Director of Student Recruitment (HR job title: Assoc Dir Student Recruitment)

Salary Range:

About SMU

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Director of Student Recruitment develops and implements comprehensive recruitment strategies that support the University and Lyle enrollment goals in conjunction with Central Admission. They will focus on expanding the Lyle reach through recruitment markets, strengthening the Lyle brand, and collaboration with key stakeholders.

Attending Lyle recruitment events on- and off-campus for Admission events and specific Lyle recruitment is a key function. This position requires a data-informed approach to decision-making, strong relationship-building skills, and the ability to lead a team in advancing the commitment to academic excellence, access, and student success.

Essential Functions:

• Develop, implement, and assess undergraduate recruitment plan aligned with the University and School's enrollment goals and strategic priorities. Work closely with the Lyle Director of Marketing on materials and communication flows. Initiate team follow up with prospects/applicants/parents through various communication sources both on and off campus. Use travel modeling and other recruitment.
• Build and maintain relationships with alumni, high schools, community colleges, and community organizations. Coordinate on-campus recruitment events (school spotlights, early admitted student receptions, daily visit information sessions). Analyze program data and survey information to evaluate and improve programs; provide feedback to team on effectiveness of recruitment activities.
• Identify, track, and convert prospects through the admission funnel. Provide prospective and admitted students and their families with timely and accurate information regarding academic programs, scholarships, and career opportunities for all engineering majors and programs.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret enrollment data to monitor progress toward recruitment goals. Develop reports and presentations for various stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Lyle School and the Central Admission team, and the Lyle School marketing team. Partner with faculty and program directors to showcase research, student projects, and distinctive opportunities to prospective students and families. Collaborate with the Lyle Career Development team to highlight internships, career pathways, and career outcomes.
• With Admission, work with financial aid office to award any Lyle specific monies in a timely fashion.
• Supervise recruitment staff and student ambassadors. Manage recruitment budget and resource allocation. Responsible for the training of new employees and responsible for the continuing education for current staff members.
• Will participate in events outside the normal work day often take place such as recruitment activities and events. These events may be in the evening or on the weekend.
• Frequent travel may be required both locally, regionally or nationally through recruitment activities and events.

Education and Experience:

A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of seven (7) years of experience is required. A master's degree, preferably in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field.

Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience recruiting students for institutions of higher learning. Previous experience in the field of engineering or STEM is preferred. A valid driver's license and a good driving history is required.

Ability to use computer software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required; knowledge of CRM systems and capabilities is preferred. Familiarity with PeopeSoft and Technolutions/Slate is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills and the ability to relate to and effectively communicate with underrepresented populations.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.

Strong analytic aptitude is a must. Established relationships with regional and national K-12 and community college STEM partners is desired, but not required. Demonstrated leadership experience with professional staff and students is necessary.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time

Deadline to Apply:

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by December 22, 2025.

This position is open until filled.

EEO Statement

SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.

Primary Location

USA-TX-Dallas

Job

Student Services

Organization

Division of Enrollment Services

Schedule

Regular

Shift

Staff

Employee Status

Manager with Direct Reports

Job Type

Full-time

Job Level

Day Job

Travel

Yes, 50 % of the Time

Job Posting

Dec 8, 2025, 4:23:53 PM