Recruitment, Marketing & Admissions Coordinator

Department: Faculty of Social Work 

Job Type: Limited Term

Full-time/Part-time: Full Time (>=1249 hrs/year) 

Campus: Kitchener 

Reports to: Senior Administrative Officer

Employee Group: WLUSA 

Application Deadline: October 9, 2025

Requisition ID: 10227 

Wilfrid Laurier University is a leading multi-campus university that excels at educating with purpose. Through its exceptional employees, students, researchers, leaders, and educators, Laurier has built a reputation as a world-class institution known for its rich student experience, academic excellence, and global impact. With a commitment to Indigenization and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, Laurier’s thriving community has a place for everyone.

Laurier has more than 21,000 students and 2,100 faculty and staff across campuses in Waterloo and Brantford, as well locations in Kitchener and Milton. The university is committed to providing an inclusive workplace, a flexible work policy and employing a workforce that is reflective of local and national demographics. Laurier's Waterloo, Kitchener, and Brantford campuses are located on the shared traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishnaabe, and Haudenosaunee peoples. This land is part of the Dish with One Spoon Treaty between the Haudenosaunee and Anishnaabe peoples and symbolizes the agreement to share, protect our resources, and not to engage in conflict.  Laurier's Milton campus is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, and part of the Nanfan Treaty of 1701 between the British Crown and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

Position Summary

Faculty overview

Wilfrid Laurier University is a leading multi-campus university that excels at educating with purpose. Laurier has built a reputation as a world-class institution known for its rich student experience, academic excellence, and global impact through its exceptional employees, students, researchers, leaders, and educators. With a commitment to Indigenization and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, Laurier's thriving community has a place for everyone.

The Faculty of Social Work (Faculty) at Laurier offers a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), full-time and part-time Master of Social Work (MSW) and a research-based PhD. The first two degrees, in combination, constitute the professional program accredited by the Canadian Association of Social Work Educators. 

Position Overview

This is a multi-functional leadership position that coordinates and implements all stages of the recruitment, marketing, and admissions strategies for graduate programs at the Faculty of Social Work. Working closely with the Senior Administrative Officer (SAO), the incumbent will implement strategic recruitment, admissions, and marketing plans to advance the Faculty of Social Work nationally and internationally as a destination for high-calibre students and ensure enrolment targets are met each term.

This position is a strategic pillar of the University's enrolment strategy and significantly contributes to our public image among key external audiences. Given the rapidly evolving landscape of post-secondary education, the incumbent's ability to connect personally with stakeholders and continuously enhance recruitment and admissions strategies is paramount.

With a focus on building an inclusive and diverse program, the incumbent will build community relationships while leveraging existing partnerships. The incumbent will have an extensive understanding of institutional knowledge to effectively engage with diverse audiences of varying sizes and formats. In alignment with enrolment goals, the incumbent will guide best practices and collaborate closely with the SAO to formulate marketing and student recruitment plans. The Coordinator will also lead the charge in executing this plan, focusing on responsible resource allocation, both financial and human, and determining the optimal mix of virtual and in-person relationship-building opportunities.

The incumbent will be the first point of contact for diverse applicants considering Laurier’s graduate programs. The incumbent is responsible for actively recruiting, evaluating applications for admissions, facilitating the admission of the highest qualified candidates, and maintaining high recruitment and admission standards to support the credible reputation of the Faculty of Social Work.

The incumbent oversees the admission process and is able to think critically, analyze applicant data, and demonstrate an understanding of mathematical and analytical skills. The Coordinator is responsible for developing and executing training to ensure all staff/faculty/students supporting recruitment and admissions efforts possess a solid institutional knowledge base and providing functional direction to staff who assist with aspects of this role, including during high-volume admission periods.

The ideal candidate is an experienced and tactful communicator with exceptional writing, presenting, and coaching skills. They should be adept at working independently, often with minimal supervision, and be prepared to commit to flexible hours regularly. They should be efficient, customer-oriented, organized, resourceful, analytical, detail-oriented, and have excellent interpersonal skills. The coordinator contributes to a thriving community by consistently demonstrating Laurier’s employee success factors by being collaborative, inclusive, innovative, and accountable.

Accountabilities

Administration, Market Research & Communication

Administration

• Develop efficient systems to implement, monitor, and evaluate standard operating procedures (SOPs), and strategies related to recruitment, marketing, admissions and applicant engagement.
• Maintain all documentation on a shared system, track data regularly, create shared resources and reporting mechanisms (work plans, monthly reports), and maintain archives.
• Utilizing workplans and SOPs, provide training and functional direction to staff supporting identified admission communications and processes.
• Develop expertise in Laurier’s and the faculty’s evolving priorities, curriculum, and policies/procedures that inform recruitment and admission procedures.
• Meet Key Performance Indicators for recruitment, enrolment targets and applicant engagement.
• Write and present internal reports for faculty and university committees.
• Develop reporting mechanisms and oversee the implementation of technologies and database systems to streamline recruitment and admissions data, applicant interest to inform future programming, and stakeholder communication systems.

