Assistant Director of Employer Relations

Position Information Position Title Assistant Director of Employer Relations Job Description Job Summary The Assistant Director of Employer Relations develops and manages strategic employer partnerships that expand internship and employment opportunities for Hillsdale College students and alumni. This position leads employer engagement and campus recruiting initiatives, cultivates and oversees internship partnerships that prepare students for meaningful professional experiences, utilizes employment outcomes and student interest data to strengthen recruiting strategies, and supports student career development by helping students discern their vocation, develop their strengths, and pursue meaningful career opportunities consistent with the Mission of Hillsdale College. Essential Job Functions Develop and manage strategic relationships with employers, alumni, faculty, and community partners to expand internship, employment, and experiential learning opportunities (such as job shadowing, micro-internships, and volunteer work) for Hillsdale College students and alumni. Partner with the Career Services staff to develop and implement employer recruitment strategies for career fairs, employer visits, networking events, classroom presentations, and other campus recruiting initiatives. Expand employer pipelines by cultivating new recruiting partnerships in targeted industries and geographic markets and collaborating with Regional Career Services Officers in Washington D.C. and greater Detroit to strengthen employer relationships, alumni engagement, and professional networking opportunities aligned with student interests. Cultivate and support internship partnerships with local and regional employers that provide meaningful experiential learning opportunities for upper-class students. Monitor internship experiences through regular communication with employers and students to ensure professional expectations, learning objectives, and assigned responsibilities are being met while promoting positive representation of Hillsdale College. Implement strategic engagement plans for key employer partners to strengthen long-term recruiting relationships and increase opportunities for Hillsdale College students and alumni. Advise students individually and in groups on career exploration, vocational discernment, internship and job search strategies, résumé and cover letter development, interviewing, networking, and professional etiquette while helping them identify their strengths and prepare for meaningful careers. Maintain accurate employer relationship records in Handshake by documenting employer interactions, recruiting activity, partnership history, and engagement outcomes to ensure continuity, collaboration, and long-term relationship management. Collaborate with the Career Services data and marketing teams to analyze employment trends, recruiting outcomes, and graduate placement data; support the preparation of the annual Graduate Placement Report; and communicate employment outcomes to inform employer outreach, strategic planning, and departmental initiatives. Partner with faculty, Alumni Relations, Institutional Advancement, and other campus departments to expand experiential learning, employer engagement, and career opportunities for students. Represent Career Services through alumni, employer, and professional organizations while supporting departmental initiatives and advancing the mission of Hillsdale College. Department-Wide Essential Functions Demonstrate a commitment to the mission, moral standards, and expectations of Hillsdale College. Participate in departmental, campus, and off-campus programs and events, including evening and weekend activities as needed. Maintain the confidentiality of student, employer, alumni, and institutional information. Pursue ongoing professional development to enhance job knowledge, skills, and effectiveness. Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and operational objectives of Career Services and Hillsdale College. Required Qualifications Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty competently. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Education and Experience Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree preferred. Experience in higher education, employer relations, career services, talent acquisition, or a related field, including experience working with college students. Demonstrated success developing strategic partnerships and managing external engagement initiatives. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with diverse audiences in professional settings. Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with students, faculty, coaches, employers, alumni, and campus partners while demonstrating discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment. Ability to advise and coach students through career exploration, professional development, and the internship and job search process. Ability to analyze assessment data to strengthen employer engagement and support strategic planning. Strong organizational, project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and thrive in a fast-paced environment. Ability to exercise initiative, creativity, sound judgment, leadership, and confidentiality while advancing departmental and College goals. Preferred proficiency with Handshake and other CRM systems, Microsoft Office applications, reporting tools, and technologies relevant to employer relations and career services. Willingness to travel as necessary to accomplish departmental objectives. Other Skills Physical Demands Personal Characteristics The Career Services Department interacts with students, faculty, staff, alumni, employers, parents, and the broader Hillsdale College community. A professional demeanor, commitment to exceptional service, and support for the Hillsdale College Mission are essential. This position requires initiative, collaboration, integrity, confidentiality, and the ability to build positive relationships while mentoring students, encouraging vocational discernment, and fostering meaningful career development. Code of Commitment Be a good representative of Hillsdale College by promoting the liberal arts, the College's original Articles of Association, and the operating principles stated in the Staff Code of Commitment. The Mission Statement should be considered in all aspects of the position. The teaching of the Christian faith shall remain a conspicuous aim of the College. Posting Detail Information Posting Number S293P Open Date 07/12/2026 Close Date Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicants