Description
The Graduate Recruitment Team in the Faculty of Graduate Studies is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Senior Specialist.
The University of Calgary is a research-intensive university with a focus on graduate education. Currently there are approximately 7200 registered graduate students across 70+ programs. The Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) is the faculty of registration for all graduate students and is accountable for administration and support of the graduate student journey.
The University of Calgary's Ahead of Tomorrow strategic plan has an objective of increasing graduate enrolment to 15,000. This target will be supported by the development of innovative, future-focused programs and credentials with relatively broad appeal as well as focused graduate recruitment initiatives led by FGS and implemented both centrally and collaboratively within teaching faculties and programs to achieve institutional recruitment goals. This full-time, permanent position in the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) will work closely with the existing Senior Specialist, Graduate Recruitment to play a lead role in development and implementation of marketing, business development, and student recruitment initiatives within FGS and in support of graduate programs. The incumbent will be responsible for lead generation and conversion across a portfolio of prospective students.
Reporting to the Senior Consultant, Graduate Recruitment, the Senior Specialist will work closely with the FGS team as well as with leadership, faculty and staff in graduate programs and other units across the university and liaise with other universities and external stakeholders as needed.
This position is part of AUPE. Most work is conducted during business hours of 8:30 am - 4:30 pm; however, availability outside of these hours is anticipated due to role accountabilities. Some travel is required to attend recruitment events both within and outside of Canada.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
Strategic
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Contribute to the development of recruitment plans and strategies that align with the University's and Faculty's strategic direction and priorities, including recruitment targets, locations of focus, and types of activity and materials that promote the University of Calgary as a destination of choice for quality graduate education through various media and in-person events.
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Determine the best channels and tactics to reach multiple target audiences and propose targeted strategies that result in a steadily increasing number of students in graduate programs and credentials.
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Collaborate with other departments and stakeholders to integrate CRM data into other systems and processes, such as marketing automation, communication campaigns, and reporting tools, to streamline recruitment efforts and enhance data-driven decision-making.
Student Recruitment
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Serve as the primary FGS point of contact and advisor to graduate programs and faculties across the University of Calgary, providing strategic advice and guidance on graduate recruitment tactics, outreach activities, and engagement strategies that align with faculty goals, recruitment priorities, and available resources. Foster collaborative partnerships, identify opportunities for growth, and support the development and implementation of effective recruitment plans.
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Lead, plan, coordinate, and execute all FGS Graduate Recruitment Signature Events, as well as recruitment workshops, webinars, information sessions, and other outreach activities.
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Responsible for event strategy, project planning, timelines, stakeholder engagement, logistics, communications, budget management, and post-event evaluation, ensuring all activities are delivered effectively, align with institutional recruitment objectives, provide an exceptional prospective student experience, and support lead generation, conversion, and graduate enrolment goals.
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Strategically source new prospects and leads via email, fairs, and networking opportunities.
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Participate in relevant conferences, fairs, and networking events to represent the University and promote graduate programs to prospective learners.
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Follow up on connections and leads to validate potential prospects; build and cultivate prospective relationships.
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Provide excellent customer service to prospective graduate students, responding to inquiries, providing program information, and guiding them through the application process.
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Working together with the Recruitment Communications Specialist, coordinate and implement approved marketing campaigns, including digital and social media marketing, email campaigns, and print materials, to promote graduate programs and increase awareness.
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Develop and maintain a strong understanding of the University's graduate programs, admission requirements, and scholarship opportunities to provide accurate and up-to-date information to prospective students.
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Research and develop specific prospect segments for programs, including individual learners and employers in the corporate, public, and non-profit sectors.
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Develop and maintain a comprehensive database of prospective graduate students in the Slate CRM system, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information is entered and regularly updated.
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Working together with the Senior Consultant, lead the maintenance and future development of recruitment initiatives housed within FGS, including regularly reviewing and analyzing the effectiveness of these platforms/initiatives and making recommendations for improvements as needed.
Reporting & Analysis
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Monitor and analyze recruitment metrics and data to inform decision-making, assess the effectiveness of the recruitment strategy, and adjust strategies as needed to achieve recruitment and business development objectives.
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Assist with the development and tracking of budgets related to graduate recruitment and marketing initiatives, tracking expenses, and ensuring cost-effective strategies are implemented.
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Provide regular reports and updates on recruitment activities, metrics, and outcomes to the Manager, internal stakeholders, and leadership to inform decision-making and demonstrate the impact of recruitment efforts.
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Records and tracks activities and progress related to external stakeholders in Slate CRM.
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Achieves defined targets (e.g., numbers of learners attracted/admitted, funding support confirmed, organizations and sectors reached, etc.) working within budget, timeline, and strategic goals of both FGS and the Programs.
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Use the CRM system to manage and track all activities related to graduate recruitment, including recording interactions with prospective learners, employers, associations, government programs, and other stakeholders.
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Use CRM data to identify trends, patterns, and insights to guide recruitment strategies, target specific markets or demographics, and optimize recruitment efforts.
Generate reports and analytics from the platforms housed within FGS to measure their performance, track engagement metrics, and inform decision-making related to recruitment strategies and content updates. -
Maintain accurate records and documentation related to FGS Recruitment platforms (The Ambassador Platform (TAP), Custom Viewbook, Goin), including content updates, analytics, and reports, and provide regular updates to stakeholders on the performance and progress of these initiatives.
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Train and onboard staff members and stakeholders on how to effectively use the CRM system for recruitment purposes, providing guidance, support, and resources as needed.
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Lead the testing of the CRM system implementation and maintenance for FGS.
Qualifications / Requirements:
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At minimum, an undergraduate degree in a related field, graduate degree preferred.
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5 to 7 years of experience working in student recruitment is strongly preferred (related areas may be considered).
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A thorough understanding and appreciation of graduate education and the Canadian university environment is a strong asset, as is experience working directly with student ambassadors.
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Comprehensive knowledge of recruitment trends, international education systems, and awareness of the social, cultural, and economic issues that affect graduate student enrolments.
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Excellent networking skills and the ability to make meaningful connections that lead to relationship building and prospect conversion are required.
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Experience developing and implementing recruitment and marketing campaigns via multiple modalities (digital, print, in-person).
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Proven ability to set and meet lead generation and recruitment targets related to recruitment, sales, and/or marketing.
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Proven experience working with a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system (experience with Slate/Technolutions is an asset).
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Significant project and large-scale event management experience demonstrating the ability to facilitate collaborative delivery that crosses multiple departments and supports institutional goals.
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Demonstrated success in coaching, mentoring, and being the resource to other departments in implementing new initiatives, including change management activity.
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Must be results-oriented, showing initiative and creativity to identify areas for improvement and to implement potential solutions.
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Able to work in a fast-paced, multi-functional environment focused on excellent customer service.
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A valid passport and the ability to travel within and outside of Canada for recruitment activities.
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Ability to lift and carry boxes of 20 to 25 pounds.
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A positive, collaborative, and supportive leadership style.
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The ability to establish objectives and to implement strategic plans to meet those objectives.
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Demonstrated excellence in written and verbal communication skills.
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Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective partnerships and work collaboratively with clients/students, staff, and stakeholders at all levels, both internally and externally to the University.
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The ability to manage one's own workload to minimize stress, maintain wellness, and model desired work behaviour.
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Experience and comfort with leveraging technology to deliver high-caliber services and to streamline processes as required.
Application Deadline: July 27, 2026
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist / Advisor Job Family, Phase 3.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
