Senior Specialist, Graduate Recruitment, Graduate Studies

at  The University of Calgary

Description
The Dean’s Office in the Faculty of Graduate Studies is currently seeking a Full-time Limited Term Senior Specialist, Graduate Recruitment for approximately 12 months with a strong possibility for extension.
The University of Calgary¿s Ahead of Tomorrow strategic plan has an objective of increasing graduate enrolment to 15,000. This target will be supported by development of innovative, future-focused programs and credentials with relatively broad appeal as well as focused graduate recruitment initiatives led by FGS and implemented both centrally and in collaboration with teaching faculties and programs to achieve institutional recruitment goals. This full-time, limited term position in the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) will work closely with the existing Senior Specialist, Graduate Recruitment to play a lead role in development and implementation of marketing, business development, and student recruitment initiatives within FGS and in support of specific graduate programs. The incumbent will be responsible for lead generation and conversion across a portfolio of prospective students.
Reporting to the Senior Consultant, Graduate Recruitment, the Senior Specialist will work closely with the FGS team as well as with leadership, faculty and staff in graduate programs and other units across the university and liaise with other universities and external stakeholders as needed.
The successful candidate will embrace change and new technologies and be an innovative service provider, problem solver and empathetic team member. This role requires a high level of organization, ability to focus on details and complete tasks efficiently.
The incumbent must demonstrate respect and consideration for others and display discretion and diplomacy; lead and support decisions and initiatives; respect diversity; cooperate with others to achieve a common goal; have the confidence to appropriately express opinions on work related issues; work effectively with limited supervision including being comfortable and skilled at making discretionary decisions.
Most work is conducted during business hours of 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, however availability outside of these hours is anticipated due to role accountabilities. Some travel is required to represent UCalgary graduate education at recruitment events both within and outside of Canada.
A cover letter must be included with your application

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Contribute to the development of recruitment plans and strategies that align with the University¿s and Faculty¿s strategic direction and priorities, including recruitment targets, locations of focus, and types of activity and materials that promote the University of Calgary as a destination of choice for quality graduate education through various media and in-person events
• Determine the best channels and tactics to reach multiple target audiences and propose targeted strategies that result in a steadily increasing number of students in graduate programs and credentials
• Collaborate with other departments and stakeholders to integrate CRM data into other systems and processes, such as marketing automation, communication campaigns, and reporting tools, to streamline recruitment efforts and enhance data-driven decision-making

Student Recruitment (70%)

• Coordinate and execute recruitment events, workshops, webinars, and information sessions to promote graduate programs and engage with prospective students
• Provide excellent customer service to prospective graduate students, responding to inquiries, providing program information, and guiding them through the application process
• Working together with the Recruitment Communications Specialist, coordinate and implement approved marketing campaigns, including digital and social media marketing, email campaigns, and print materials, to promote graduate programs and increase awareness
• Participate in relevant conferences, fairs, and networking events to represent the University and promote graduate programs to prospective learners
• Strategically source new prospects and leads via email, fairs, and networking opportunities
• Follow up on connections and leads to validate potential prospects; builds and cultivates prospective relationships
• Meet regularly with leaders and staff in teaching faculties/graduate programs to understand the current state of recruitment, and support planning, development and implementation of new strategies and initiatives to enhance their recruitment efforts
• Serve as a point of contact for graduate program staff and faculty, addressing their questions, concerns, and feedback related to the services that are offered by FGS, and providing guidance and support in obtaining updated content and ensuring the materials are current and engaging
• Participate regularly in the Graduate Recruitment Network (GRN). Contribute to the development of agendas and materials, and present relevant content to the GRN members
• Develop and maintain a strong understanding of the University’s graduate programs, admission requirements, and scholarship opportunities to provide accurate and up-to-date information to prospective students
• Research and develop specific prospect segments for programs, including individual learners and employers in the corporate, public and non-profit sectors
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive database of prospective graduate students in the Slate CRM system, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information is entered and regularly updated
• In consultation with the Senior Consultant, manage the ongoing maintenance and future development of recruitment platforms and initiatives housed within FGS including regularly reviewing and analyzing the effectiveness of these platforms/initiatives and making recommendations for improvements as needed

