Associate Director of Employer & Student Engagement

University of Arkansas System•Union, IA

About The Position

The Associate Director for Employer & Student Engagement develops and implements programs that strengthen career readiness, employer partnerships, stakeholder relationships, and student access to internships and employment opportunities. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is an 1890 Land-Grant HBCU with a diverse student population, competitive degree offerings and stellar faculty. For more than 140 years, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has worked to create an environment that inculcates learning, growth and productivity while affording a basic need to its students – a chance to advance. The 15:1 student to teacher ratio makes it possible to maintain a learning environment with close interaction between students and faculty while challenging curricula encourage our students to seek and fulfill their potential. You can excel in your chosen field of study through a curriculum of Certificate and Associates degree programs, more than thirty Undergraduate programs, Master’s degree programs and a Doctorate program in Aquaculture/Fisheries. You can also develop workplace readiness through internships, co-ops and fellowships in the U.S. and abroad. Out-of-class experiences and student involvement include more than 90 student organizations, an internationally renowned Vesper Choir, Marching Band, Concert Bands, Wind Symphony, nationally recognized debate team, award-winning theater department and accomplished athletic program. Though the main campus is in Pine Bluff, its reach is worldwide. UAPB has an extended campus in North Little Rock and offers as well as online courses. With the addition of the Arkansas Research and Education Optical Network (ARE-ON), students can engage in information exchange with others anywhere in the world. There are also Research and Extension offices in Lonoke, Newport and Lake Village and collaborations with other colleges and universities in the State through the National Science Foundation funded STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Academy. As the second oldest land-grant institution in the state of Arkansas, the mission of this No Excuse University remains the same – to provide a high quality, affordable education with a personal touch. We invite you to Become a Part of the Pride at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

Requirements

A master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, business administration, human resources, organizational leadership, counseling, public administration, or a related field is required.
Demonstrated knowledge of project and program management principles, techniques, and practices.
Strong understanding of performance evaluation methods, assessment strategies, and key performance indicators.
Proficiency in data analysis, reporting, budgeting, and the use of Microsoft Excel or comparable data management software.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and project or program management platforms.
Strong business acumen with the ability to think strategically and align programs with institutional goals.
Excellent organizational, communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
Strong analytical judgment and demonstrated problem-solving abilities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and coordinate complex programs and initiatives.
Experience developing relationships with students, employers, alumni, campus partners, community organizations, and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Develop goals, programs, and initiatives that support the strategic objectives of Career Services and the Emerging Scholar and Leadership Institute.
Plan and coordinate career fairs, employer information sessions, networking events, recruitment activities, workshops, and other student engagement programs from development through completion.
Build and maintain relationships with employers, alumni, community organizations, campus departments, and other partners to expand internship, employment, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for students.
Assist with strengthening stakeholder relationships among students, employers, alumni, campus partners, community organizations, and other external partners.
Engage students through career coaching, workshops, presentations, outreach activities, and programs designed to improve career readiness and workforce preparation.
Coordinate timelines, deadlines, milestones, communications, and operational processes for employer and student engagement initiatives.
Assist with developing, monitoring, and managing program budgets, purchasing processes, contracts, and event-related expenses.
Develop evaluation strategies and assessment tools to measure student participation, employer engagement, program effectiveness, and employment outcomes.
Review program data, reports, surveys, and stakeholder feedback to identify trends, address concerns, and recommend improvements.
Supervise assigned staff, graduate assistants, interns, or student employees by providing direction, feedback, training, and support.
Identify opportunities to improve the efficiency, quality, and effectiveness of career services procedures, programs, and engagement efforts.
Apply change management, risk management, and resource management principles when planning and implementing programs.
Ensure programs, events, employer activities, and student services comply with university policies, legal requirements, and professional standards.
Maintain accurate records of employer contacts, stakeholder engagement, student participation, internships, job opportunities, events, and program outcomes.
Prepare detailed reports, presentations, and updates to keep senior leadership informed of program progress, challenges, accomplishments, and recommendations.