Outreach and Admissions Specialist

Title: Outreach and Admissions Specialist

Location: Houston United States

Job Description:

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

STRIVE is a national leader in workforce development solutions, empowering individuals to discover their best future selves through innovative, evidence-based career training and holistic, lifelong support. STRIVE partners with employers, funders and community organizations to close gaps in workforce needs and help local economies thrive.  Founded in East Harlem, NY, in 1984, STRIVE has grown from its roots to now offer programs in locations across the country.

For more than 40 years, STRIVE has been a catalyst for economic change and prosperity in underserved communities. Our tuition-free skills and job readiness training, one-on-one support and lifetime personal coaching prepare students for careers in high-growth industries such as healthcare, construction and logistics. With a proven pathway to possible, 80% of STRIVE students graduate, 76% attain employment and 70% retain employment long-term.

Looking to the future, STRIVE has embarked on an ambitious ten-year growth plan to increase its impact in more locations nationwide, aiming to serve up to 10,000 individuals each year by 2033.

We meet individuals where they are, providing free programs tailored to adults 18+, including those impacted by the justice system. At STRIVE, there is always a path forward.

See why STRIVE has been the pathway to possible for more than 40 years in our 3-minute mission video.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Outreach and Admissions Specialist will work as part of the team to interview and assess students for readiness to participate in STRIVE’s Career Path program before and after application submittal. The Outreach and Admissions Specialist will drive student recruitment through community partnerships, outreach events, and pipeline management. Track performance using CRM systems and collaborates with program staff to meet enrollment goals and support a positive student experience.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Partner with the Program Director to develop and execute strategies to meet enrollment goals.

· Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, referral partners, and stakeholders to generate qualified candidate pipelines.

· Represent STRIVE at community events, information sessions, and outreach activities (including occasional evenings and weekends).

· Plan and coordinate recruitment events to attract prospective students.

· Maintain and update community partnership and distribution lists to support outreach efforts.

 

Admissions & Enrollment

· Manage the full admissions lifecycle, from initial engagement through enrollment and onboarding.

· Facilitate information sessions, orientations, and onboarding processes for prospective students.

· Review and process applications, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with program requirements.

· Administer and track skills assessments, including retesting as needed.

· Ensure all required documentation is collected prior to training start dates.

· Refer qualified candidates to final interviews and participate in selection discussions.

 

Data Management & Reporting

· Track and monitor student recruitment and outreach activities using CRM systems (e.g., Apricot).

· Maintain accurate and timely data on leads, applications, and enrollment metrics.

· Generate and share weekly reports on recruitment performance, including pipeline activity and conversion rates.

 

Collaboration & Operations

· Maintain consistent communication with program staff on student recruitment progress and upcoming cohorts.

· Manage student recruitment materials and supplies for outreach and events.

· Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for prospective and enrolled students.

· Perform additional duties as assigned.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

· Associate’s degree preferred or a minimum of 2 years of experience working with populations facing barriers to employment (e.g., long-term unemployment, criminal justice involvement, or substance abuse history).

· Strong verbal and written communication skills; public speaking experience is a plus.

· Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment as well as collaboratively within a team.

· Proficient in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

· Strong attention to detail and ability to manage a high-pressure, high-volume workload.

· Professional demeanor with the ability to engage with diverse personalities.

· Data analytical skills preferred.

Location: This position may initially be fully remote and will transition to fully in-person, Monday through Friday, at STRIVE’s Houston office once a permanent office location is established. 

STRIVE considers applicants for all positions without regard to: race; color; religion; gender; national origin; age; sexual orientation; marital or veteran status; the presence of a medical condition, genetic information or handicap, unrelated to performing the tasks of the job; or any other legally protected status.