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Lead Strategic Student Recruitment at Iowa State University

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Iowa State University is seeking an Assistant Director for Student Recruitment to lead undergraduate recruitment strategy and advance enrollment growth. Reporting directly to the Associate Dean for Academic Innovation, this highly visible role will use data, team leadership, and strategic partnerships to strengthen enrollment outcomes across CALS academic programs.

Why This Role Matters

CALS academic departments bring a range of strengths, priorities, and opportunities for student recruitment. You'll have the opportunity to shape college-wide recruitment strategy, lead an energetic, collaborative team, and work with academic departments and campus leaders to develop approaches that connect more students with CALS programs.

Success in this role depends on building relationships, sharing insights, and turning ideas into action to advance shared recruitment goals.

What You'll Do

• Develop and implement undergraduate recruitment strategies aligned with university and college enrollment priorities.
• Analyze recruitment trends, conversion rates, and enrollment outcomes to identify opportunities, set goals, and improve student yield across academic programs.
• Lead, coach, and develop the CALS recruitment team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee recruitment planning, budgeting, staffing, and performance management to align resources with college priorities.
• Build partnerships with department leaders, faculty, staff, Admissions, Marketing, Extension, and external organizations to coordinate recruitment efforts and expand outreach.
• Present recruitment data, strategies, and recommendations to college leadership to inform decisions and resource allocation.
• Lead recruitment events, campus visits, admitted-student experiences, and outreach initiatives that showcase CALS programs to prospective students.
• Guide scholarship strategy by evaluating fund utilization and outcomes and advising leadership on investment priorities that support recruitment, enrollment, and student success.
• Collaborate with campus partners to support prospective students through recruitment and transition to Iowa State and contribute to student retention and success.

The Leader We Are Looking For

• Strategic thinking and analytical skills to interpret enrollment trends and translate insights into effective recruitment strategies.
• Leadership and team development skills to guide staff, establish priorities, and foster accountability and collaboration.
• Communication and relationship-building skills to engage stakeholders, influence decisions, and build productive partnerships.
• Planning and resource management skills to align recruitment activities and resources with college priorities.
• Adaptability and initiative to address departmental needs, respond to enrollment challenges, and identify opportunities for improvement.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience leading, supervising, or developing teams, including setting priorities, guiding performance, and supporting team effectiveness.
• Experience developing or implementing strategies related to student recruitment, enrollment, admissions, or student engagement.
• Experience using data and performance metrics to inform strategic decisions and improve outcomes.
• Experience building partnerships with academic departments, faculty, staff, or external stakeholders.
• Experience presenting data, recommendations, or strategic plans to support planning, resource allocation, or organizational priorities.

About Us

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University offers nationally recognized academic programs, impactful research, and extensive Extension outreach. CALS prepares students to address challenges in agriculture, food systems, natural resources, health, and community development. You'll join a collaborative college community where strong partnerships help students discover pathways to meaningful careers.

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.

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:

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?
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

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

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Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email [email protected].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.