Associate Director of Employer & Student Engagement

University of Arkansas•Union, NJ

2d•Onsite

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 Associate Director will: 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.

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.