Job Description

Overview

Responsible for establishing and managing the process and framework by which the Stratford School meets its enrolment management goals for undergraduate and graduate programs. This includes developing integrated marketing, recruitment, and communications plans, informed by research and best practices; engaging key stakeholders; and maintaining and integrating key tactics to support the Faculty of Arts in meeting its overall enrolment and revenue goals.

Responsibilities

Responsible for recruitment strategies

• Based on enrolment management goals of the Stratford School, conducts research and analysis, and creates an effective research-based overall recruitment, and communications plans for graduate and undergraduate programs, including but not limited to; research, planning, budgeting, operationalization, and evaluation of print, web, new media, relationship-building, and event strategies
• Works with key internal stakeholders including the Faculty of Arts Undergraduate Office (AUO), the Faculty of Arts Dean\xe2\x80\x99s Office (DO), the Marketing and Undergraduate Recruitment Office (MUR), and the Graduate Studies Office (GSO) and others to ensure a coordinated, strategic approach to recruitment and admissions activities that aligns with broader university goals and frameworks
• Remains informed of university programs, admission requirements and processes, student life, visual brand identity and other information, policies and practices pertinent to undergraduate and graduate recruitment
• Leads Stratford School participation in undergraduate and graduate recruitment events such as the Ontario Universities\xe2\x80\x99 Fair, on-campus open house events, and graduate fairs to recruit students
• Develops and manages program-specific recruitment events such as high school workshops (e.g. Discovering Digital Media Days) and graduate information sessions; develops strategies to collect data to support ongoing engagement and evaluation
• Works with senior management to prioritize and forecast recruitment spending, and tracks expenses to ensure effective budget management

Responsible for managing integrated communications plans

• With involvement and collaboration with the AUO, DO, MUR and GSO develops and implements a student-centred content strategy that aligns with broader university recruitment plans which may include publications, websites, social media campaigns
• Manages undergraduate and graduate recruitment communications strategies including specific tactics, timing and key messages
• Creates written content and/or provides editing support for undergraduate and graduate communications including print, websites, social media, newsletters, e-mail campaigns, blogs, etc.
• Investigates and reports on potential external relationships and memberships that could benefit recruitment activities
• Researches and makes recommendations for the integration of new and emerging technologies into communication strategies in order to meet recruitment objectives and effectively position both undergraduate and graduate programs
• Provides direction to the digital media team on strategy execution

Relationship Management

• Maintains strong relationships and liaises with internal stakeholders as needed to ensure the seamless coordination of recruitment and admissions processes
• Manages positive relationships with prospective students/applicants, parents, teachers, organizations and other key stakeholders that support the recruitment of high qualify applicants
• Serves as the principal contact for interested students and applicants to both the undergraduate and graduate programs focusing on high-touch customer service including e-mail, phone calls, personalized visits and larger recruitment events
• Develops and delivers presentations and tours to promote both undergraduate and graduate programs to a variety of stakeholders (e.g. prospective students, liaison travellers, teachers and counsellors, international delegations etc.)
• Leads program-specific confirmation strategies for graduate and graduate programs including but not limited to hand-written notes, applicant calling, chat sessions etc.
• Maintains an understanding of the needs of audiences at different stages in the enrolment management funnel and how they impact communication and relationship management strategies

Management of admissions processes and advising support

• Serves as a trusted advisor to the Associate Directors with respect to all admissions policies and procedures
• Project/people manages all internal admissions review cycles for graduate programming
• Liaises with appropriate departments to collect, track and report on program-specific application data for both undergraduate and graduate programs; identifying trends, opportunities, challenges to support strategic planning
• Manages admission inquiries from applicants; provides counselling and recommendations based on candidate\xe2\x80\x99s background
• Monitors, reviews and prepares graduate applications and liaises with applicants as needed. This may include: GPA calculation, institution accreditation assessments, or document verification; liaising with the GSO, as needed, on special cases; preparation of background information for special cases; preparation of communication for Offer of Admission; following up on denial decisions etc.
• Supports processing for scholarships including grade assessments, AIF distribution as needed etc
• Provides back-up support for undergraduate advising. Reports on issues and concerns as they arise

Supports Stratford Stratford Services and Activities

• Provides logistical and other support for Stratford School initiatives including, but limited to MDEI Program Intensives, GBDA Orientation, Student Showcases, and related events

Qualifications

• Completed university degree
• Experience in a student engagement, communications, or public relations role
• Experience building relationships with targeted audiences
• Excellent promotional writing and content web writing experience
• Experience in special events coordination
• Experience managing volunteers for events is preferred
• Experience with the development and delivery of informational presentations
• Experience working as part of a team in an environment that requires strong time management skills and ability to adapt to a changing environment
• Experience creating and managing social media campaigns targeted at large and diverse audiences is an asset
• Superior client service skills
• Self-starter, intrinsically motivated with the ability to work independently or within a team under tight deadlines Proven ability to meet strict deadlines without compromising quality
• Proven ability to handle difficult situations with tact and diplomacy, and demonstrated problem-solving skills Knowledge of student recruitment practices or experience with the 17-20 year-old market is desirable
• Demonstrated ability to act as a spokesperson and representative within various academic and/or public environments
• Ability to provide information to an audience in an engaging, and memorable manner
• Familiarity with social media applications including Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram
• Ability to speak credibly about all aspects of academic and university life, including undergraduate recruitment and admissions, Canadian and international education systems, transition issues, academic programs, co-op system of study, financing, residence, student life and success, and success after graduation
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills coupled with the ability to handle multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and excel in a fast-paced environment characterized by changing priorities
• Office based with occasional travel for events and meetings

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo is committed to implementing the Calls to Action framed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We acknowledge that we live and work on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. The University of Waterloo is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, M\xc3\xa9tis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.

University of Waterloo