Associate Director, Employer Relations and Career Operations

North Carolina State University•Raleigh, NC

47d

About The Position

The NC State Poole College of Management is a nationally recognized, research-driven and student-centered business school housed at a top-tier public university known for excellence in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Guided by NC State's land-grant mission, Poole delivers high-value, high-return business education that's accessible, practical and impactful. With 4,400+ students, 35,000+ alumni and 190+ faculty and staff, Poole is a vibrant community of scholars, teachers, advisors, career coaches and industry experts dedicated to student and alumni success. In just over 30 years, the college has built a strong reputation, with several business analytics programs consistently ranked in the top 10 in the nation. Poole offers a robust portfolio of academic and non-credit programs, including undergraduate degrees in accounting, business administration and economics; professional master's degrees in accounting (MAC), business administration (MBA) and management (specialized master's); master's and doctoral degrees in economics in collaboration with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; as well as graduate certificates, Executive Education and Lifelong Learning programs. The college prepares students for successful careers through high-impact experiences such as practicum projects, case competitions, career mentorship and global programs so they graduate with the skills, connections and confidence to lead. Our faculty are thought leaders who publish in leading academic journals and share timely insights through the Poole Thought Leadership platform. Academic departments include Accounting; Economics; Finance; Information Technology, Analytics and Operations (ITAO); Management, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MIE); and Marketing. Our signature initiatives - including the Business Analytics and AI Initiative, Business Sustainability Collaborative, Enterprise Risk Management Initiative, and Supply Chain Resource Cooperative - connect students and faculty with industry to tackle real-world challenges. Poole is fully accredited by AACSB. Explore how we think and do: poole.ncsu.edu This position is open for current NC State Employees only, permanent or temporary. Wolfpack Perks and Benefits As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone. The Poole College of Management Career Center is seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as the Associate Director of Corporate Relations & Operations. This role drives the development of impactful industry partnerships and oversees key operational functions that enhance career outcomes for both undergraduate and graduate students. As a member of the Career Center's leadership team, the Associate Director works collaboratively across the college-with faculty, advancement, academic affairs, alumni engagement, and student services-to build a thriving employer engagement ecosystem that connects students with meaningful career opportunities.

Requirements

Master's degree or Bachelor's degree plus alternative or equivalent professional training and experience.
At least three years of professional experience in a fast-paced collaborative graduate-level academic environment.
Demonstrated strong verbal and interpersonal skills to build relationships with wide range of stakeholders.
Demonstrated problem-solving, time management and organizational skills.
Demonstrated knowledge of CRM tools, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint (or similar software).
Strong customer service orientation, in person, on phone, and via e-mail.
Excellent written English and grammar usage, basic math skills.
Proven ability to lead and work as part of a team.
Ability to quickly learn career resource software.
Attention to detail.
Must be able to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Nice To Haves

Understanding of university operations, policies and procedures.
Experience with social media such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.
Experience in budget management, tracking accounts payable and receivable.
Event planning experience.
Previous professional experience working in undergraduate and/or graduate business programs.

Responsibilities

Lead the strategy for cultivating, managing, and expanding a portfolio of corporate partnerships that support recruitment, High Impact Experiences, and integration of industry into the academic environment.
Develop a suite of engagement opportunities that connect employers with students across programs.
Conduct regular partner meetings to identify hiring needs, recommend engagement strategies, and ensure exceptional partner satisfaction.
Identify and pursue new strategic partners through proactive outreach.
Serve as a liaison to college leadership and internal stakeholders to expand employer engagement opportunities.
Oversee all campus recruiting activities, including career fairs, employer panels, TREKs, information sessions, coffee chats, and interviews.
Create and implement policies, marketing efforts, and engagement strategies that drive strong student participation and high-quality recruiting outcomes.
Establish systems and metrics to assess event effectiveness and employer engagement impact.
Lead the Shared Services team supporting communications, technology platforms, administrative operations, and event logistics across undergraduate and graduate career units.
Build workflows, processes, and performance metrics that drive operational excellence.
Supervise staff, manage the employer relations budget, and ensure accurate data and reporting across platforms.
Strengthen partnerships with academic departments, centers, institutes, and university-wide career offices to ensure coordinated employer relationship management.
Contribute to student programming focused on industry insights, recruitment timelines, and career pathways.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to create and enhance employer partnerships across campus.
Provide additional support aligned with the strategic goals of the Career Center and the Poole College of Management.