Associate Director III - Associate Director of Recruitment

Department: Associate Director III - Associate Director of RecruitmentFull-TimeOpen until filled: YesRequisition: 202500368SEducational And Experience RequirementBachelors degree in related field. Masters preferred. Five years of experience in a related field. A combination of education, experience, and training that would produce the required knowledge and abilities could be considered.Nature And Purpose Of PositionThe Associate Director provides strategic leadership for all undergraduate recruitment efforts and serves as the primary supervisor for the admissions counseling team. This position leads the development, execution, and assessment of recruitment initiatives, territory strategies, and enrollment outcomes. The Associate Director supports the Director in setting vision and direction for purpose-driven recruitment and ensures recruitment activities align with departmental and institutional goals.Primary ResponsibilitiesProvides direct supervision, strategic direction, coaching, and evaluation for the admissions counseling team to ensure excellence in recruitment engagement, territory management, and yield efforts. Leads the planning, implementation, and continuous refinement of strategic recruitment initiatives to support enrollment goals, including audience segmentation, market growth, and counselor productivity. Develops and evaluates recruitment goals, objectives, schedules, priorities, and performance standards; monitors progress and ensures alignment with University and divisional priorities. Utilizes data, dashboards, and analytics to assess counselor performance, identify emerging trends, and recommend adjustments to recruitment strategies. Collaborates closely with enrollment partners, academic units, and campus stakeholders to strengthen recruitment pipelines and enhance the prospective student experience. Supports budget planning and resource allocation for recruitment travel, events, materials, and personnel; monitors expenditures and ensures responsible stewardship of University funds. Ensures the quality and effectiveness of recruitment communications and engagement strategies in partnership with Enrollment Marketing and Communications. Identifies operational and strategic gaps and recommends improvements to policies, processes, and recruitment workflows. Produces and reviews management and productivity reports, presentations, and data-driven insights for departmental and institutional leadership. Exercises independent decision-making within delegated authority and serves as acting Director in the Directors absence. Ensures compliance with University policies and applicable state and federal regulations. Performs other related duties as assigned.**Within the scope of this role, the Associate Director is expected to:**Strengthen overall counselor performance and consistency across territories, resulting in improved recruitment activity quality and yield outcomes. Drive clear, measurable progress toward established enrollment goals through strategic planning, targeted initiatives, and data-informed decision making. Enhance the effectiveness and professionalism of the admissions counseling team through ongoing coaching, supervision, and accountability structures. Improve coordination and partnership with academic units, Enrollment Marketing and Communications, and campus partners to support prospective student engagement. Increase the quality of prospective student interactions by optimizing counselor outreach strategies, communications, and campus partnership engagement. Contribute to a more cohesive, efficient, and student-centered recruitment operation through process improvements and streamlined workflows. Strengthen SHSUs presence and reputation within assigned markets and stakeholder groups, including high school counselors, community organizations, and families.Other SpecificationsKnowledge of local, state, and federal laws. Abili y to manage business functions. Strong knowledge of admissions and recruitment best practices, territory management, and enrollment strategy. Ability to lead teams, manage complex initiatives, drive organizational change, and use data for strategic decision-making.This position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA).**The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and strong people-leader who thrives in a fast-paced enrollment environment. Brings demonstrated success in leading recruitment teams, interpreting data to inform decisions, and executing high-impact outreach strategies. Confident communicator who builds trust with staff, campus partners, and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate models professionalism, accountability, and student-centered service, and is highly skilled at motivating teams toward measurable outcomes. Demonstrates initiative, sound judgement, and the ability to anticipate challenges and implement solutions with clarity and consistency.Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or protected veteran status. The University takes seriously the initiative to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce and to comply with Title VII as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court. Sam Houston State University is an at will employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security-sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code 51.215.Physical AddressHuman Resources Department1831 University Ave, John W. Thomason Bldg. Suite 202[]{style="font-family: Verdana; font-size"}