Job Description

The Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics seeks to hire a motivated and responsible Recruitment Coordinator and Partnership Manager. This individual will work independently to recruit for, administer, and manage the department's online master's degree program and work with the department's Kohl Chair and Kohl Centre Director plus others on campus and off to build and maintain strong external relationships and partnerships.

The Recruitment Coordinator and Partnership Manager for online programs will successfully recruit students for our online master's and certificate programs. The position leads the enrollment goals of the program by recruiting and evaluating prospective applicants, conducts informative consultations, and represents AAEC (virtually and in-person) at information sessions and events at relevant forums and venues in the U.S. and beyond.

Provides knowledge and insight into admissions guidelines and policies and provides superior support to applicants throughout the inquiry and admissions process. Works with the team to help develop and execute the recruitment, marketing, and admissions operations strategy. Able to understand, track, and analyze recruitment metrics to refine strategies and improve outcomes. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of our programs, courses, and faculty to effectively communicate the value proposition to prospective students and potential education partners. Serves as a member of the M.S. Online Committee. Maintains a current database of leads with frequent communications. Works closely with the Graduate Program Professional Coordinator and Communications and Marketing Manager.

This position will work with the Kohl Centre Chair and, as appropriate, the college's Business Development Officer, and staff in Virginia Tech's Link+License+Launch office to seek, develop, and forge strong industry partnerships. The selected candidate will initiate university-industry relationships that may include but are not limited to, research and capstone project agreements, internship opportunities, and custom programming and executive training. The successful candidate will seek and negotiate contracts/agreements, and provide client relationship management, and outreach services.

The candidate should proactively maintain and strengthen existing relationships. Regularly communicates with existing partners to ensure their needs are met and explore opportunities for new and deeper collaborations. Helps organize events, workshops, and seminars in collaboration with current and prospective industry partners to enhance the Centre's missions and goals. Monitors and reports on the success and impact of these partnerships, recommending improvements and, as appropriate, suggesting new opportunities.

Vital to this role is working in tandem with the department's Communications and Marketing Manager to research and identify university-industry clients to aid in the successful outcomes for the candidate as well as marketing and communications strategies to promote the Centre's mission, capabilities, development of client proposal packages, and success stories and social media.

Requires ability to work weekends and evenings as necessary; requires periodic regional and national travel. Hybrid position with some onsite work in Blacksburg, Virginia expected.

Required Qualifications

* MBA or M.S. degree in marketing, communications, sales management, or a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
* At least two years of experience in marketing, advertising, communications, sales, and/or recruitment relevant to an academic or professional setting.
* Strong organizational, verbal and written communication, and project management skills.
* Knowledge and experience working with a diverse audience.
* Ability to work independently and responsibly.
* Willingness to travel to identify, engage, and cultivate relationships with potential industry partners.

Preferred Qualifications

* Working knowledge of academic programs, including curricula, admissions requirements, and financial aid programs at Virginia Tech.
* Experience building and maintaining cooperative relationships with schools, universities, community organizations, and similar organizations and institutions.
* Some knowledge of data analytics tools and their application.
* A working knowledge of the agribusiness sector in Virginia, the U.S., and beyond.

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

$55,000 - 70,000

Review Date

12/03/2023

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight , a , a college, , and . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous and . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.