Early Careers and University Relations Lead

Forgent•Columbus, OH

About The Position

Forgent is seeking a strategic and hands-on Early Careers & University Relations Lead to design, build, and scale a best-in-class early talent strategy. Reporting to the VP of Talent Acquisition, this role will own the development and execution of Forgent’s university engagement, internship programs, and entry-level hiring pipelines. The Lead will operate with a high degree of autonomy in building and executing programs, while partnering closely with the VP of Talent Acquisition, who provides strategic oversight and ensures alignment with enterprise talent priorities.

Requirements

6–10+ years of experience in university relations, early careers recruiting, or campus talent programs
Proven experience building or scaling early careers initiatives in a corporate or high-growth environment
Strong relationship management and stakeholder influencing skills
Demonstrated ability to manage programs end-to-end with measurable outcomes
Experience driving diversity recruiting initiatives within early talent pipelines

Nice To Haves

Experience in [relevant industry—consulting, tech, professional services, etc.]
Background working in a mid-sized or high-growth company environment
Familiarity with applicant tracking systems (ATS) and campus recruiting tools
Strong analytical mindset with experience using data to inform talent strategies

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive early careers strategy aligned with Forgent’s workforce planning and growth priorities
Design scalable recruiting programs for interns, co-ops, and entry-level hires across key functional areas
Establish KPIs and metrics to measure program success (conversion rates, diversity outcomes, retention, performance)
Identify and build strategic partnerships with target universities, colleges, and talent pipelines
Create and manage campus engagement plans including career fairs, info sessions, and leadership engagement
Cultivate relationships with faculty, career services, student organizations, and diversity-focused groups
Lead end-to-end recruiting for early career talent, including sourcing, interviewing, and offer management
Develop innovative sourcing strategies leveraging digital platforms, events, and partnerships
Deliver a best-in-class candidate experience that reflects Forgent’s values and culture
Design and manage structured internship and early career development programs
Partner with business leaders to ensure meaningful project work, mentorship, and feedback loops
Drive intern-to-full-time conversion strategy and onboarding experiences
Build Forgent’s brand presence on campus and across early-career talent channels (social, events, partnerships)
Collaborate with marketing and communications to craft compelling messaging and campaigns
Leverage storytelling and employee ambassadors to differentiate Forgent in competitive markets
Embed DEI priorities into all early careers initiatives
Expand partnerships with HBCUs, HSIs, women’s colleges, and other diverse institutions
Track and improve diverse representation across early talent pipelines
Partner with hiring managers and leadership to forecast early talent needs and hiring plans
Collaborate with HR, L&D, and business leaders to create development pathways for early talent
Provide regular updates and insights to the VP of Talent Acquisition and executive stakeholders
Partner closely with the VP of Talent Acquisition to align early careers strategy with broader organizational goals, with the VP providing strategic guidance and final alignment on key program decisions
Proactively bring forward recommendations, insights, and program innovations to inform leadership decision-making
Ensure all early talent initiatives are aligned with enterprise talent strategy, hiring priorities, and workforce planning