A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

We are seeking a highly motivated and dynamic School Recruitment Specialist to join our team as a Research Technician Intermediate. This individual will lead efforts to recruit schools nationwide to participate in the Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey, a critically important research project. As a School Recruitment Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs (ATOD) research and directly impact the study's research outcomes nationwide. Your persuasive abilities, strategic mindset, and strong interpersonal skills will be crucial in building long-term partnerships and convincing schools to join our research. MTF is a large-scale, national study of American youth, making it one of the most prominent research efforts within the Survey Research Center (SRC) at the Institute for Social Research (ISR). Since its inception in 1975, MTF has collected data from well over a million respondents. The study is supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and has been ongoing continuously for several decades.

Recruitment - 40%

Engage with school principals nationwide to encourage participation in the MTF survey. Build trust through clear, persuasive communication and professional outreach. Manage a caseload of 100+ schools, including cold calls and consistent follow-up contact attempts.

Development - 40%

Maintain strong relationships with school contracts through consistent communication. Create clear, persuasive materials and messages that highlights the value and impact of MTF participation

Documentation - 20%

Maintain accurate records and track school communications using project databases. Understand MTF survey goals and procedures to communicate the studies purpose and methodology effectively. Stay current on education and prevention trends to support to conduct informed outreach

• High school diploma or Associate's degree
• 2-3 years of experience in recruitment, sales, public relations, or school administration
• 1-2 years of experience conducting direct outreach (phone and email) to engage stakeholders and secure commitments (e.g., participation agreements, sales conversions, or partnerships)
• Demonstrated record of persuasive communication, including crafting tailored messages and handling objections effectively.
• Proven ability to build and maintain professional relationships with diverse audiences such as educators, administrators, or community partners
• Experience using CRM or database systems to manage outreach activity and track progress toward goals
• Familiarity with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office applications, and Zoom for efficient communication and collaboration

• Five or more years of experience in school administration, particularly as a principal, or significant involvement in working closely with schools
• Collaborative team player who can work effectively with cross-functional teams
• Familiarity with research methodologies and survey administration
• Experience in overcoming objections and converting prospects into active participants
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop targeted recruitment strategies

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

The Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan seeks to create a community of respect and authentic collaboration by recruiting and retaining individuals that represent a variety of voices as a reflection of our commitment to serve the people of Michigan, to maintain the excellence of the university, and to ground our research in varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning.

This position will be on-site at the University of Michigan offices in Ann Arbor, with flexible scheduling and remote opportunities made available within our overall Center policies. If relocation is required, we will allow for reasonable time and flexibility to make necessary arrangements.

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Institute for Social Research job openings are posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. This opening will be removed from posting boards and filed any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.