducts research and remains current of major trends, issues and developments (e.g., demographic, economic, political, etc.) affecting the universities prospective applicants.
- Maintains an ongoing awareness of available material pertaining to past and present accreditation standards for both Canadian and foreign secondary and post-secondary institutions (e.g., grading systems, credit practices, etc.).
- Tracks and keeps abreast of competitor activities.
- Tracks the number of international student enquiries received through various sources (e.g. email, vendors, etc.).
- Researches and implements effective conversion activities in conjunction with the Assistant Registrar, Student Recruitment and Applicant Relations for the international student market.
- Assists in the delivery of campus tours to support the visitor experience including VIP tours, daily tours and group tours.
- Collaborates with and build strong relationships with UCalgary constituencies including alumni, parents, high schools and community college programs to build a successful campus tour program.
- Review of applications for processing and to be considered with accuracy and timeliness to ensure applicants are treated fairly and meeting required deadlines.
- Summary reports of trips and activities.
- Prepares recruitment proposals and completes planning documents to further recruitment efforts.
- Responding to emails, phone calls and other inquiries from prospective students when required.
- Provides practical and technical mentorship and coaching to Student Recruitment Ambassadors, Advisors, and Assistants.
- Provides guidance and support to Student Recruitment Ambassadors, Advisors, and Assistants in complex situations that require more in-depth research and response.
Qualifications / Requirements:
- Requires an undergraduate degree from a recognized/accredited university; a degree from the University of Calgary is preferred.
- 1 year of undergraduate student recruitment or undergraduate admission experience required.
- Position requires the ability to travel internationally and meet all entry requirements for individual nations.
- Demonstrated international experience via recruitment, admissions, or other related work.
- Demonstrate excellent writing, public speaking, and presentation skills; demonstrated abilities in project management; and strength in answering multiple complex enquiries per day.
- Fluency in a second language relevant to our student recruitment focus in one of the regions of priority will be an asset.
- Demonstrated experience with event planning and public relations.
- Knowledge of Campus Alberta and the Canadian university system admissions criteria, university programs, and strong familiarity with Canadian and international educational systems.
- Advising/counselling skills.
- Ability to work in a confidential setting and demonstrate good judgment in dealing with sensitive or problematic situations.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly for identifying trends in markets, generating original ideas and innovative solutions, and working effectively in a team environment.
- Experience in effective relationship building.
- Knowledge and sensitivity to cultural issues; tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality are essential requirements.
- Good judgment, initiative, and creative problem solving skills.
- Excellent organizational skills including ability to work independently, meet deadlines, coordinate a number of projects/programs simultaneously in response to changing/conflicting priorities.
- Effective, calm, and energized under pressure of high-volume, fast-paced working environment.
- A valid "Class 5" drivers license (cannot be a graduated license) with proven good driving record (abstract required).
- A valid passport.
- A criminal record check will be required as a condition of employment.
- This position requires the incumbent to travel within Canada and/or internationally for extended periods of time with minimal or no direct supervision.
- Ability to quickly adapt to new technology programs.
- Experience working with Microsoft Office applications, an electronic document management system, a Student Information System (PeopleSoft preferred).
- Willing to be cross-trained and to assist other departments across the Office of the Registrar.
- Ability to lift and carry boxes with a weight of 20-25 pounds.
- Ability to work in a confidential setting and demonstrate good judgment in dealing with sensitive or problematic situations.
Application Deadline: April 21, 2025
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 2.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