Reporting & Analysis (15%)

• Monitor and analyze recruitment metrics and data to inform decision-making, assess the effectiveness of the recruitment strategy, and adjust strategies as needed to achieve recruitment and business development objectives
• Assist with the development and tracking of budgets related to graduate recruitment and marketing initiatives, tracking expenses and ensuring cost-effective strategies are implemented
• Provide regular reports and updates on recruitment activities, metrics, and outcomes to Manager, internal stakeholders and leadership to inform decision-making and demonstrate the impact of recruitment efforts
• Records and tracks activities and progress related to external stakeholders in Slate CRM
• Achieves defined targets (e.g. numbers of learners attracted/admitted, funding support confirmed, organizations and sectors reached, etc.) working within budget, timeline, and strategic goals of both FGS and the Programs
• Use the CRM system to manage and track all activities related to graduate recruitment, including recording interactions with prospective learners, employers, associations, government programs, and other stakeholders
• Use CRM data to identify trends, patterns, and insights to guide recruitment strategies, target specific markets or demographics, and optimize recruitment efforts
• Generate reports and analytics from the platforms housed within FGS to measure their performance, track engagement metrics, and inform decision-making related to recruitment strategies and content updates
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to FGS Recruitment platforms (Unibuddy, Circuit Tours, Custom Viewbook), including content updates, analytics, and reports, and provide regular updates to stakeholders on the performance and progress of these initiatives

• Support onboarding and training for staff on how to effectively use the Slate CRM system for recruitment purposes, providing guidance, support, and resources as neededSupport Slate CRM system improvements and testing

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:

• At minimum, an undergraduate degree in a related field, graduate degree preferred
• 5 to 7 years¿ experience working in student recruitment is strongly preferred (related areas may be considered)
• A thorough understanding and appreciation of graduate education and the Canadian university environment is a strong asset, as is experience working directly with student ambassadors
• Comprehensive knowledge of recruitment trends, international education systems and awareness of the social, cultural and economic issues which affect graduate student enrolments
• Excellent networking skills and the ability to make meaningful connections that lead to relationship building and prospect conversion is required
• Experience developing and implementing recruitment and marketing campaigns via multiple modalities (digital, print, in-person). Proven ability to set and meet lead generation and recruitment targets related to recruitment, sales, and/or marketing
• Proven experience working with a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system (experience with Slate/Technolutions is an asset)
• Significant project management experience demonstrating the ability to facilitate collaborative project delivery that crosses multiple departments
• Demonstrated success in coaching, mentoring and being the resource to other departments in implementing new initiatives, including change management activity
• Must be results oriented, showing initiative and creativity to identify areas for improvement and to implement potential solutions
• Able to work in a fast-paced, multi-functional environment focused on excellent customer service
• A valid passport and able to travel within and outside of Canada for recruitment activities
• Ability to lift and carry boxes 20 ¿ 25 pounds
• A positive, collaborative and supportive leadership style
• The ability to establish objectives and to implement strategic plans to meet those objectives
• Demonstrated strength in event planning and management
• Demonstrated excellence in written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to develop effective partnerships and work collaboratively with clients/students, staff, and stakeholders at all levels, both internally and external to the University.
• The ability to manage one¿s own workload to minimize stress, maintain wellness and model desired work behaviour
• Experience and comfort with leveraging technology to deliver high caliber services and to streamline processes as requiredFluency in Spanish and/or other languages a strong asset
• 
  Application Deadline: February 10, 2025
  A cover letter must be included with your application.
  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 3.
  For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.

• Contribute to the development of recruitment plans and strategies that align with the University¿s and Faculty¿s strategic direction and priorities, including recruitment targets, locations of focus, and types of activity and materials that promote the University of Calgary as a destination of choice for quality graduate education through various media and in-person events
• Determine the best channels and tactics to reach multiple target audiences and propose targeted strategies that result in a steadily increasing number of students in graduate programs and credentials
• Collaborate with other departments and stakeholders to integrate CRM data into other systems and processes, such as marketing automation, communication campaigns, and reporting tools, to streamline recruitment efforts and enhance data-driven decision-makin