Outreach Associate Jobs in Aurora, IL (NOW HIRING)

AMDA College of the Performing Arts, with campuses in New York City and Hollywood, is one of the foremost post-secondary performing arts colleges in the country. AMDA offers various pathways for students to receive unparalleled performing arts education taught by world-class industry professionals, including Professional Conservatory Certificates as well as undergraduate and graduate degrees (Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Associate of Occupational Studies, Master of Fine Arts and Master of Arts).

AMDA is currently seeking a full-time Outreach Advisor based in Chicago, Illinois. AMDA Outreach Advisors are an integral part of the Outreach Department. Under the guidance of the Director of Outreach, the Outreach Advisor will conduct and schedule a variety of outreach initiatives including, but not limited to, college fairs, thespian festivals, dance competitions, AMDA auditions, school visits, and a variety of regional strategic initiatives for the purpose of promotional marketing, lead generation, and business development.

Responsibilities include interaction with prospective students and their families, guidance counselors, teachers, and other educational personnel, both in person and over the phone. This position requires the ability to anticipate project needs, establish priorities, manage multiple responsibilities, and meet deadlines.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and attend outreach/recruiting events, such as regional, state, and national thespian festivals, high school and community college visits, career days, college fairs, international conferences, competitions, and private AMDA events.
• Staff and conduct regional auditions and compile audition paperwork and statistics.
• Work with the Director of Outreach on reporting and data analysis.
• Function as a liaison, network, build relationships, and reach out to prospective high schools and their guidance counselors, drama teachers, and students both nationally and internationally.
• Contribute copywriting to AMDA's external messaging and branding, including outreach communication plans to educators and potential applicants.
• Meet with drama teachers, guidance counselors, and other school officials to deliver marketing materials and presentations.
• Work with AMDA faculty to conduct auditions domestically and internationally.
• Help brainstorm, develop, and execute strategic outreach initiatives, both domestically and internationally.
• Work with teachers and guidance counselors to book group visits to campus.
• Meet with the Admissions team regularly to review the Admissions process.
• Assist with external communications to educators.
• Help organize and strategize a variety of Outreach-based initiatives.
• Deliver presentations at outreach events and auditions.
• Research events to determine which events to attend and complete the registration process.
• Spend a significant amount of time traveling as required by the position.
• Travel primarily throughout the designated region, with national and/or international travel as needed.
• Work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.
• Reach out to top performers from recent auditions, provide information on AMDA, and answer questions from prospective students.
• Maintain current knowledge of AMDA programs, enrollment processes, and scholarship programs to communicate effectively with prospective students.
• Report progress to the Director of Outreach daily.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Excellent sales and presentation skills, with the ability to speak effectively in front of large audiences and demonstrate strong networking skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Zoom.
• Experience with Talisma and Citrix is preferred.
• Strong copywriting skills.
• Understanding of higher education marketing practices, including effective social media practices.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and follow-up skills.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize responsibilities, work independently and collaboratively, and perform effectively under pressure.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required by the position.
• Additional language proficiency is a plus.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Prior business travel experience, including travel booking and expense reconciliation, is preferred.
• Previous higher education admissions/outreach experience and/or outside sales experience in a related field is preferred.
• Promotional marketing or trade show experience is helpful.
• Experience in the performing arts is preferred.
• Professional experience in a performing arts field is preferred.

Licenses and Certifications Required

• Valid driver's license required if driving is an essential function of the position.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid passport and be able to travel domestically and internationally as required by the position.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Ability to travel extensively by automobile, air, and other modes of transportation as required by the position.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours during scheduled outreach events.
• Ability to stand and walk and participate in outreach events, presentations, fairs, auditions, and school visits for extended periods.
• Ability to transport and/or handle outreach materials and equipment as required by the position and consistent with applicable safety requirements.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Position Information:

• The regular schedule for this role is 9:00am - 6:00pm. This is subject to change based on department needs.
• The pay range for this position is $64,500-$69,500
• Benefits: Eligible employees may participate in AMDA benefit programs, which may include medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings benefits, paid time off, paid holidays, and other applicable employee benefits. Benefit eligibility and coverage are subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and policies.
• This position is subject to a background check upon a conditional offer of employment and a reference check.
• This is a full-time position based in Chicago, Illinois. The position requires a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, and significant domestic and, as needed, international travel.
• Travel will primarily occur throughout the designated region but may include national and international travel based on business needs.

Diversity and Qualifications:

AMDA is fully committed to diversity, inclusivity, and equity throughout the teaching and learning process. We encourage applications from individuals who have extensive experience working with students from diverse backgrounds.
Successful candidates will have a sensitivity to, and understanding of, the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of our students, including disabilities that may affect students' development and learning styles.
Members of traditionally underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

AMDA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in which no person is subjected to discrimination or harassment on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, supervision, promotion, working conditions, termination, layoff, demotion, transfer, compensation, and training.