Recruitment Manager, SPA

Posting Summary:

The Summer Principals Academy (SPA) at Teachers College, Columbia University, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Recruitment Manager to lead and manage all aspects of student recruitment, enrollment marketing, and retention efforts for the SPA programs. This role is central to identifying and engaging a national pool of highly motivated aspiring education leaders who seek graduate study at a top-tier university. The person will be responsible for assessing, planning and implementing enrollment marketing strategies and is held accountable for achieving defined enrollment goals.

Job Summary/Basic Function:

The Recruitment Manager will develop and execute strategic recruitment plans tailored to diverse educational markets; build strong relationships with prospective applicants, alumni, school and district leaders; and represent SPA at conferences, recruitment fairs, and school events. The individual will also coordinate targeted marketing campaigns in collaboration with internal communications teams to highlight SPA’s unique program offerings, student outcomes, and leadership development model.

The successful candidate will possess a proven track record of building and managing a pipeline of prospects and strategically engaging with individuals to achieve ambitious goals. While experience in education recruitment is a plus, we are actively seeking a strategic thinker and excellent communicator with a deep commitment to expanding access to high-quality graduate education for educators from underrepresented communities. This position reports directly to the Director of the Summer Principals Academy and will serve as a key liaison to the Office of Admission and the Office of Marketing and Communications.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design and implement a comprehensive annual recruitment plan with measurable goals for enrollment and yield.
• Travel nationally to represent SPA at graduate education fairs, school district recruitment events, and university-based information sessions.
• Cultivate and maintain partnerships with school districts, charter networks, education nonprofits, and undergraduate institutions for long-term pipeline development.
• Utilize data analytics to identify emerging recruitment trends and inform strategic decisions.
• Manage CRM platforms for prospective student outreach and campaign performance tracking.
• Coordinate alumni ambassadors and current student volunteers for peer-to-peer recruitment activities.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to ensure a seamless recruitment-to-enrollment process.
• Plan and facilitate virtual and in-person events such as webinars, preview days, and informational sessions.
• Collaborate with the admissions office and promptly support students through complete application submission.
• Support prospective students from inquiry through matriculation with high-touch, mission-aligned engagement.
• Contribute to marketing collateral development including print, digital, and video content.
• Prepare annual recruitment reports and make recommendations for ongoing strategy refinement.
• Supervise, as necessary, support staff to assist with recruitment functions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum 3 years of direct experience in sales, graduate admissions, student recruitment, or enrollment management.
  Demonstrated success in recruiting diverse student populations to graduate or professional programs.
• Superior communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience using CRM and database systems (e.g., Slate, Salesforce).
• Proficiency with data analysis and reporting tools.
• Commitment to equity, access, and inclusive excellence.
• Willingness to work flexible hours and travel regularly.
• Function as part of a collective support team within the Education Leadership Program.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in higher education administration, marketing, or a related field strongly preferred.
• Prior experience in sales or recruiting for education or leadership preparation programs.
• Understanding of the professional goals and challenges of aspiring school leaders.
• Familiarity with Columbia University or peer institutions and their academic culture.
• Knowledge of digital recruitment marketing tools and platforms.
• Experience with event planning and virtual engagement strategies.
• Prior management experience a plus!

Salary Range:

$85,000 - $85,000

Work Modality:

Onsite

Competitive Compensation and Benefits 

The salary range reflects the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation for the position at the time of the job posting.  Salary decisions are dependent on several factors including but not limited to market and organizational considerations, experience, and qualifications of a selected candidate as well as internal and external equity.

Our benefits contribute significantly to the total compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance plans; flexible and hybrid work schedules; tuition remission; life insurance; short and long-term disability insurance; an exceptional employer retirement matching program; health savings accounts (HSA), flexible spending accounts (FSA), Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, and a robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).