Recruitment & Engagement Specialist - Western Canada

JOB DESCRIPTION

PURPOSE:  

To develop and coordinate recruitment activities and strengthen strategic partnerships for Cape Breton University primarily in Western Canada. This position strengthens CBU’s student recruitment and community engagement efforts in Western Canada by increasing CBU’s presence in the market, nurturing relationships with partner institutions and establishing and leveraging transfer pathways. The Recruitment and Engagement Specialist position directly contributes to the university’s objective to attract more domestic students by enabling greater reach, increasing supports for prospective students and by growing CBU’s strategic partnerships.  

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:   

• Develop and manage operational recruitment and engagement strategies for Western Canada that support the university’s overall strategic enrollment management plan.
• Work with Marketing Manager to execute marketing strategy for the Western Canada region along with advising on the use of marketing channels to reach target audiences (social media, digital advertising, out-of-home, etc.)
• Work with internal stakeholders, including Deans and faculty members, to develop program-specific recruitment and engagement plans that are relevant to the industry and to the local market.
• Building and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders for direct-entry prospective students (Guidance Counsellors, Teachers, Administrators, Coaches)
• Building and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders for transfer prospective students (College Pathways Managers, Academic Partnership Coordinators, and Centres for Education)
• Engaging prospective students and their influencers with 1:1 meetings, information sessions, engagement events, and on-campus tours when applicable
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to develop a strategic plan to attract and support both students of African descent and Indigenous students from Western Canada.
• Travel within Western Canada to deliver recruitment presentations, attend education fairs, and participate in other engagement activities.
• Manage logistics of CBU owned events and brand activations at partner or industry events.
• Work with alumni office to develop relationships with CBU alumni to assist with recruitment activities and alumni engagement.
• Liaise regularly with fellow Recruitment & Engagement team members across Canada and with the Manager, Domestic Recruitment to ensure regional priorities and activations ladder up to national objectives and strategic enrollment goals.
• Collaborate with other CBU departments to review and improve prospective student experience from the point of inquiry through the student lifecycle.
• Undertake market research to drive student recruitment, brand development, regional sponsorships and strategic partnership development. Analyze this recruitment data and enrollment trends using CRM (Recruit) and Microsoft Excel, to inform the development and execution of recruitment and marketing plans related to strategic enrollment management goals.
• Manage budgets related to recruitment and engagement efforts in the Western Canada market.
• Play an active role in representing CBU at events and stakeholder engagement opportunities.
• Must uphold the University’s obligations to confidentiality and protection of personal information.
• Other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

• Completion of an undergraduate degree with preference given to additional relevant postgraduate education or qualifications
• Minimum of 5 years’ of related experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written).
• Excellent time management skills.
• Experience developing and managing relationships with partners and key stakeholders.
• Experience working within an integrated marketing and communications team.
• Experience working in a goal-oriented sales and business development environment.
• Experience managing small to medium sized stakeholder engagement events.
• Ability to identify, prioritize, and manage multiple strategic initiatives that support the university’s strategic enrollment management plan.
• Ability to work independently and manage workload, identifying and prioritizing CBU’s needs within the market, while contributing to a positive and collaborative team environment.
• Ability to build and nurture dynamic partnerships and relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to relate and respond to diverse student populations.
• Ability to analyze and leverage data to inform strategy that aligns to national domestic recruitment goals, informed by CBU’s strategic enrollment management plan.
• Ability to critically review and advise on sponsorship and partnership opportunities, leading activation and relationship management strategies.
• Ability to develop and communicate relevant insights based on research and experience to inform strategic planning and development of marketing and recruitment plans.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office programs, web platforms, and experience working in a Customer Service Management software.
• Ability to accommodate flexible work hours, including evenings and weekends, as necessary.
• Current driver’s license with the ability and willingness to travel.

This position is located in market, and we are flexible on the Province you are located in from Quebec west to British Columbia

Applications must be received by October 26th 2026.

Press Apply at the op of the page to submit your application today.