Sophia Higginbottom-Lodge
Cleveland
Summary
Strategic recruitment manager with expertise in developing tailored systems for diverse candidate pools. Facilitated an 80% interview pass-through rate for underserved candidates through innovative support programs, while leading initiatives that significantly improved recruitment outcomes across multiple states.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager, Professional Recruitment
Teach For America
01.2022 - Current
- Maintained recruitment strategy and relationships in high-volume markets across 5-10 states annually, collaborating with universities and organizations to enhance cross-organizational efforts.
- Evolved typical recruitment management position, for multiple recruitment seasons, from traditional recruitment to a specialized role focusing on the cultivation of applicants who are non-citizens for the recruitment team of 150+ over FY23 through FY25, and operationalized full-cycle recruitment resulting in a 28% increase in offers year over year.
- Introduced and operationalized tailored full-cycle recruitment systems for the entire noncitizen candidate pipeline, yielding a 47% increase year-over-year in matriculated eligible noncitizen qualified candidates.
- Established regular cross-team collaboration to refine and implement recruitment strategies throughout all stages of the recruitment process.
- Inspired and supported hundreds of applicants per year. Facilitated networking and informational events.
- Developed a pilot program for interview preparation assistance targeting underserved candidates.
- Additional organizational involvement: DEI Council, Latinx Advisory Council, Wellness and Leadership Retreat, Multi-racial Multi-ethnic Staff Belonging Community, Harvard University Manage Mentor Program, and continued coaching, learning and development.
Activate Recruitment Fellow
Teach For America
08.2021 - 01.2022
- Collaborated with program alumni and recruiters to engage prospective candidates, motivating them to apply.
- Provided personalized assistance to 100+ candidates throughout application process.
Educator & TFA Corps Member
Cleveland Metropolitan School District
06.2018 - 06.2020
- See Campus International High School and Davis Aerospace and Maritime High School roles.
IB Language & Literature Instructor (9th & 10th Grade) & Research Advisor (9th)
Campus International High School
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Collaborated with experienced educators to develop vertical alignment for Language & Literature K-12 curriculum, enhancing coherence across grade levels.
- Directed theater productions, fostering student engagement and creativity through performance arts.
- Received 'Skilled' evaluation from Ohio Department of Education, reflecting strong instructional effectiveness and commitment to student learning.
Intervention Specialist
Davis Aerospace & Maritime High School
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Co-taught 5 classes while managing a caseload of 30 students, fostering inclusive learning environments.
- Specialized in behavioral interventions and differentiation for special education (mild to moderate).
- Received 'Skilled' evaluation from supervisor at Ohio Department of Education, reflecting effective teaching practices.
- Directed afterschool arts programming, enhancing student engagement and creativity.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - International Studies
Denison University
Granville, OH05-2017
Associate of Liberal Arts - Liberal Arts
Cuyahoga Community College
Cleveland, OH05-2014
Skills
- Recruitment strategy
- Recruiting and interviewing
- Candidate engagement
- Diversity initiatives
- Cross-team collaboration
- Strategic planning
- Data analysis
- Partnership development
Affiliations
- Volunteer & Alumni Mentorship Coordination & BAA Member - Denison University Black Alumni Association (2017 - present)
- Volunteer & Site Coordinator - Right Focused & YOU Summer programming for youth development (2025)
Timeline
Manager, Professional Recruitment
Teach For America
01.2022 - Current
Activate Recruitment Fellow
Teach For America
08.2021 - 01.2022
IB Language & Literature Instructor (9th & 10th Grade) & Research Advisor (9th)
Campus International High School
01.2019 - 01.2020
Educator & TFA Corps Member
Cleveland Metropolitan School District
06.2018 - 06.2020
Intervention Specialist
Davis Aerospace & Maritime High School
01.2018 - 01.2019
Bachelor of Arts - International Studies
Denison University
Associate of Liberal Arts - Liberal Arts
Cuyahoga Community College