Assistant Director for Employer Relations and TRIO Student Support Services (SSS)

University of Evansville; Evansville (IN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Evansville's Center for Career Development seeks an Assistant Director for Employer Relations and TRIO Student Support Services. This 50% time role coordinates employer engagement for high-growth programs and provides TRIO SSS student support.

Reporting to the Director, the position builds partnerships with industry, conducts outreach, coaches students, and maintains records to support graduation and post-graduate success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in Higher Education, Social Work, Education, Counseling, or a related field.
• Minimum of one year of experience in a federal program or similar initiative serving disadvantaged college students (TRIO experience preferred).
• Formal training in programming that improves student standing; ability to design and deliver workshops and career readiness programs.
• Professional experience developing employer relationships through outreach and partnerships.
• Experience in a career development setting with knowledge of regional and national trends; ability to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead intentional employer engagement for high-growth programs (Cybersecurity, CS, EE, Creative Technologies).
• Identify gaps in the employer network supporting tech-related fields.
• Proactive employer outreach to expand internships and full-time opportunities.
• Build and cultivate partnerships with industry employers aligned with UE programs.
• Educate employers on curricula and student outcomes; develop recruiting pipelines.
• Provide coaching to TRIO SSS participants on career exploration and job search.
• Maintain records of appointments, coaching sessions, and outcomes for TRIO performance.
• Collaborate with SSS staff and campus partners to provide integrated experiential learning support.

Skills

Employer relations

Communication

Collaboration

Advising

Organizational skills

Flexibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

UE Career Bridge

12twenty

Job description

Assistant Director for Employer Relations and TRIO Student Support Services (SSS)

The Center for Career Development (CCD) Assistant Director, Employer Relations and TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is primarily responsible for facilitating communication, programming, and technology connections associated with career fair events, information forums, and other special events to promote student, alumni, and employer connections in Indiana and surrounding regions (50% time) and for supporting undergraduate TRIO SSS student participants. TRIO is a federally funded program that supports first-generation, income-eligible, and/or students with disabilities to persist in their studies, achieve academic success, and graduate. Reporting to the Director of the Center for Career Development, with job responsibilities split 50/50 between employer relations and TRIO support.

Employer Relations

• Lead intentional employer engagement efforts for high-growth academic programs, including Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Creative Technologies
• Identify and address gaps in the employer network supporting tech-related fields
• Conduct proactive outreach to employers, including cold outreach, to expand internship and full-time hiring opportunities
• Build and cultivate strategic partnerships with industry employers aligned with academic programs
• Educate employers on relevant curricula, student skill sets, and program outcomes
• Develop/facilitate recruiting pipelines in sectors where established relationships don’t exist
• Provide one‑on‑one education and technical support to campus and employer partners utilizing UE Career Bridge online career management tool
• Monitor UE Career Bridge activity including approving new employers, employer contacts, and job postings
• Provide one‑on‑one and group career coaching to TRIO SSS participants, including guidance on career exploration, goal setting, professional development, internships, and job search
• Assist students in developing transferable skills with a focus on the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Career Readiness Competencies such as communication, professionalism, and critical thinking to enhance academic and career success
• Develop and implement workshops, programming, and activities that support TRIO SSS objectives of promoting good academic standing and supporting graduation, while serving as a mentor and advocate for students to encourage persistence and academic achievement.
• Collaborate with SSS staff, academic advisors, faculty, financial services, and campus career centers to provide integrated support regarding experiential learning opportunities, and comprehensive graduate and professional school support
• Maintain accurate records of appointments, coaching sessions, student contacts, workshops, and outcomes that support annual TRIO performance objectives and grant compliance
• Participate in TRIO-related professional development and staff meetings

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required; Master’s degree preferred in Higher Education, Social Work, Education, Counseling, or a related field.
• Minimum of one (1) year of relevant experience working in a federal program or similar initiative serving disadvantaged or at‑risk college students (TRIO experience preferred).
• Formal training and/or work experience in:
  • Programming that improves students’ academic standing and promotes persistence
  • Designing and delivering workshops, career readiness programming, or student success initiatives
• Professional or personal experience overcoming barriers similar to those faced by TRIO SSS participants.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and cultivate employer relationships through strategic outreach, partnership development, and recruiting initiatives that expand internships, experiential learning, and employment opportunities for students.
• Professional experience in a career development setting, knowledge of regional and national career trends, and ability to manage multiple priorities and constituencies is essential.

Superior communication, collaboration, and advising skills, along with proficiency in web-based technologies, are essential in this team‑centered environment. Candidates should demonstrate strong organizational and interpersonal abilities, flexibility, creativity, and a positive sense of humor. Familiarity with the University of Evansville, 12twenty, and other career services technology platforms is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in TRIO or other federally funded programs supporting first-generation college students, students from low‑income backgrounds, and/or students with documented disabilities.
• Familiarity with career assessment tools, job search strategies, and internship/co‑op placement processes.

The University of Evansville expects all members of its community to treat each other with respect and civility. Harassing behaviors directed towards any member of our community will not be tolerated. As part of its commitment to non-discrimination, the University specifically prohibits harassment based on any other characteristics set forth in its nondiscrimination statement as follows: including race, color, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, creed or religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status and all federally protected groups/classes. Any form of harassment undermines the mission of the University and negatively impacts the University community as a whole.

Office Location
Room 118, Olmsted Administration Hall