Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Full Time
Reports to: VP, Student Recruitment & Strategic Partnerships
Location: Toronto, ON
About IBU
International Business University (IBU) stands as Ontario’s first independent not-for-profit university. Having received Ministerial consent for full accreditation in 2020 and DLI approval in 2023, IBU is Ontario’s only not-for-profit independent University. Our foundation draws inspiration from the world’s most esteemed independent universities, creating a ‘next generation’ model characterized by innovation, agility, and responsiveness. IBU is focused on being a truly student-centric, industry-aligned university, executing the best practices of today to build the future talent relevance of tomorrow. IBU is committed to curricula and learning experiences that seamlessly blend rigorous academic preparation with practical skill development, reflecting emerging technologies, evolving societal needs, and the future demands of the global workforce.
Position Summary
The Director of Student Recruitment is a strategic and visionary leader responsible for driving the growth, quality, and diversity of student enrollment across all academic programs. This role is pivotal in shaping and executing comprehensive recruitment strategies that align with the institution’s mission, values, and long-term goals. Reporting to the VP, Student Recruitment & Strategic Partnerships, the incumbent will lead a high-performing team of recruitment professionals and collaborate cross-functionally with various departments and external partners to attract and enroll a robust pipeline of qualified students. A data-driven and innovative mindset, coupled with exceptional leadership and relationship management skills, are essential for success in this role.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and lead a comprehensive, enterprise-wide student recruitment strategy that aligns with the university’s mission, growth goals, and enrollment targets.
- Provide leadership, mentorship, and performance oversight to Regional Managers and Advisors across domestic and international markets.
- Set measurable recruitment objectives and performance metrics; evaluate regional strategies to ensure consistent execution, alignment, and effectiveness.
- Oversee the development and execution of market-specific outreach strategies, including partnerships with educational institutions, agents, and corporate organizations.
- Develop and implement industry-leading community and business development initiatives that strengthen the university’s presence, partnerships, and reputation in key markets.
- Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to design targeted campaigns that position the university competitively and generate high-quality leads.
- Monitor global and regional trends in higher education, demographics, and student mobility to inform recruitment strategy and identify new opportunities for growth.
- Drive cross-functional collaboration with Admissions, Student Experience, Academic Leadership, and Finance to align recruitment with program offerings, student support services, and financial aid strategies.
- Lead the development of recruitment forecasting models, territory management frameworks, and funnel optimization strategies to improve conversion and yield rates.
- In collaboration with Marketing, design and implement comprehensive engagement frameworks that guide prospective students seamlessly from inquiry to enrollment, leveraging personalized, multi-channel touchpoints to maximize conversion, strengthen relationships, and enhance the student experience.
- Establish and oversee consistent onboarding, training, and development frameworks for all recruitment staff and ensure performance calibration across regions.
- Manage departmental budget, allocating resources effectively to maximize return on recruitment investment across all channels.
- Represent the university at key domestic and international events, conferences, and strategic forums to elevate brand presence and cultivate high-impact relationships.
- Champion equity, diversity, and inclusion by embedding access-oriented practices into all recruitment initiatives and ensuring outreach to underrepresented markets.
- Evaluate the performance of recruitment strategies through regular reporting and data analysis; present insights and recommendations to senior leadership.
- Ensure compliance with institutional policies, international recruitment standards, and regulatory requirements across all markets.
- Other related duties as required.
The successful candidate will have the following essential qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, higher education, or a related field (master’s degree preferred).
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in student recruitment, enrollment management, or higher education marketing, including at least 5 years in a senior or director-level leadership role.
- Demonstrated success in designing and leading large-scale, multi-region student recruitment strategies that drive measurable enrollment outcomes.
- Strong leadership and team management skills, including experience with hiring, coaching, and developing high-performing teams.
- Deep understanding of global recruitment markets, student decision-making behaviours, and international education trends.
- Proven ability to navigate government relations, immigration policy, and regulatory frameworks to ensure recruitment strategies remain compliant, competitive, and adaptable to policy changes.
- Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to represent the institution to diverse audiences with professionalism and credibility.
- Proficiency in using CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and data analytics tools to drive strategy and evaluate performance.
- Proven experience managing budgets, assessing ROI, and making data-informed strategic decisions.
- Experience meeting targets, generating new business and building/maintaining client relationships in existing and new market sectors.
- Experience with managing agent partner networks, B2B partnerships, in-country representatives and developing new third-party student recruitment and institutional partnerships.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in recruitment and admissions practices.
- Strong organizational and change management skills, with the ability to drive innovation and continuous improvement in a complex environment.
- Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusive excellence in recruitment practices.
- Availability to travel nationally and internationally as needed to support recruitment objectives and institutional partnerships.
Application Process
To formally express your interest in this opportunity, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter to [email protected]. In your cover letter, please highlight your qualifications for the role and share what inspires you about the prospect of contributing to a rapidly scaling, purpose-driven organization. We look forward to reviewing your application. See our website www.ibu.ca for further information about this new and exciting opportunity.
We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Please note that we will only contact individuals who are moving forward in the selection process.
IBU values and embraces diversity, equality and inclusion as fundamental to our mission to educate students for career success in the business world today. Our desire is to ensure that our institution is a welcoming, inclusive, respectful, and safe environment for everyone. As an institution operating on traditional lands of Indigenous Peoples and communities, IBU recognizes its obligation as a member of the Ontario postsecondary system to join the path of reconciliation with Indigenous People. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you require disability-related accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please contact us at [email protected] and we will be happy to accommodate your needs under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
- Company events
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision care
Application question(s):
- What is your understanding of global recruitment markets, student decision-making behaviours, and international education trends?
- Can you share a summary of your experience managing budgets and assessing ROI to make data-informed strategic decisions?
Education:
- Master’s Degree (preferred)
Experience:
- student recruitment or higher education marketing: 10 years (required)
- senior or director-level leadership role: 5 years (required)
- managing agent partner networks: 5 years (required)
- B2B sales/partnerships: 5 years (required)
- meeting targets, generating new business : 5 years (required)
- Salesforce: 5 years (preferred)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
