Director of Recruitment & Community Affairs

JOB TITLE: Director of Student Recruitment & Community Affairs

EMPLOYEE TYPE: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Chief Development & Communications Officer

LOCATION: Chicago, IL

JOB OVERVIEW

The Director of Student Recruitment & Community Affairs is a strategic partner and liaison to CICS’s School Management Organization (SMO) partners and campuses, responsible for driving student recruitment and enrollment outcomes across the network.

This role is designed for a highly motivated, self-directed leader who can operate with urgency in a dynamic environment—identifying gaps, testing solutions, and implementing data-informed strategies that drive results. The Director ensures strong execution at the school level, builds and optimizes systems, and holds teams accountable for lead generation, conversion, and enrollment performance.

In parallel, this role supports advocacy efforts, building relationships with elected officials and community partners to increase visibility, strengthen trust, and support long-term enrollment growth.

This position requires a strong on-the-ground presence across Chicago neighborhoods, including regular school visits, community engagement, and flexibility to work evenings and weekends during peak recruitment seasons.

RESPONSIBILITIES

School Partnership & Accountability

• Serve as the primary recruitment liaison to SMOs and campuses.
• Ensure high-quality execution of recruitment and enrollment strategies.
• Monitor performance and hold teams accountable for results.
• Promote and scale best practices across the network.

Data Analysis, Insights & Action Planning

• Analyze recruitment and enrollment data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
• Translate data into clear, actionable strategies for varied audiences, including school staff, operations teams, and leadership.
• Track weekly performance and drive continuous improvement.

Enrollment Pipeline, Growth & Performance Management

• Support schools in managing the full enrollment pipeline from inquiry through retention.
• Ensure consistent use of systems (e.g. Finalsite, GoCPS) to track leads and follow-up.
• Implement new strategies to expand the pipeline, including referrals and alumni engagement.
• Track effectiveness of pipeline strategies and scale those that drive results.

Campaigns, Events & Performance Optimization

• Strengthen recruitment outcomes through high-performing campaigns, events, and outreach.
• Support schools to execute multi-channel recruitment strategies (digital and community-based).
• Track performance and refine approaches based on results.

Community Affairs, Advocacy & Visibility

• Foster relationships with elected officials and community partners.
• Increase CICS visibility and presence in priority neighborhoods.
• Positively represent CICS to strengthen trust and partnership in local communities.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Strong ability to use data to drive decisions and results.
• Proven experience managing performance and holding others accountable.
• Ability to operate independently and execute in ambiguous environments.
• Strong relationship-building skills across diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to operate independently and adapt quickly in a dynamic environment.
• Willingness to be highly present in schools and communities across Chicago

REQUIREMENTS

• 5 years of experience in recruitment, marketing, community affairs, or related fields.
• Experience working in urban communities and multi-site organizations preferred.
• Ability to travel frequently across Chicago neighborhoods and school locations.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed, particularly during peak recruitment periods.