Search Manager, Watson Institute at Lynn University

Overview of Watson Institute

Watson Institute powers transformative Fellowships in partnership with leading corporations and foundations to support highly promising, historically disenfranchised rising entrepreneurs and leaders. The Fellowships provide proven entrepreneurship and leadership skills training, committed mentorship, community development stipends, long-term Alumni support, and access to a global community of peers, mentors, and opportunities.

In partnership with JPMorganChase, Walmart.org, Ford Philanthropy, Comcast, Google, Western Union Foundation, Truist Foundation, BMO, and several private foundations, Watson Institute’s programs will reach over 2,400 rising leaders this year.

Alumni of Watson Institute’s Fellowships have raised over $185 million, created over 1,900 paid jobs, and impacted 10 million people around the world through initiatives they help lead. 90% of Watson Institute alums are employed, continuing their education, or building a venture. This is on par with leading business schools, yet all of the Fellowships Watson Institute powers are free. 99% of Watson Institute Alumni use a skill they learned while in a Watson Institute powered program up to 10 years later. Watson Institute’s Alumni have been selected to Y Combinator, the Echoing Green Fellowship and ten have been named to Forbes’ 30 under 30 lists. Alums continue their education at Harvard University, New York University, and Princeton University, among others. 

Search Manager  – Mission Statement

The Search Manager at Watson Institute at Lynn University is driven by a mission to identify, attract, and enroll 21+ high-potential students per cohort who are passionate about Social Impact and Entrepreneurship. Through innovative and strategic recruitment efforts, the Search Manager plays a critical role in building each cohort, ensuring that students are inspired from the start and equipped to reach their full potential and create a lasting impact.

Detailed Position Breakdown:

Search & Outreach Strategy (75% of the time):

• Design and Execute Comprehensive Search Strategy: Develop and implement a multifaceted recruitment strategy aimed at attracting 25–35 purpose-driven students with a goal of enrolling 21+ students annually. This includes identifying target demographics, crafting personalized outreach plans, and leveraging data analytics to optimize recruitment efforts.​

• Develop and Manage Relationships with Key Recruitment Partners: Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with high schools, community-based organizations, nominator networks, and university partners. Engage in regular communication, provide program information, and collaborate on joint initiatives to enhance recruitment pipelines.​

• Represent the Program at Conferences, Fairs, Schools, and Virtual Events: Act as the primary ambassador for the program by attending and presenting at conferences, college fairs, high school visits, and virtual events. Utilize these platforms to raise awareness, build relationships, and generate interest among prospective students.​

• Develop and Implement Targeted Marketing Campaigns: Create and execute targeted marketing campaigns, including digital advertising, social media outreach, and email newsletters, to reach prospective students and inform them about program offerings, application processes, and deadlines.​

• Utilize Data Analytics to Optimize Recruitment Efforts: Analyze recruitment data to identify trends, assess the effectiveness of outreach strategies, and make data-driven decisions to improve recruitment outcomes.​

Lead Generation & Funnel Management (10% of the time): 

• Generate and Nurture a Strong Pipeline of Qualified Leads: Implement outreach campaigns, host informational sessions, and engage in networking activities to generate a robust pipeline of qualified leads. Follow up with prospects to maintain engagement and move them through the recruitment funnel.​

• Use CRM Systems to Track, Analyze, and Optimize Lead-to-Application Conversion Metrics: Utilize Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems to track interactions with prospective students, analyze conversion rates, and identify areas for improvement in the recruitment process.​

• Develop Compelling Communications and Content: Create engaging content, including emails, social media posts, and informational materials, that effectively communicate the program's value proposition and resonate with prospective applicants.​

• Implement Lead Scoring and Segmentation Strategies: Develop and implement lead scoring models to prioritize high-potential prospects and segmentation strategies to tailor