Market Research

• Research Laurier's academic programs, evaluate market trends, conduct environmental scans on competing institutions, programs, and admission requirements.
• Collect and analyze data on recruitment, potential applicants, avenues for recruitment (e.g. agency settings), and conversion activity recommendations, including travel, events, and virtual engagement.

Communications

• Manages the socialwork@wlu.ca email account and facilitates all communications related to the role through this account.
• Ensures prompt and daily communications with stakeholders.
• Correspond with prospective students, applicants, alumni and stakeholders via phone, social media, email, and in-person while ensuring communications are tactful, customer-centred, and reflect appropriate Laurier policies.
• Track applicant interaction data to inform future applicant engagement.
• With a customer-service lens, respond to inquiries related to recruitment/outreach, admission (standards, assessments, follow-up, decisions, etc.), scholarships, curriculum, financial assistance, student services, and other relevant to this role.

Recruitment Initiatives and Community Outreach

• Utilize current data and market research to identify best practices and opportunities to inform the development of recruitment plans and outreach approaches that attract diverse applicants.
• Manage critical relationships with diverse Laurier stakeholders, which include but are not limited to FSW, faculty, staff, Laurier academic units, Office of Indigenous Initiatives, alumni, Co-Op and Career, CPAM, Faculty of Graduate Studies, Athletics & Recreation, Laurier International, and Teaching, Learning and Retention.
• Leverage FSW and Laurier relationships to develop, implement and oversee a community and alumni engagement strategy.
• Strengthen internal and external relations with a focus on engaging diverse communities.
• Cultivate relationships with organizations, high-level stakeholders and key influencers to promote programs, enhance the FSW’s connections, and attract qualified applicants through 1-1 meetings, correspondence, and approved community-based and virtual recruitment initiatives.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of outreach strategies with a focus on increasing graduate enrolment and applications annually based on identified targets.
• Coordinate logistics to attend approved in-person and virtual recruitment events (e.g. fairs, conferences, info sessions).
• Utilize technology to streamline recruitment engagements.
• Manage marketing materials up to 50 pounds in weight for event transport.

Admissions and Scholarships

Admission planning

• Develop processes to ensure online applicants represent diverse geographical areas without impacting the quality and regional focus for the in-person program.
• Project the appropriate number of acceptances over program offers to meet enrolment targets, which is a required outcome of this role each term.
• In consultation with the SAO, monitor and recommend adjustments to application deadlines based on the number and quality of applications received to ensure enrollment targets are met without compromising high admissions standards.
• Collaborate with faculty to develop entry criteria, design evaluation tools, and train readers to assess candidates based on these criteria.
• Review and assess documents; research other University/College calendars for required course descriptions for evaluation; ensure SOPs and assessment guidelines for local and international applications are up-to-date.
• Audit admissions systems for quality assurance and resolve data issues.
• Create and present customized reports on application trends.
• Proactively anticipate challenges and emerging issues that may impact achieving the admissions targets and develop solutions based on data analysis and research.

Admission process

• Oversee the admissions process and provide functional direction to supporting staff who assist in processing, reviewing and evaluating applications during high-volume periods.
• Perform preliminary analysis of admissions files, which includes compiling summaries of GPAs.
• Assess transcripts and qualifications, accurately calculate GPA average and equivalencies, and verify academic credentials, including international credentials and transcripts.
• Assign files and coordinate logistics for the admissions review processes and evaluators.
• Monitor completion of pre-requisites and adjudicate applicants who meet or do not meet the established admission guidelines.
• Prepare the offer package/admissions decisions and pass complete decisions on to the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies to administer the offer paperwork.
• Submit admissions data through virtual systems and trigger official admission offers or refusals.
• Provide regular updates to SAO on acceptance rates and plans to meet enrolment targets.
• Monitor offers/acceptances, waiting lists, and inform program and field staff of total applicant numbers in a timely manner.
• Communicate with accepted students regarding offers/outcomes with a goal of converting offers into acceptances.
• Clear admissions conditions and recommend final offer.
• Provide academic support and guidance to unsuccessful applicants.

Scholarships:

• Manage a scholarship budget reporting usage and impact to the SAO and Associate Dean.
• Track scholarship allocation and acceptance aligning with target goals.
• Coordinate the scholarship process, recommend scholarships, and communicate with recipients.
• Ensure equitable scholarship distribution based on various criteria and faculty feedback.

