Career Program Director

University of Notre Dame•Notre Dame, IN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Fitzgerald Institute for Real Estate (FIRE) at the University of Notre Dame is seeking an ambitious, relationship-driven Director of Career Development & Industry Engagement to lead career strategy and corporate partnerships for the Institute's growing real estate community. This high-visibility role is designed for a dynamic leader who excels at bridging academia and industry. The Director will be the primary architect of the employer network and the driving force behind FIRE Ignite and FIRE Forge, the Institute’s flagship career accelerators. This position requires collaboration with various University departments, including the Mendoza College of Business, the Meruelo Family Center for Career Development, and Mendoza’s External Engagement teams. The goal is to champion Notre Dame's talent nationally and contribute to shaping a world-class real estate program.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business, finance, economics, or a related field (required)
5–6 years of relevant experience, ideally in real estate, career services, or industry relations
A natural relationship-builder with excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strategic thinker who can also execute - comfortable managing multiple partnerships and priorities at once

Nice To Haves

An established network in real estate and/or investments is a strong plus
Familiarity with ARGUS or real estate financial modeling is a plus
Enthusiasm for Notre Dame's mission and Catholic character

Responsibilities

Expand Corporate Network: Build and cultivate high-value relationships with leading real estate firms, institutional investors, and alumni employers to maximize internship and full-time placement outcomes.
Serve as Primary Industry Liaison: Act as the central point of contact for employers seeking Notre Dame real estate talent.
Cross-Campus Alignment: Partner closely with Mendoza’s External Engagement teams (Alumni and Corporate Relations) to streamline outreach, share contacts, and maximize broader institutional partnerships.
Market Intelligence: Track real estate industry trends, hiring cycles, and market shifts to inform strategy and student preparation.
Lead Flagship Programs: Direct and evolve FIRE Ignite and FIRE Forge, ensuring students master industry-standard skills, real estate modeling, and interview readiness.
Personalized Guidance: Coach students through career discernment, recruiting strategy, and placement—with a strong focus on commercial real estate investing, development, and finance.
Cross-Program Support: Collaborate with the Meruelo Center for Career Development and MBA leadership to support real estate career efforts across campus.
Benchmarking & Analytics: Monitor placement metrics, analyze recruiting trends, and benchmark peer institutions to continuously elevate student outcomes.
Design and execute high-impact industry treks, workshops, guest lectures, and networking events connecting students with executive leadership.
Create exceptional, high-touch experiences for employers and guest executives visiting campus.
Showcase student achievements, alumni successes, and partner highlights across social media, digital platforms, and campus news outlets.