Associate Director of Recruiting

OVERVIEW:

The Associate Director of Recruiting serves as a key member of the new student recruitment team. They are responsible for implementing the recruiting plan for Carlson MBA and Specialized Masters Programs and attracting high quality candidates to apply to the program, working with prospective candidates through lead generation, inquiry, and application submission. In particular, this role is focused on developing strategic relationships across the University and other campuses to recruit undergraduate students to early career Masters programs. The Associate Director of Recruiting also serves as a high-level manager for recruitment strategies and plans across all Carlson MBA and Specialized Masters programs. This position will partner with the Director on meetings with internal University partners, corporate partners, area organizations, and will manage and recruiting events and opportunities to increase the number of applications from targeted populations to MBA and Specialized Masters programs. Other tasks include contributing to the planning, implementation, and reassessment of the strategic recruitment plan for the MBA programs and management of specific recruiting projects and events. The position also represents the program on various school-wide committees as well as actively participates in national conferences. This position reports to the Director of MBA & Specialized Masters Recruiting.

This position is hybrid; some days will be spent working in person and other days will be spent working remotely.

Priority application date is 01/02/2026.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Recruiting (30%)

• Proactively reach-out and follow-up with prospective students for Specialized Masters and MBA programs. This includes e-mails, phone calls, texts, 1:1 virtual and on-campus meetings, and student visits to ensure a personalized experience in the pre-submissions phase of the student experience.
• Serve as key advisor to prospective students for MBA and specialized Masters programs. Inform prospective students about program options and advise candidates on program of best fit. Follow up with prospective student requests (via scheduled appointments, Zoom, phone or e-mail, walk-ins).
• Participate in developing the overall recruiting strategy.
• Coordinate and participate in corporate information sessions and visits.
• Lead, plan, and present at program information sessions for prospective students.
• Participate in and support marketing strategy via participating in recruiting chats, SEO articles, virtual fairs, social media, and videos.
• Serve as a representative for Carlson MBA and MS programs at virtual or in-person domestic and international recruiting events.

Campus Ground Game Recruiting (35%)

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for recruiting undergraduate and early career professionals to Carlson Specialized Masters programs.
• Partner with Academic Departments, Career Centers, Academic Advisors, Student clubs, and other areas across the University and at external colleges/universities to increase the pipeline and application submission of qualified students to early career graduate business programs at Carlson.
• Plan and attend virtual or in-person events and fairs aimed at recruiting and engaging undergraduate students to apply to Carlson early career graduate business programs.
• Track performance and conversion of "campus ground game" leads, inquiries, application starts, and application submissions to Carlson graduate business programs. Use results to inform or pivot strategy.
• Partner with the MarComm team to develop ads and other marketing materials to support campus ground game strategy and recruitment.
• Identify external partners or organizations that would increase leads for early career Specialized Masters programs.

Admissions (25%)

• Conduct admissions interviews and provide recommendation for admission into MBA & specialized Masters programs in a timely manner.
• Review and evaluate admissions applications and participate in admissions committee reviews for MBA & specialized Masters programs.
• Participate in yield events.
• Track international student visa statuses and project enrollment numbers.
• Participate in new student orientation.

Administrative (10%)

• Manage any relevant budget line items for the Recruiting team as directed by the Director of Recruiting.
• Participate in professional conferences and workshops as appropriate.
• Participate in school-wide activities & committees as appropriate.
• Participate and actively contribute at all levels of department staff meetings.
• Participate in department projects/events as needed.
• Manage Graduate Assistants or Student workers as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship.

MINIMUM / ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA/BS degree plus at least 4 years of related experience OR Masters plus 2 years of related experience
• Ability to travel and work evenings and occasional weekends.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SELECTION CRITERIA:

• Knowledge of the graduate program recruitment and admissions process
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including demonstrated effectiveness in public speaking and presenting.
• Proven ability to interact and communicate effectively with a wide variety of individuals.
• Self-starter. Able to work independently, multi-task effectively, and foster teamwork.
• Ability to work with high-level professionals from external organizations
• Outstanding customer service skills and strong attention to detail
• Demonstrated work in a professional business setting; experience working with adult students
• Proven record of success working in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to coordinate workflow
• High level of political and personnel management acumen. Ability to maintain confidentiality, objectivity, sensitivity, discretion, professionalism, and exercise good judgment and tact.
• Strong problem-solving and project management skills.
• An analytic mindset that utilizes data and research to inform decision-making.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally, primarily between May and November.
• Experience managing multiple, simultaneous projects.

Pay Range: $57,000 to $65,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).