Assistant Director, Employer Partnerships Co-op

DePaul University • Chicago, IL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Employer Relations - Co-op is responsible for cultivating and managing employer partnerships that generate paid cooperative education opportunities for DePaul University business undergraduates. This hands-on, relationship-focused role involves prospecting new employers, managing a portfolio of existing partnerships, coordinating employer engagement activities, and ensuring students have access to high-quality co-op placements. As part of DePaul's pioneering business co-op program—the only program of its kind in the Chicagoland area—the Assistant Director plays a vital role in building DePaul's reputation as a premier talent pipeline for businesses seeking to develop emerging professionals. This position requires strong relationship-building skills, business acumen, and a commitment to connecting students with meaningful career experiences.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Higher Education, or related field required.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in employer relations, sales, business development, recruiting, talent acquisition, or account management.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for employer events.
• Experience in higher education career services, co-op/internship programs, or student affairs.
• Knowledge of Chicago business community and employer landscape.
• Experience in sales, account management, or business development.
• Knowledge of accounting, finance, and business career pathways.
• Established network within Chicago business community.
• Experience with event planning and coordination.
• Strong relationship-building and networking skills ability to connect with diverse professionals.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
• Sales or business development skills with ability to prospect, qualify leads, and close partnerships.
• Customer service orientation with commitment to employer and student satisfaction.
• Proficiency with CRM systems (Salesforce preferred), job posting platforms (Handshake preferred), and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Self-motivated and results-oriented with ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a startup program environment.
• Occasional travel to employer sites for student visits and relationship building.
• Fast-paced, dynamic startup environment as program builds from inception.

Responsibilities

• Identifies and researches prospective employers in accounting, finance, and other business sectors across Chicagoland and beyond.
• Conducts targeted outreach to employers via phone, email, LinkedIn, and in-person meetings to introduce DePaul's co-op program.
• Delivers compelling presentations and consultative conversations that position the co-op program as a strategic talent solutions.
• Qualifies leads and convert prospects into active employer partners committed to hosting co-op students.
• Leverages alumni, parent, faculty, and donor networks to identify warm leads and partnership opportunities.
• Attends industry networking events, chamber of commerce meetings, and professional association gatherings to build relationships.
• Contributes to team goals of securing 500 employer relationships and 100 paid co-op placements in Year 1.
• Manages a portfolio of employer accounts, serving as primary point of contact for partnership inquiries.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with HR professionals, hiring managers, and business leaders.
• Works collaboratively with employers to develop co-op job descriptions that align with student learning objectives and employer needs.
• Facilitates the posting of co-op opportunities on Handshake and other platforms, ensuring accurate and compelling job descriptions.
• Supports employers through the student recruitment and selection process, including resume referrals, interview coordination, and hiring logistics.
• Conducts regular check-ins with employer partners.
• Gathers feedback from employers on student performance and program quality.
• Coordinates employer participation in career fairs, information sessions, networking events, and on-campus recruiting activities.
• Facilitate employer-led workshops, career panels, mock interviews, and resume review sessions.
• Organizes industry-specific events and career treks.
• Manage logistics for employer visits.
• Ensures exceptional employer experience at all touchpoints, from initial contact through event execution.
• Promotes employer events to students through collaboration with Career Coaching team and student organizations.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date employer records in CRM systems (Salesforce, Handshake, or similar).
• Tracks employer interactions, job postings, student placements, and partnership outcomes.
• Generate reports on employer engagement metrics, job development progress, and placement data.
• Contributes to assessment efforts and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assists with MOU documentation and partnership agreements.
• Supports team projects and initiatives.

Benefits

• Top choice medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Retirement plan matching contribution of 8%.
• Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
• Generous paid time off, sick time, holidays, floating holidays, and more!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level