Recruitment, Communications, & Alumni Relations Coordinator

Columbia University; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia University in New York is seeking a Recruitment, Communications & Alumni Relations Coordinator for the Institute of Human Nutrition. The role combines student recruitment, communications, digital marketing, and alumni relationship-building to support the MS program and broader Institute activities.

Reporting to the Director of Operations and MS Program Director, the coordinator will manage CRM communications, create materials, coordinate events and digital presence, and ensure branding

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in education and experience required.
• Plus 3 years related experience in higher education or communications.
• Master’s degree in digital marketing is preferred.
• Experience with CRM systems (Element451, Slate, Salesforce) encouraged.
• Experience supporting graduate student recruitment or admissions is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate recruitment activities for the MS in Human Nutrition program.
• Manage recruitment communications through the CRM and email platforms.
• Coordinate virtual and in-person recruitment events and information sessions.
• Develop recruitment materials: brochures, presentations, digital ads.
• Collaborate with program leadership to support enrollment strategies.
• Maintain recruitment records and generate enrollment trend reports.
• Respond to inquiries and provide admissions information.
• Assist with admissions communications as needed.
• Coordinate communications and marketing initiatives for Institute programs.

Skills

Communication skills

Organization

Project coordination

Digital marketing

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master’s degree in digital marketing

Tools

Element451

Slate

Salesforce

CMS

Adobe Creative Suite

Canva

Job description

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $70,000-$85,000

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

The Recruitment, Communications & Alumni Relations Coordinator supports the Institute of Human Nutrition’s recruitment, communications, marketing, and alumni engagement initiatives. Approximately 45% of the position is dedicated to recruitment for the Master of Science in Human Nutrition program, 40% supports communications and marketing for the Institute, and 15% focuses on alumni engagement and relationship-building.

Reporting to the Director of Operations and the MS Program Director, the Coordinator collaborates closely with the MS Program Assistant, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and University partners to recruit prospective students, maintain the Institute’s digital presence, develop communications materials, strengthen alumni engagement, and promote the Institute’s academic programs, continuing education activities, research initiatives, and events.

The ideal candidate is a highly organized, creative professional with experience in higher education recruitment, communications, digital marketing, and relationship management.

Responsibilities

Student Recruitment & Admissions

• Coordinate recruitment activities for the MS in Human Nutrition program, including prospective student communications, admissions outreach, and applicant engagement.
• Manage recruitment communications through the Institute’s CRM and email marketing platforms, including inquiry responses, email campaigns, and event follow-up.
• Coordinate virtual and in-person recruitment events, webinars, information sessions, graduate fairs, and campus visits.
• Develop recruitment materials including brochures, presentations, digital advertisements, and informational resources.
• Collaborate with the MS Program Director and admissions staff to support enrollment management strategies and applicant conversion.
• Maintain accurate recruitment records and generate reports on recruitment activities and enrollment trends.
• Respond to prospective student inquiries and provide information regarding admissions requirements, program offerings, and student resources.
• Assist with admissions communications and special recruitment initiatives as assigned.

Communications & Marketing

• Coordinate communications and marketing initiatives that promote the Institute’s academic programs, continuing medical education programs, research activities, faculty accomplishments, and community engagement efforts.
• Maintain and update the Institute’s websites, ensuring content is accurate, current, accessible, and aligned with University branding standards.
• Develop and manage content for social media platforms, including calendars, creating posts, monitoring engagement, and supporting audience growth.
• Create and distribute email newsletters, announcements, and marketing campaigns using approved communication platforms.
• Design and coordinate promotional materials including flyers, brochures, presentations, digital graphics, and event materials.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to highlight Institute news, publications, awards, educational programs, and special events.
• Assist with photography, video coordination, and other multimedia projects that support Institute communications.
• Monitor website and social media analytics and recommend strategies to improve engagement and communications effectiveness.
• Ensure consistency in branding, messaging, and visual identity across all Institute communications.

Alumni Relations

• Coordinate alumni communications, including newsletters, announcements, alumni spotlights, and event promotions.
• Maintain alumni contact information and assist with the development of alumni engagement strategies.
• Support planning and promotion of alumni networking events, webinars, reunions, and professional development opportunities.
• Develop alumni success stories and career outcome profiles for use in recruitment materials, website content, social media, and Institute publications.
• Collaborate with Institute leadership and faculty to strengthen alumni engagement and encourage continued participation in Institute activities.
• Assist with alumni surveys, career outcome data collection, and other initiatives that support program assessment and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate alumni communications and outreach in support of fundraising initiatives, donor engagement, and Institute advancement efforts.

General Administrative Support

• Support Institute events, educational programs, and outreach activities through communications and logistical coordination.
• Coordinate projects with University Communications, CUIMC Marketing, admissions staff, and external vendors as needed.
• Maintain communications calendars and assist with project timelines and deadlines.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of Institute priorities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in education and experience required, plus 3 years related experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in digital marketing or a related field.
• Experience working with CRM systems (such as Element451, Slate, Salesforce, or similar enrollment management platforms).
• Experience supporting graduate student recruitment or admissions.
• Interest or experience in nutrition, public health, health sciences, or academic medicine.

Other Requirements

• Experience working in an academic or higher education setting is required.
• Expertise in using email marketing platforms and social media management tools.
• Expertise with website content management systems, basic graphic design, and digital communications.
• Demonstrated experience supporting student recruitment, admissions, or enrollment initiatives.
• Experience managing websites using a content management system (CMS).
• Experience creating and managing social media content for an organization or institution.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar design software and common communications platforms

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.