Recruiting & Student Services Specialist

The Online Education Unit at Carnegie Mellon University offers a unique opportunity to be part of an internal "start-up" dedicated to the successful launch and delivery of online graduate degree programs, certificates, and professional education. This new unit will provide marketing, recruiting and student support services to schools across the university with ultimate responsibility for student enrollment and retention. As such, we are seeking individuals who can think strategically about launching and maintaining program enrollment while simultaneously rolling up their sleeves to get it done.

The Recruiting & Student Services Support will report to the Recruiting & Student Services Manager and will play a critical role in directly recruiting and retaining students to meet enrollment and retention goals. They will build strong relationships with prospective students, communicate program benefits and resources through various channels, support them through the application process and eventual matriculation.

The ideal candidate has a proven track record of exceeding enrollment and retention goals, good judgment for effective but appropriate recruiting tactics, technical experience with CRM systems and a student-first mindset. They will have exceptional communication, problem solving and critical thinking skills with an ability to juggle multiple projects simultaneously without losing sight of the big picture. Excitement for helping to build a new department from the ground up is critical.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop a deep understanding of assigned program content, admission requirements and target market to meet enrollment and retention goals. Highlight benefits of the university, school, and specific programs to generate interest and excitement with qualified prospective candidates.
• Execute the prospective student nurturing campaign including calls, emails, texts, and other methods, successfully balancing the need to meet enrollment goals with appropriate contact cadence. Develop positive relationships with students, encouraging them to pursue our programs when appropriate, guiding them through the application process and supporting them through matriculation.
• Utilize our CRM (Slate) to execute communication outreach, input accurate notes to track student progress, and record enrollment projections.
• Manage the application process for assigned programs including ensuring submitted applications are complete and supporting the application review and decision process; performing all application related activities in close collaboration with the academic unit to ensure accuracy and transparency.
• Support the delivery of recruiting and onboarding events for assigned programs. Conduct webinars and collaborate with the academic unit for content and alignment.
• Provide student services activities including proactively communicating relevant information and responding to student questions in a timely manner for assigned programs. Identify potential areas of concern that might preclude continued matriculation and address with internal, school or university resources.
• Maintain current documentation of all projects and processes for transparency and scaling.

You should demonstrate:

• High level of comfort contacting prospective students through a variety of mediums to discuss and promote assigned programs and an ability to build trust and relationships that lead to persistent matriculation.
• Tenacity coupled with good judgment on frequency and tone of recruiting outreach activities. Ability to balance a drive to meet enrollment goals with the brand/reputation of the university, school, and program.
• Proficiency managing CRM/Application systems with a focus on data integrity, integration with university and partner systems and reporting tools. Experience with email communication, event management and application processing.
• An understanding of student services best practices and a student-first mentality.
• Exceptional communication and customer service skills; an ability to represent CMU, the schools, programs, and unit at a professional level at all times.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills; a bias towards action, even when faced with uncertainty and resistance.
• Ability to work independently, ask for help when needed and make decisions in alignment with department objectives.
• Ability to independently craft well-written communications that answer prospective students' questions clearly and concisely, while also providing the necessary information for them to continue their exploration process.
• Consistently represent CMU at the highest standard.

Inclusion and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of diverse audiences. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience recruiting students or equivalent audiences. Recruiting/Sales experience in other relevant industries will be considered.
• Bachelor's Degree in related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Experience in higher education admissions, marketing or recruiting preferred.

Additional Information:

• Hybrid work arrangement; fully remote will be considered in the context of the mission.
• Evenings and weekends as needed to meet recruiting and student support needs.

Requirements :

• Successful background check

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits available to eligible employees.

Those employees who are have the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of advantages from comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance to an enticing retirement savings program offering a generous employer contribution. You can also unlock your potential with tuition benefits and take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays . Finally, rest easy knowing you are covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Other perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access , and so much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits that may be awaiting you, explore our Benefits page .

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond just credentials, we consider the role and responsibilities, your invaluable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We acknowledge and appreciate your unique skills and the diverse perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it's about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Admissions and Financial Aid

Position Type

Staff - Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information:

• Please visit to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.

• Click here to view a listing of employee benefits

• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran .