Assistant Director of Freshmen Recruitment

Position Overview

The Enrollment Management division plays a central role in helping the university attract, enroll, and retain strong students. It brings together Undergraduate Admissions, Graduate Enrollment Management, Financial Aid and Scholarships, the University Registrar, Student Lifecycle Technology, Enrollment Marketing Communications, and Enrollment Management Services. The division is focused on building a forward-looking, data-informed enrollment plan that supports institutional goals in a coordinated way.

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions oversees domestic and international undergraduate admissions for first-year and transfer applicants. Its work includes recruitment travel, relationships with high schools and community colleges, events on and off campus, prospect and inquiry management, and application processing.

The Assistant Director of Freshman Recruitment reports to the Senior Associate Director for Undergraduate Recruitment and helps shape and carry out recruitment plans that support the right size and profile of the incoming class in line with university enrollment goals and the strategic plan. The role includes coaching staff, strengthening territory management practices, and improving the university’s visibility in Kansas as well as selected out-of-state markets. The admissions team works in a data-driven setting and is trained to provide high-quality support to students from a wide range of backgrounds and interests. This position also gives direction and support to admissions representatives based in Kansas.

In addition to salary, the university provides a strong benefits package, including up to 176 hours of paid vacation annually, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, 9 paid holidays plus one discretionary day, retirement benefits, medical and dental coverage, life and disability insurance, additional plan options, state of Kansas vendor discounts, and educational opportunities for employees.

Key Responsibilities

This role focuses on recruitment strategy, territory management, event planning, and other assigned duties.

• Guide, support, train, supervise, and coach Kansas-based admissions representatives, both newly hired and returning staff, across territory management, funnel tracking, data use, relationship development, and multi-channel communication.
• Partner with territory managers to set goals, review territory performance, analyze historical and current funnel data, and shape recruitment activity based on results.
• Prepare reports that summarize recruitment activity and outcomes.
• Lead regular team and one-on-one meetings to keep communication consistent and share best practices.
• Help develop recruitment plans for assigned territories by analyzing data, identifying high-propensity students, and prioritizing travel and intervention efforts that support enrollment goals.
• Work closely with admissions leadership to keep recruitment efforts aligned across the organization.
• Assess the impact of in-person and digital recruitment tactics and determine when additional outreach is needed.
• Launch and manage special projects connected to territory goals.
• Build and maintain relationships with high school counselors and alumni, serving as the university’s contact in the assigned territory.
• Organize school visits, coordinate pre-visit communication, arrange travel, conduct visits, and follow up with students, faculty, and staff by phone, letter, and email.
• Oversee the recruitment budget.
• Plan and deliver programs and events tied to enrollment goals, including territory-specific events and additional activities developed in response to funnel performance.
• Review event and program results and use assessment data to refine future recruitment strategies.
• Deliver in-person and virtual presentations to prospective students, families, and community members, and communicate the university’s strengths in campus and off-campus settings.
• Meet with prospective students and families through virtual and in-person appointments.
• Plan, coordinate, and host targeted recruitment events in Kansas and out-of-state markets, working with students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
• Serve on the Freshman Recruitment Planning committee and contribute ideas on programming, strategy, visits, and events.
• Take on additional duties as assigned by senior admissions leadership.

Position Requirements

• A valid driver’s license is required.
• The role requires travel and may involve evening and weekend work.

Required Qualifications

• A master’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree plus three years of related experience.
• At least one year of territory management experience in an admissions representative role.
• Strong written communication skills, demonstrated through application materials.
• Supervisory experience, shown through application materials.

Preferred Qualifications

• A master’s degree in Higher Education, Journalism, Public Relations, Advertising, Marketing, or a closely related field by the start date.
• Two years of professional experience in a data-focused, results-oriented admissions office.
• Knowledge of the University of Kansas academic programs and student support services, demonstrated in application materials.
• Understanding of CRM principles and familiarity with CRM tools such as Slate Technolutions, shown in application materials.
• Experience with University of Kansas territory management, demonstrated in application materials.
• Strong time management and organizational ability, supported by prior professional or volunteer experience.

Additional Candidate Instructions

To be considered, applicants must submit a complete online application along with the following materials: a cover letter explaining how they meet the required and preferred qualifications, a resume, and a list of three professional references. Only complete applications will be reviewed.

Application Timeline

Application review begins on July 13, 2026 and continues until a qualified pool of candidates has been identified. The anticipated start date is August 10, 2026.

Contact Information

Amy Tharp
atharp@ku.edu
785-864-5421

Compensation

The advertised salary is 62,500.