MPH Recruiter and Employer Engagement Specialist - Cornell University : Job Details

Cornell Public Health seeks a dynamic and strategic MPH Recruiter and Employer Engagement Specialist to drive student recruitment, strengthen employer partnerships, and enhance program visibility. This dual role is instrumental in shaping the composition of incoming graduate cohorts and increasing career opportunities for students and alumni.

Serving as the primary representative for prospective students as well as industry partners, the specialist will lead recruitment initiatives, manage admissions communications, and develop employer engagement strategies to build a strong network of hiring partners. This position requires a proactive approach to recruitment and career services, that is both highly personal and data driven, ensuring that the program attracts top talent while fostering relationships with key industry stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Collaborate with leadership to develop and execute a comprehensive recruitment strategy aligned with the College's and University's strategic plan.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective students, managing inquiries and communication as well as managing and hosting on campus visits.
• Organize and attend recruitment events, both in-person and virtually.
• Represent Cornell Public Health and University at recruitment functions including graduate fairs and presentations at select undergraduate institutions.
• Maintain personalized communication with applicants throughout the admissions cycle ensuring timely responses regarding application requirements, deadlines, and missing materials.
• Develop employer engagement strategies to streamline outreach, deepen relationships, and expand recruitment opportunities.
• Organize networking events, workshops, and on-campus recruitment initiatives.
• Maintain a portfolio of employer partners and expand industry connections aligned with program values.
• Serve as a key liaison between students, alumni, and industry partners to enhance employment outcomes.
• Assist with program-wide events, including orientation and graduation.

The ideal candidate will be proactive, strategic, and passionate about public health, utilizing data-driven approaches to maximize recruitment and employer engagement efforts. Strong communication, relationship-building, and analytical skills are essential, along with the ability to leverage technology and data to drive strategic decision-making. This is a full-time position located in Ithaca, NY that includes travel and occasional evening or weekend commitments.

Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance are not available for this position.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with up to 2 years of exemplary, high-impact higher education or public health work.
• Demonstrated experience in student recruitment, admissions, or public health-related program management.
• Proven ability to engage with and support a diverse population of students, staff, faculty, and collaborators.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience in outreach, marketing, or communications, with the ability to effectively convey program value and engage prospective students and employers.
• Ability to take ownership of projects and represent the program effectively.
• Strong data-driven decision-making capabilities, with an ability to analyze and report on recruitment metrics.
• Ability to work independently while also being an effective team member in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Flexibility and adaptability in managing competing priorities and responsibilities.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required for recruitment events and employer engagement activities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in a relevant field (MPH, Student Personnel Administration, Higher Education Administration, etc.) with three years of relevant higher education or public health experience is preferred.
• Experience in employer engagement, partnership development, or career services.
• Familiarity with public health career pathways, workforce trends, and employer needs.
• Demonstrated success in organizing and executing events, including virtual and in-person recruitment efforts.
• Background in working with both domestic and international student populations.

What We Offer:

Great benefits! Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.

• 3 weeks of paid vacation
• 13 additional holiday days with 2 floating holidays to use at your discretion
• An award-winning employer provided benefits program
• Comprehensive health care options
• Access to wellness programs
• Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
• Generous retirement contributions
• Impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, Tuition Aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance program

About the program:

Cornell University offers professional training toward a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree to prepare public health leaders to advance health and well-being, equitably for all people and sustainably for our planet.

Our program is founded on three pillarsSustainability, Equity, and Engagementthat inform our approach to teaching, research, service, and practice. The combination of our core curriculum, four concentration areas of deeper training, and engaged-learning approach give our students uncommon flexibility in developing the skills they need to make an impact in their desired careers. And, by working with community partners, our students turn theory into practice while preparing to become future leaders of the public health workforce.