Widener University is currently seeking an Assistant Director of International Student Recruitment in the newly formed Widener International office. Reporting to the Executive Director of International Strategy, the Assistant Director of International Student Recruitment represents the institution to the public community locally, nationally, and globally. This role involves developing and implementing strategies to facilitate recruitment and enrollment in all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university. The Assistant Director will collaborate with the Executive Director of International Strategy to lead the recruitment and admissions strategy for all international students, ensuring alignment with institutional enrollment goals.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):
Essential duties:
- Serve as the primary contact for international prospective students and their families across all student populations, including short-term study, undergraduate study, graduate study, and limited support for law school programming.
- Qualify prospective international recruitment agents and firms to ensure strength of reputation, quality of student, etc.
- Cultivate and steward international recruiting agents and firms to empower them to recruit on behalf of Widener.
- Develop and implement international recruitment initiatives including travel (individual and group), interviews and presentations, digital and print communication, virtual engagement, and yield activities at the undergraduate and graduate level.
- Maintain key relationships with high schools and universities, as well as with sponsoring agencies, government entities, and other stakeholders to maintain a pipeline of talented international students.
- Assist with on-campus admissions and yield events, including Widener Days and Admitted Student Days.
- Holistically review international applications for admissions and scholarship eligibility.
- Conduct international credential evaluations.
- Work closely with other university departments to ensure a seamless experience for international students from application to matriculation.
- Develop, analyze, and respond to data reports while remaining current with market research and trends.
Secondary responsibilities:
- Ability to serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for Widener University
- Contribute to international student orientation and move-in support.
- Participate in on-campus activities related to international student engagement and support.
- Support the training and onboarding of student ambassadors and campus partners involved in international recruitment.
- Assist with pre-departure and post-arrival communications for incoming international students.
- Support hosting of international delegations, partners, and counselor visits to campus.
- Participate in university committees or initiatives related to internationalization or enrollment, as assigned.
- Represent Widener at national and international conferences and professional forums as needed.
- Recommend updates for program webpages and printed publications.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in related field
- Experience in college/university admissions, with at least 2 years of international admissions experience, including individual travel and market development.
- Must have U.S. citizenship or Legal Permanent Residency as per U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requirements for DSO and ARO
- Experience in developing and managing international recruitment counselor and stakeholder networks.
- Experience in providing excellent and timely customer service to prospective international students and other stakeholders.
- Ability to independently review and process applications from international students in a timely manner.
- Ability to organize and manage in-person and virtual international admission recruitment initiatives.
- Knowledge of international student markets and mobility trends, and ability to utilize data to assess, evaluate, and validate decisions.
- Demonstrated success working collaboratively with various internal and external constituencies.
- Persuasive oral communication skills, including excellent public speaking skills; strong written and interpersonal communication skills.
- Highly self-motivated and independent critical thinker.
- Advanced problem-solving capabilities, creativity, and strong work ethic.
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks concurrently, coupled with excellent organizational skills and a high standard for accuracy.
- Valid U.S. passport and ability to travel internationally and domestically at time of hire for periods of time.
Preferred:
- Master’s degree
- Experience living or studying outside of the U.S. and working with non-native English speakers.
- Proficiency in language(s) other than English.
- Familiarity with Slate Technolutions.
- Experience supervising student ambassadors who support international recruitment activities.
- Proficiency in managing various social media platforms to connect and actively engage with prospective international students.
- Ability to strategically utilize and analyze data to make informed recommendations and decisions.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:
- This position requires frequent international and domestic travel by air, land, or sea, including extended periods of time away from campus.
- Must be able to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and occasionally during holidays, particularly during recruitment seasons and travel periods.
- This is a campus-based position and requires in-person presence in the office at least four (4) days per week when not traveling.
- Extended workweeks may be required during international travel or peak recruitment cycles.
- Must be able to lift and transport recruitment materials and travel gear weighing up to 70 pounds.
- The role requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, and navigate airports, schools, and event venues for extended periods of time.
- Must be comfortable working across multiple time zones and maintaining productivity in high-demand, fast-paced environments.
- The position may involve prolonged screen time and consistent use of digital communication tools and software platforms.
- Ability to maintain composure and effectiveness during high-volume travel, flight delays, or challenging environmental conditions is essential.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy.
Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.
EOE M/F/V/D
