Assistant Director Student Recruitment

Job Description

Position Title:
Assistant Director Student Recruitment
Job Group:
Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree and 5 years of related experience
Job Description:
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 employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Appointment Type:
Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
PS809
Original Posting Date:
October 26, 2026
Posting Close Date:
November 8, 2026
Job Requisition Number:
R20121
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
eooffice@iastate.edu
.

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.