Specialist, Student Recruitment at Aga Khan University (AKU)

Founded in 1983 as Pakistan’s first private university and fully chartered in Kenya in 2021, The Aga Khan University (AKU) is a private, autonomous, and self-governing international university, with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries over three continents. An integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network, AKU provides higher education in multiple health science and social science disciplines and carries out research pertinent primarily to low- and middle-income countries. The University is both a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change.

The School of Nursing and Midwifery’s East Africa campuses are committed to offering a coordinated response to the increasing need for health sector reform in the region. Since its inception in 2000, the school has seen 2,388 graduates join the ranks of innovative, qualified, working nurses and midwives in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Job Purpose/Summary

The Specialist, Student Recruitment will be responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating marketing strategies that advance the objectives of the School of Nursing and Midwifery (SONAM) Tanzania. The role will focus on strengthening engagement with prospective students, alumni, partners, and other stakeholders while driving student recruitment and supporting the coordination of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs. The Specialist will also ensure that all initiatives are aligned with AKU’s institutional priorities and are informed by market trends and data-driven insights to optimize recruitment outcomes.

Position Responsibilities

• Develop and implement student recruitment strategies across all levels and modalities in close collaboration with SONAM Management, Strategic Communications, and Academic Registrar.
• Plan and execute marketing campaigns and outreach activities targeting prospective students, alumni, healthcare institutions, and academic partners.
• Conduct ongoing market research to assess student preferences, emerging trends, and competitor offerings to inform marketing strategy.
• Coordinate and represent SONAM at recruitment events, open days, career fairs, school visits, and conferences across Tanzania.
• Organize and deliver recruitment-related events including workshops, applicant visit days, and campus tours, ensuring all logistics are in place.
• Develop targeted marketing content, including brochures, digital media posts, and presentations to effectively communicate SONAM programs.
• Provide timely, clear, and accurate information to prospective students and parents regarding admissions, scholarships, deadlines, and the application process.
• Track and follow up with applicants throughout the admissions pipeline to ensure timely application completion and maximize conversion rates.
• Maintain and grow relationships with SONAM alumni to support recruitment and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Lead coordination of CPD activities: oversee course planning, budget development, material preparation, scheduling, and faculty support.
• Ensure quality assurance and continuous improvement of CPD programs, including implementation of SOPs and periodic evaluations.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to promote CPD offerings and secure enterprise opportunities.
• Produce weekly/monthly recruitment reports and analysis of marketing effectiveness, providing recommendations for campaign optimization.
• Maintain accurate records and data on recruitment and CPD activities, including attendance, feedback, and application tracking.
• Ensure compliance with AKU’s mission, vision, and strategic direction in all marketing and recruitment efforts.

Skills, Qualifications, and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing/public relations/Communication or related field. Master’s degree is an added advantage.
• 3–5 years of relevant work experience with proven success in stakeholder engagement and client relationship management preferably in an academic environment.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and digital/social media tools.
• Demonstrated creativity, attention to detail, and commercial awareness.
• Ability to work collaboratively and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Demonstrated robust interpersonal and communication abilities, along with the capacity to effectively collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders within a diverse community.
• Familiarity with matters related to student recruitment and retention.
• A good understanding of the extensive array of academic departments, curricula, and programs offered at university level.
• Organizing and coordinating skills.
• Familiarity with the admission policies, standards, and procedures of university enrolment.