International Student Recruitment Specialist

Date: Aug ‎30, ‎2022
Location: Saudi Arabia
Company: King Abdullah University of Science & Technology
Position Summary:

The International Student Recruitment Specialist (ISRS) is a member of the
Student Recruitment team within the Admissions and Student Recruitment Office
(ASR) of the University.
The role-holder will take a lead in interpreting and delivering institutional
strategy in key markets, working closely with the Associate Director and other
members of the Student Recruitment team to conceive, plan and deliver
initiatives, outreach and programs which will attract competitive applications
from prospective students from target markets around the world.
The position will require an individual with strong organizational and person-
skills, significant knowledge and experience of working in international
education, and a willingness to travel.

Major Responsibilities:

• Work with the Director and Associate Director in establishing short and long-term goals in student recruitment and marketing arising from strategic plans and contribute to the revision and development of strategy according to experience.


• Represent the Associate Director at KAUST and overseas on recruitment, partnership and program matters as necessary.


• Build a strong relationship with faculty at Program and Divisional levels to promulgate a collaborative and synergetic environment for the delivery of student recruitment and the development of institutional partnerships


• Research and plan the schedule of recruitment trips overseas, agree budget with the Associate Director, and assign responsibilities to the outgoing teams which may be drawn from ASR, the Divisions, alumni and current students.


• Provide supervision for the International Student Recruitment Representative(s)


• Establish a familiarity with university course provision, policies and procedures and provide guidance to senior leadership on portfolio development


• Acquire a deep and actionable understanding of target markets (for example demographics, education sector, socio-economic context, relevant drivers, alumni base, network opportunities), and produce detailed country reports for use by recruitment staff


• Produce and analyze data to identify international market trends and focus recruitment activity


• Develop plans for delivering relevant and effective engagement with target audiences, meeting recruitment objectives and anticipating prospect needs


• Identify channels for prospect engagement and develop communications appropriate to those media


• Identify networks which enable effective engagement with the target audience, and build strong relationships with enablers and supporters


• Participate in events, conferences, and workshops both remotely and in person as relevant to recruitment objectives


• Deliver presentations to colleagues, prospect and supporters to foster a greater understanding of the University's offering and work


• Create or use means of recording activity and engagement and produce statistical reports measuring the efficacy and impact of the work of ASR. The role-holder will lead on producing the data and supporting data and narrative for an annual International Student Recruitment report and for the Student Recruitment Committee.


• Establish and maintain a campus-wide support network to understand areas of commonality and create greater connectivity to improve outcomes


• Ability to travel domestically/ internationally for work purposes, frequently or as required and in some cases for extended periods.


• Provide support to other members of ASR for their work both to build internal relations and meet common objectives


• Undertake staff development and training as deemed appropriate, and provide training to academic and administrative colleagues as required


• Any other duties as they may arise as required by the Director or Associate Director, particularly those which enable the role and ASR to evolve, develop and contribute effectively to the


• achievement of the University's mission and objectives

Competencies:
* A sound understanding of higher education outreach and admissions, and the ability to quickly absorb and articulate information relevant to the mission of ASR and the University
* Strong and persuasive communication skills, both in person, publicly (to audiences), and in writing
* Ability to empathize and engage with culturally diverse stakeholders both internal and external to the University, and develop initiatives accordingly
* Excellent organizational and time management skills, with an ability to plan ahead and deliver under pressure
* Ability to work both independently and as a team member, giving and gaining support for the work of ASR and the wider university
* Creative approach to problem solving and delivering effective engagement
* Ability to plan and develop contingencies around different scenarios; attention to detail
* Customer-service oriented ethic and approach in working with faculty, students and staff

Qualifications and Experience:
* A bachelors (essential) or masters (desirable) degree, preferably in a science, technology, engineering or mathematical subject (desirable)
* At least ‎6 years' experience of working in a higher education environment (essential)
* At least ‎6 years' experience of working in student recruitment, admissions, or marketing and communications or a closely related field (essential)
* Understanding of international education systems and student markets (desired)
* Strong English language skills (essential); conversational proficiency in other languages (desirable)
* Competent user of MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint (or similar presentation tools) (essential)