Marketing & Communications

Website and Social Media:

• Develop and implement marketing and communication strategies that leverage current and emerging digital technologies to create awareness among prospective students (i.e. social media strategy, updating website content, virtual/digital events, webinars, external blogs, etc.).
• Implement tools to measure the success of marketing and communication activities.
• Facilitate social media communications on approved platforms in collaboration with FSW staff andrespond to social media inquiries.
• Develop and manage strategies for addressing social media-based crises.
• Maintain and enhance the FSW’s media-rich websites (students.wlu.ca, wlu.ca/fsw).
• Consult and collaborate with Graduate Studies, CPAM, and FSW staff to develop and update identified recruitment communications, program information, application requirements, and the FSW website to ensure its effectiveness as a recruitment tool.
• Participate in Laurier's Social Media Administrators Group Training, adhering to brand standards.

Print & Digital Marketing:

• Create and execute print and digital marketing and promotional campaigns to boost enrolment.
• Develop and update visual elements for promotional materials and stock photography.
• Coordinate with Laurier departments to promote social work degrees via advertising campaigns (e.g. display on Laurier screens) for prospective applicants and integrate promotional materials in email campaigns (e.g. Professional Development, Alumni Office).
• Create impactful marketing and communication initiatives to target demographics in geographic areas relevant to part-time and full-time program applicants.
• Maintain archives of print and digital communications.
• Research, write, and edit press releases, news stories, and campus updates in CPA writing style.
• Provide support for enhancing the Laurier FSW brand through marketing initiatives.
• In approved circumstances, act as a spokesperson and primary contact for media interactions.
• Identify and procure vendors for cost-effective SWAG items tailored to the FSW’s needs.
• Process payments through Shop Laurier for marketing-related vendors.

Qualifications

• University degree/post-secondary education in Business, Communications, Marketing, Student Affairs, or related degree.
• Minimum of two years experience in a communications, public relations or marketing role.
• Experience and demonstrated success in at least two of the following areas: recruitment, development of community partnerships/relationships, and admissions/academic assessments.
• Strong project management skills with an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Demonstrated experience developing or implementing strategic plans and digital and social media communication strategies.
• Proven technical proficiency in the creative use of social media applications.
• Exceptional public speaking and presentation skills, including clear and tailored communication to diverse audiences.
• Practical interpersonal and public relations abilities, displaying tact, diplomacy, and persuasion.
• Flexibility to effectively manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Able to deal appropriately with confidential information.
• Ability to think critically, plan effectively, problem-solve, and analyze data is essential.
• Sound analytical skills with attention to detail and thoroughness.
• Familiarity with Laurier social work programs, admission processes, and knowledge of the broader post-secondary sector.
• Must be able to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Banner, Cognos, Website Administration, Photoshop, and relevant online software and applications.
• Valid Ontario driver's license.
• Willingness to travel to community meetings and transport materials to events.
• Availability during evenings and weekends.

This position is deemed eligible for educational equivalencies.

Hours of Work: Please note that this is a Full-Time, Limited Term position until October 2026. The normal hours of work are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Flexibility in hours will be required, including evening and/or weekend work due to events. When possible, the manager will adjust the work schedule so that no more than 35 hours are worked in a week. This role requires daily in person attendance and is not eligible for a flexible work arrangement as per Policy 8.14 (Flexible Work Policy). 

Compensation:

Level: E

Rate of Pay: $42.32 to “$44.74 per hour with an annual step progression on anniversary date up to $48.37 per hour.  Considerations for new hire step placements include, qualifications and length/depth of required experience, relevant market rates for similar jobs, internal equity, and estimated learning curve in starting the job. 

Job Factor Scores:

Wilfrid Laurier University endeavors to fill positions with qualified candidates who have a combination of education, experience, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position while demonstrating Laurier's Employee Success Factors.

Equity, diversity and creating a culture of inclusion are part of Laurier’s core values and central to the Laurier Strategy. Laurier is committed to increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from candidates who identify as Indigenous, racialized, having disabilities, and from persons of any minority sexual and gender identities. Indigenous candidates who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives. Candidates from other equity deserving groups who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact Equity & Accessibility. We have strived to make our application process accessible, however if you require any assistance applying for a position or would like this job posting in an alternative format, please contact Human Resources. Contact information can be found at careers.wlu.ca/content/How-to-apply/

Should you be interested in learning more about this opportunity, please visit www.wlu.ca/careers for additional information and the online application system. All applications must be submitted online. Please note, a resume and cover letter will be required in electronic form.