Western Colorado University Looking for Graduate Program Recruitment and Administrative Lead Full Time

Position Summary:

The Graduate Program Recruitment and Administrative Lead is instrumental in driving the operational and strategic success of the Outdoor Industry MBA (OIMBA) program at Western Colorado University. This role focuses on effective student recruitment, enrollment management, and comprehensive administrative oversight to attract and retain high-quality candidates. Additionally, collaborating with university departments aligns program objectives with broader university goals, contributing significantly to student and program success.

Job Description:

Join Western Colorado University as the Graduate Program Recruitment and Administrative Lead for our esteemed Outdoor Industry MBA (OIMBA) program. Under the guidance of the OIMBA Director, you’ll play a pivotal role in planning, implementing, and contributing to strategic recruitment efforts, managing enrollment processes, and providing comprehensive administrative support. Collaborating closely with university departments and program stakeholders, you’ll ensure our program aligns with broader institutional goals, contributing to the success of our students and program. This full-time position, located on campus, provides ample opportunity for collaboration across the School of Business and the School of Graduate Studies, along with other vital partners, such as the ICE Lab. In this position, you’ll have the chance to work closely with staff, faculty, and students, playing a pivotal role in fostering a rich and dynamic educational environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and implementation of strategic recruitment initiatives to attract high-caliber graduate students to the OIMBA program, including traveling to relevant events, planning & executing recruitment events, developing and managing communication strategies, fostering relationships with prospective students, and managing and disseminating recruitment data.
• Oversee the enrollment process from initial inquiry through matriculation, recommending applicants for acceptance, waitlist, or denial, and coordinating with university constituents to ensure alignment with overall strategies and policies, thus ensuring a smooth admissions experience.
• Lead and manage various projects and events within the OIMBA program, including student activities, operational enhancements, program-specific immersions, workshops, and conferences.
• Foster effective communication with key stakeholders, including faculty, staff, alums, and sponsors, to support the operational needs of the program, fostering a vibrant academic experience for students.
• Contribute to developing and implementing innovative strategies and initiatives to maintain the program’s leadership in the outdoor industry, actively participating in joint initiatives and sharing best practices across departments.
• Manage day-to-day operational aspects of the OIMBA program, ensuring efficient and effective program delivery.
• Assist with marketing efforts as needed.
• Supervise work study students.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Communications, or a related field.
• Strong communication skills, including written, verbal, and interpersonal.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• Capacity to effectively handle assignments and oversee diverse projects.
• Willingness to work as part of a team.
• Understanding of and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• At least two years of experience in recruitment, enrollment, or program administration tasks.
• Experience in diverse communication methods, including conducting virtual meetings via platforms like Zoom and engaging in direct conversations during meetings and events.
• Experience organizing or facilitating meetings or events, including planning, scheduling, preparing agendas and materials, or providing logistical support.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Exceptional communication skills, including written, verbal, and interpersonal.
• In-depth knowledge of or experience in the outdoor industry.
• Basic understanding of budgeting and financial management principles.
• At least three years of experience in recruitment, enrollment, or program administration roles with a foundational understanding of recruitment methods and strategies.
• Prior experience working in an academic or higher education environment.
• Demonstrated experience in event planning and coordination, showcasing skills in managing various aspects of event execution and ensuring seamless coordination.
• Basic understanding of budgeting and financial management principles.
• Marketing experience, such as conducting marketing research, developing and implementing marketing strategies, or using promotional channels to enhance visibility and engagement.

Compensation and Benefits:

This full-time, FLSA exempt position offers an annual base salary rate of $50,000 – $60,000. Western values continuous learning and professional growth, providing paid opportunities for professional development, including coverage of travel expenses for outdoor industry conferences and events. Our comprehensive benefits package includes shared premiums for health and dental insurance, a retirement plan, life insurance, and other options. After one year of service, dependents receive free tuition for full-time undergraduate studies for up to four years.

What You Need to Apply:  Apply online at www.Western.edu/jobs. Required attachments for online application include (1) a personalized cover letter that articulates the candidate’s interest in this specific role, how their experiences and skills align with the job’s responsibilities and qualifications, and what unique contributions they can offer to the program; (2) a comprehensive resume detailing the candidate’s educational background, work experience, specific skills, and any relevant certifications or achievements the candidate has; and (3) a list of at least three professional references, complete with contact information.

Please direct questions to Dr. Jennifer DeBoer at [email protected]. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a successful candidate is hired. 

Additional Information on Western and Gunnison/Crested Butte

Western Colorado University is a public institution with an enrollment of ~3,700 graduate and undergraduate students, the majority of whom reside on the campus and in the community.  With average class sizes of 17 students, faculty and staff share a strong commitment to inclusivity and personalized, immersive education. They are student-oriented, collegial, enthusiastic, and engaged in the campus and community. Western is committed to continual growth regarding diversity, equity, and inclusivity and promotes participation in DEI initiatives from students, faculty, staff, and the community. Please see our diversity statement and our DEI Committee charge.

The University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, a rural community 200 miles southwest of Denver and the gateway to Crested Butte, a world-class ski community.  The award-winning Gunnison Watershed School District serves K-12 students. Both communities value the arts, quality of life, community-based wrap-around services for children and adults, and continued personal growth and learning opportunities. At an elevation of 7,700 feet in the southern Rocky Mountains, the Gunnison Valley provides exceptional year-round outdoor recreational and cultural opportunities, including summer arts and music festivals, mountain biking, skiing, kayak/rafting, rock climbing, hiking, and camping… all within minutes of the campus.

Visit http://www.western.edu to learn more about the university.

Western Colorado University believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. Western is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (for state classified positions, with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. Please see our diversity statement, and our DEII Committee charge.

ADAAA ACCOMMODATIONS:

Western Colorado University is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Western will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to the Office of Human Resources at [email protected] or (970) 943-3140.

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER INCLUDING DISABILITY/VETERANS