Assistant Director, Rural Recruitment

Auburn

$51,790-$88,040

tuition assistance

United States, Alabama, Auburn

1550 East Glenn Avenue (Show on map)

Feb 20, 2025

Position Details

Position Information

Requisition Number	S4249P
Home Org Name	Undergraduate Admissions
Division Name	VP for Enrollment Management
Position Title	Assistant Director, Rural Recruitment
Job Class Code	AD67
Appointment Status	Full-time
Part-time FTE
Limited Term	Yes
Limited Term Length
Job Summary	Are you passionate about making higher education accessible to students from rural areas and small towns? Auburn University's Office of Undergraduate Admissions is seeking a dynamic Assistant Director of Rural Recruitment to lead efforts in attracting and enrolling high-achieving students from these communities. In this role, you'll develop and implement strategic recruitment initiatives designed to connect with students who might not otherwise see Auburn as an option. You'll shape outreach efforts, enhance communication strategies, and strengthen Auburn's presence in rural areas-helping to build a strong and talented student body. If you're a strategic thinker with a heart for student success and a talent for relationship-building, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact. Join us in creating pathways for exceptional students to experience all that Auburn has to offer! This is a limited-term position with a minimum two-year appointment, contingent upon continued funding. About Auburn: At Auburn, our work changes lives. Ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a premier public institution, Auburn University is dedicated to shaping the future of the people of Alabama, the nation, and the world through forward-thinking education, life-enhancing research, scholarship and selfless service. Auburn is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, community outreach, positive work environment, student engagement, and thriving community. It's a Lifestyle: The Auburn/Opelika area is a page right out of Southern Living magazine with an idyllic small-town feel, perfecting a unique balance between a close-knit community and driving consistent growth and development. Paralleling the exponential growth of Auburn University, the Auburn/Opelika area boasts services and amenities that cater to any interest. We're proud of our top school systems, city services, award-winning restaurants, and the infectious spirit of life in a college town. You can find us nestled halfway between the beach and the mountains in a lower-cost-of-living area, two hours outside of Atlanta or Birmingham. If you're new to Auburn, we'd love to introduce you. If you're already acquainted with Auburn, we'll keep it simple: it's time to come home! Why employees choose Auburn: Auburn University was named by Forbes Magazine as one of the state of Alabama's best employers, with employees staying an average of ten years. Employees enjoy competitive benefits that include top-notch health insurance, generous retirement plans, tuition assistance for employees and dependents, flexible spending accounts and more! Learn more about Auburn's impact, generous employee benefits, and thriving community by visiting aub.ie/working-at-auburn.
Essential Functions	Lead impactful rural recruitment efforts by developing and implementing strategies that increase applications and enrollments from small towns and rural communities. Continuously analyze results to refine approaches and align with Auburn's enrollment goals. Create and execute innovative rural-focused recruitment programs that inspire and connect with students from rural backgrounds. Collaborate with the Director of Undergraduate Recruitment and serve as Auburn University's liaison to the STARS College Network to develop initiatives that support rural student enrollment. Enhance Auburn's rural student outreach by maintaining an up-to-date and engaging rural student webpage, crafting compelling communications, and developing messaging that speaks directly to the unique needs and aspirations of rural students and their families. Build strong relationships with key rural partners, including high schools, community organizations, and educational programs. Use data-driven insights to assess recruitment efforts and drive year-over-year growth in rural student applications and enrollments. Play a key role in the admissions process by reviewing student applications, providing input on admission decisions, and ensuring Auburn continues to attract and enroll academically talented students.

Minimum Qualifications

To be considered for this role, candidates must meet the following requirements, which reflect the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for success:

Education & Experience:

Bachelor's degree with 5 years of experience in communications, marketing, higher education, undergraduate admissions and recruiting, or a related field.

Master's degree with 3 years of experience in communications, marketing, higher education, undergraduate admissions and recruiting, or a related field.

Minimum Skills, License, and Certifications

Minimum Skills and Abilities	Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage and motivate prospective rural students and families. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in outreach tailored to rural student populations. Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop and execute recruitment strategies.
Minimum Technology Skills
Minimum License and Certifications

Desired Qualifications

Master's degree preferred
Strong understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by rural students in accessing higher education.
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic recruitment initiatives, including targeted outreach, community engagement, and partnership-building.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, particularly in working with students, families, school counselors, and community leaders in rural areas.
Experience managing digital recruitment strategies, including social media engagement and CRM-based communication.
Ability to analyze data to assess the effectiveness of rural recruitment strategies and adjust approaches accordingly.
Willingness to travel extensively, including to rural communities, and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.

Posting Detail Information

Salary Range	$51,790-$88,040
Job Category	Executive/Director/Management
Working Hours if Non-Traditional
City position is located in:	Auburn
State position is located:	Alabama
List any hazardous conditions or physical demands required by this position
Posting Date	02/20/2025
Closing Date	03/09/2025
EEO Statement	AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/ EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. The Office of Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/ EEO) strives to ensure an inclusive and equitable working, living, and learning environment for members of the Auburn University community. Please visit their website to learn more.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Quick Link for Internal Postings	https://www.auemployment.com/postings/51206