Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!

Carnegie Mellon University is seeking an Associate Director of Student Recruitment to play a key role in the recruitment and enrollment of graduate students at its location in Rwanda, Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa). This position will oversee and manage recruitment strategies, serving as key ambassador for CMU-Africa to prospective students, both regionally and internationally. The Associate Director will develop and execute targeted recruitment strategies, engage with internal and external stakeholders, and help expand CMU-Africa’s visibility and reach among potential graduate students.

Inclusion, collaboration, excellence, and integrity are valued proficiencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a leader who can optimally collaborate with a diverse population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values, thrives in an exciting and complex environment, and who will embody the mission of the university through their work.

About Carnegie Mellon University:

Established out of a partnership between Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and the Government of Rwanda, CMU-Africa is addressing the critical shortage of high-quality engineering talent required to accelerate the economic development and digital transformation of Africa—home to the fastest growing workforce in the world.  CMU-Africa was established in 2011 and is the only U.S. research university offering its master’s degrees with full-time faculty, staff and operations in Africa. CMU’s presence in Rwanda provides a platform to engage in Africa’s most significant opportunities and challenges across the continent through world-class education and contextually relevant research.

Our vision is to educate and empower the next generation of African leaders and innovators by delivering a world-class educational experience. CMU-Africa’s mission is to produce creative and technically strong engineers, who have been trained in the African context, and prepared to make transformative impact in their communities and the world.

We are a fast-growing campus with over 300 enrolled students, aiming to grow to 400 in the next couple of years.  Our size and exponential growth create a sense of camaraderie and excitement, with strong community ties and a compound sense of accomplishment in our team members, contributing towards mutually beneficial relationships between staff and students.

About the Role:

As CMU-Africa’s Associate Director of Student Recruitment, you will partner with the Director of Enrollment Management and Student Success to create and implement a comprehensive graduate student recruitment strategy, ensuring alignment with CMU-Africa's strategic goals for enrollment and diversity. While specific responsibilities will vary, they will include, but will not be limited to, the following:

Core Responsibilities:

Outreach and Engagement: Build relationships with potential graduate students, educational institutions, and professional organizations across the African continent and beyond. Host and attend recruitment events, fairs, and conferences locally and internationally.Leverage CMU-Africa Faculty Expertise: Work with faculty and to understand the unique strengths of CMU-Africa’s graduate programs and ensure the messaging is tailored to attract the right students.Marketing Efforts: Partner with CMU-Africa’s Marcoms team to develop and execute digital and traditional marketing campaigns targeting prospective students. This includes working with the marketing team to develop materials such as brochures, websites, and social media content.Provide Guidance to Applicants: Support prospective graduate students throughout the application process, providing guidance on admission requirements, program offerings, and career outcomes.Track and Analyze Recruitment Metrics: Monitor and analyze recruitment data to assess the effectiveness of recruitment strategies and make data-driven decisions to improve future efforts.Cultivate International Relationships: Act as the primary liaison for international student recruitment, forging partnerships with universities, organizations, and other stakeholders across Africa and beyond.Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and refine recruitment tactics, adapting to trends in higher education and shifting regional or global demographics.Support Diversity and Inclusion: Work towards enhancing diversity by developing recruitment practices that attract students from underrepresented groups and diverse backgrounds.Responds to routine and non-routine inquiries from applicants concerning the application process, notification, financial aid information, conditions and program requirements.Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Master’s degree required; preferably in Education, Business Administration, or a related field.Minimum of 5 years of experience in student recruitment, admissions, or a related higher education role, with at least 2 years in a leadership position.A sales and marketing background in high-growth organizations may also be considered.Fluency in English is required; proficiency in French and/or other African languages is a plus.

Skills and Competencies

Strong public speaking and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate a wide variety of people; intuitive, empathic communicator who can quickly build rapport, trust, and credibility. Experience speaking to both large and small groups.Demonstrated ability to work effectively with students and others from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds.Strong understanding of the higher education landscape and international recruitment.Proven experience in developing and executing successful recruitment strategies, including experience with digital marketing, event planning, and relationship-building.Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing multiple projects simultaneously.Strong analytical skills and the ability to use data to inform decision-making.Exceptional planning and organizational skillsA passion for working with young adults, an unshakable belief in their potential, and a strong commitment to the mission of CMU-AfricaAbility to travel extensively, both domestically and internationally is essential.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits available to eligible employees.

Those employees who are benefits eligible have the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of advantages from comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance to an enticing retirement savings program offering a generous employer contribution. You can also unlock your potential with tuition benefits and take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays. Finally, rest easy knowing you are covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Other perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and so much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits that may be awaiting you, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond just credentials, we consider the role and responsibilities, your invaluable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We acknowledge and appreciate your unique skills and the diverse perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Kigali, Rwanda

Job Function

Admissions and Financial Aid

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information: 

Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world. 

Click here to view a listing of employee benefits

Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran. 

Statement of Assurance