Assistant Director of First-Year Outreach - Office of Strategic Recruitment and Outreach

Hiring Department: Office of Strategic Recruitment and Outreach

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1041994

Posting Close Date: 8/6/2026

Salary: The budgeted salary range for the position is $60,000 to $64,000. We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.

About The University Of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of First-Year Outreach provides leadership and oversight for first-year recruitment strategy, territory management, and daily outreach operations. This role supervises recruitment staff, ensures effective execution of outreach activities, and drives data-informed decision-making to meet enrollment goals.

The position plays a critical role in translating institutional enrollment priorities into actionable recruitment strategies, optimizing territory performance, and ensuring a high-quality, consistent experience for prospective students and families.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Recruitment Strategy & Territory Management_x000d_
• Implement first-year recruitment strategies aligned with institutional enrollment goals._x000d_
• Partner with colleges and internal stakeholders to align outreach efforts and messaging._x000d_
• Analyze enrollment and funnel data (prospect → applicant → admit → enroll) to identify opportunities and adjust strategies._x000d_
• Evaluate and refine territory assignments, travel plans, and school engagement strategies._x000d_
• Establish clear performance expectations and goals for assigned territories and staff._x000d_
• Outreach Operations & Execution
• Oversee day-to-day outreach operations, including recruitment calendar planning and execution.
• Ensure effective coverage and coordination of recruitment activities (high school visits, fairs, events, virtual engagement).
• Monitor operational effectiveness of recruiter performance on front-line engagement channels (appointments, phone, email, events).
• Ensure consistent use of CRM systems (e.g., Slate) for activity tracking, communication, and reporting.
• Maintain data integrity and ensure accurate coding of recruitment activities.
• Data, Reporting & Performance Management
• Develop and monitor reports to assess outreach effectiveness, staff productivity, and territory performance.
• Use data to inform decision-making, improve efficiency, and optimize recruitment outcomes.
• Identify trends in student engagement and enrollment behavior to guide strategy adjustments.
• Support development of dashboards and reporting tools in collaboration with Recruitment Operations.
• Staff Supervision & Development
• Supervise, coach, and evaluate recruitment staff to ensure strong performance and professional growth.
• Set clear expectations, monitor outcomes, and provide regular feedback.
• Support hiring, onboarding, and training of recruitment staff.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and student-centered team culture.
• Student Engagement & Advising
• Serve as a resource for prospective students and families through presentations, events, and individual outreach.
• Conduct pre-admission advising and support students through the application process.
• Resolve complex student issues related to recruitment, application status, or admissions processes.
• Represent the institution at on- and off-campus events.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Partner with internal units, Enrollment Management and campus partners to align outreach efforts.
• Participate in planning and execution of major recruitment events and initiatives.
• Additional Responsibilities
• Participate in special projects and initiatives that support enrollment goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in college admissions, college recruitment, or enrollment management.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse student populations.
• Knowledge of admissions processes, enrollment strategies, and student development principles.
• Experience using CRM systems (e.g., Slate) and with data-driven decision-making.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience supervising or mentoring full-time staff.
• Experience managing recruitment territories or outreach strategies.
• Ability to analyze data and translate insights into action.
• Experience collaborating across functional teams.
  
  

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.