Advice for Applicants: Assistant Director of International Recruitment (FP395A)

Are you passionate about supporting international students and fostering global connections in higher education? The Assistant Director of International Recruitment position at Old Dominion University (ODU) offers a unique opportunity to help shape the future of international admissions while working in a vibrant, diverse academic community. Below, we offer tailored advice for applicants with an international education perspective to help you prepare a compelling application:

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Why Apply?

This full-time, 12-month role offers the chance to create international impact through student recruitment, program development, and admissions expertise. You’ll play a central role in executing ODU’s undergraduate admissions strategy, working with global partners, counseling prospective students, and contributing to the university’s diverse and inclusive mission. If you’ve gained international experience through study, work, or travel abroad—or you’re passionate about international education—this role could be an excellent fit for your skills and aspirations.

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Key Highlights and What You Need to Succeed

Here’s what the university is looking for—and how you can set yourself apart as an applicant:

1. Education Requirements:

• A Master’s degree in a related field is required; however, a combination of a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and equivalent experience or training may qualify you.

Advice: If your educational background includes coursework or research in international relations, global education, or cross-cultural communication, emphasize how this equips you to work with international student populations.

2. Demonstrated Experience with International Populations:

• You must have experience working with diverse and international communities.

Advice: Highlight specific roles or projects where you interacted with international students, families, or institutional partners. Discuss relevant cultural competency skills, such as navigating cultural nuances or addressing the needs of globally diverse populations.

3. International Mobility and Language Skills:

• Previous experience studying, working, or traveling abroad is required. A foreign language is also required, with additional proficiency preferred.

Advice: Be sure to list any languages you speak fluently, as well as experiences abroad (such as exchange programs, international internships, or volunteering). Explain how your cross-cultural experiences have prepared you to recruit students and liaise with global stakeholders effectively.

4. SEVIS Certification and U.S. Citizenship Requirement:

• The position requires SEVIS DSO/ARO certification, which is contingent on U.S. citizenship.

Advice: If you already have experience working with SEVIS or managing F-1 visa international students, clearly explain your familiarity with the policies and processes. If you don’t, discuss your ability to rapidly learn complex government systems and focus on your detail-oriented approach to compliance.

5. Recruitment and Marketing Expertise:

• You will be responsible for developing recruitment initiatives and managing relationships with international partners, including third-party agents, high school counselors, and community organizations.

Advice: Share examples where you’ve successfully developed or executed recruitment plans, especially in multicultural or global contexts. Discuss how you’ve used data to track trends and how you’ve aligned marketing strategies to meet institutional goals.

6. Collaboration and Communication Skills:

• The job requires excellent communication skills (written and verbal), as well as the ability to work in a team environment and manage multiple deadlines.

Advice: In your application, provide examples of how you’ve collaborated cross-departmentally or worked within fast-paced environments to resolve challenges. Discuss any experience speaking to large groups, conducting interviews, or crafting international marketing materials tailored to diverse audiences.

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Preferred Qualifications: How to Stand Out

While not required, meeting the preferred qualifications will make your application more competitive:

• Degrees with an international emphasis: If your academic background includes areas like international relations, global marketing, or foreign language studies, and you’ve applied that knowledge to your career, emphasize this.
• Familiarity with F-1 Student Visa Policies: If you’ve managed or supported international students in navigating F-1 visa issues, be sure to address your track record working with U.S. immigration policies.

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Application Tips: Showing Your International Perspective

To make a strong impression, incorporate the following strategies:

1. Customize Your Cover Letter:

– Highlight how your experiences align with the role’s responsibilities, especially in international recruitment. For example, if you’ve managed recruitment fairs abroad or partnered with high schools globally, describe the scope of your work and the relationships you built.

1. Showcase Data-Driven Impact:

– Provide tangible examples of how you’ve increased enrollment, created innovative recruiting strategies, or used data analysis to understand trends in enrollment from specific regions.

1. Emphasize International Competence:

– Discuss how you’ve worked with stakeholders from varying cultural contexts (such as international families, agents, or academic institutions). Be specific about how you foster connections and build bridges across differing expectations and systems.

1. Illustrate Marketing Savvy:

– Share examples of how you’ve successfully used social media, personalized email campaigns, or international events to reach prospective students.

1. Include Evidence of Cultural Adaptability:

– If you’ve navigated challenges related to working across time zones, communicating with non-native English speakers, or resolving cultural misunderstandings, offer concrete examples of your adaptability.

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How to Apply

To apply, submit your application through the ODU Job Portal at https://jobs.odu.edu/postings/23173. Make sure your resume, cover letter, and any supporting materials clearly demonstrate your international education experiences and address all required and preferred qualifications.

Bonus Tip: Tailor your materials to emphasize ODU’s commitment to diversity and equity. Share how your own values align with the university’s mission to provide global and inclusive educational opportunities.

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Final Notes

Old Dominion University is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

By framing your global perspective, cross-cultural awareness, and international recruitment expertise in your application, you’ll be well-positioned to join ODU and advance its mission to serve students from around the world