Undergraduate Recruiter

Department of Crop Sciences

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES)

WE TRANSFORM LIVES.

Everything we do is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence.

Be a part of our story. The Department of Crop Sciences within the College of Consumer, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences offers world-class laboratory, greenhouse, and field research facilities as well as state of the art teaching facilities. The University of Illinois also offers outstanding facilities in computing, data science, and genomic analysis as well as many other areas of potential support.

The Crop Sciences Department seeks candidates for an undergraduate recruiter position. This position works closely with the Crop Sciences undergraduate education team, including the Academic Advisor, Undergraduate Program Coordinator and program staff.

Crop Sciences has a legacy of providing effective and efficient stakeholder services while creating robust opportunities for promotional growth and development. The successful candidate would participate in a comprehensive onboarding strategy led by professionals in the Crop Sciences Department.

Undergraduate Recruiter

POSITION SUMMARY:

Plan, coordinate, and execute recruiting activities for the undergraduate program in the Department of Crop Sciences (CPSC). Work closely with the Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Academic Advisor, and support staff of the unit.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Recruitment and Yield of Prospective Undergraduate Students

• Identify and attend off-campus events involving high school and community college students who are likely to have an interest in CPSC-related areas of study.
• Arrange and make visits, in-person and virtual, to high school classrooms and counseling offices.
• Develop relationships with student clubs at high schools and community colleges throughout Illinois.
• Develop and participate in a recruiting strategy that creates a pipeline of high school students and undergraduate and community college transfer students through on-campus activities including but not limited to:
• FFA contests, Experience ACES, 4-H Summer Academy, Discover STEM in ACES, Crop Sciences departmental recruitment and outreach events, and programs and special activities held around Illinois and surrounding regions.
• Build and regularly update a database of recruiting contacts for potential new freshmen, transfers, and intra/inter-college transfers.
• Oversee outreach strategy creation and implementation that builds a recruiting connection with a pipeline of middle and high school students.
• Travel and work non-standard hours (nights/weekends) as required.

Marketing and Promotion of CPSC Undergraduate Program

• Work closely with the Academic Advisor to execute effective social media activities to increase awareness of CPSC among high school and community college students.
• Coordinate with the College of ACES to arrange for visiting prospective students to meet with the recruiter and arrange other elements of a visit (such as attending a class or meeting with a current student or faculty member).
• Work closely with the Academic Advisor recruit, orient, and supervise CPSC Student Ambassadors to serve as potential contacts for prospective student visits.
• Work closely with the Academic Advisor to develop recruiting materials, including web page and brochures.
• Work closely with the Academic Advisor to administer the scholarship program for new students and to ensure successful new student registration activities.
• Contribute to overall program marketing, recruitment and outreach initiatives through events and presentations.
• Contribute to CPSC efforts to recruit a diverse student body and provide an inclusive departmental culture.

General

• Participate in College of ACES meetings for recruiters.
• Assume additional related responsibilities to enhance the mission of CPSC.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in a crop sciences related discipline or a closely related field.
• One (1) year of experience related to student recruitment, admission counseling, environmental education, or program development.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in a crop sciences related discipline or a closely related field.
• At least two years of experience related to student recruitment, admission counseling, agricultural education, or program development. Demonstrated experience in outreach, community engagement or similar activities. Excellent presentation, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of career opportunities in fields related to Crop Sciences majors.
• Superior communication skills as well as excellent interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to excellent customer service with a high priority placed on responding quickly and thoroughly to inquiries from prospective students.
• Familiarity with the requirements of the Department of Crop Sciences undergraduate majors and courses.

Working Environment

· Position involves some evening and weekend work. Position requires some local, regional, and national travel (use of a University vehicle requires a valid State of Illinois Driver’s License).

SALARY AND APPOINTMENT DETAILS:

This is a full-time (1.0 FTE, permanent) Academic Professional appointment. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The salary range for this position is $55,000-$65,000/yr. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

PROPOSED STARTING DATE:

The proposed start is as soon as possible after the closing date.

APPLICATON PROCEDURES: