Employer Relations Manager

University of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Retirement plan with two-for-one match

Comprehensive health insurance

Life insurance

Long-term disability coverage

Flexible spending accounts for health

Flexible work arrangements

Onsite Fitness Center access

Job summary

The University of Michigan's Career Development Office (CDO) at Michigan Ross seeks an Employer Relations Manager based in Ann Arbor, with a hybrid schedule (three on-site days weekly). You will build partnerships with employers, students, alumni, and faculty to expand meaningful engagement and improve employment outcomes.

In this role you will lead targeted recruiting programs, stay ahead of industry trends, coach students and clubs, and collaborate across Ross departments to broaden

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 5+ years in recruiting, higher-education, or related field.
• Experience coaching, mentoring and guiding students.
• 1+ year of leadership experience, formal or project-based.
• Experience representing your organization to executives, donors, faculty, and leadership.
• Experience in project management and event planning.

Responsibilities

• Design and refine student engagement and recruiting strategies.
• Develop programming connecting students with alumni, recruiters, and faculty.
• Maintain employer engagement and share insights to improve outcomes.
• Stay current on recruiting trends, faculty research, and student needs.
• Represent Ross through recruiter interactions, including events, meetings, and presentations.

Skills

Coaching & mentoring

Leadership experience

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Event planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Job Summary

The Career Development Office (CDO) at Michigan Ross delivers world-class career services to more than 5,500 students across seven degree programs. Through strategic partnerships with employers, alumni, and team members, the CDO equips students with lifelong career management skills, expands access to meaningful career opportunities, and supports successful employment outcomes. The CDO also strengthens Michigan Ross's relationships with employers, connecting organizations with accomplished students while advancing the school's reputation in the global talent marketplace.

The Employer Relations Manager builds strategic partnerships with employers, students, alumni, and team members to enhance student preparedness and engagement within assigned industries. You will consult with corporate partners to develop targeted recruitment strategies and integrated engagement experiences, while monitoring industry hiring trends and student interests to shape relevant programming and expand employer participation. You will report to the Senior Director of Employer Relations and collaborate with Ross departments and student clubs to grow and diversify recruiting opportunities.

This hybrid position is based in Ann Arbor, MI, with an expectation of three days per week on-site. The role may require occasional domestic travel, on-call responsibilities, and work outside standard business hours, including early mornings, evenings, or weekends. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain that authorization throughout employment.

Responsibilities

Employer Relations and Strategy (40%)

• Design and refine student engagement and recruiting strategies aligned with corporate partner needs.
• Use industry knowledge and networks to develop relevant programming that connects students with alumni, recruiters, and faculty.
• Maintain active employer engagement, gather feedback on Ross candidates, and share insights to enhance student outcomes.
• Stay current on recruiting trends, faculty research, and student needs to inform programming and advising.
• Represent Ross through recruiter interactions, including events, meetings, and presentations.

Student Preparedness (35%)

• Advise student career clubs and co-develop impactful programming aligned with career goals.
• Be the subject matter expert on industry trends and employer expectations; deliver relevant content and guidance to students, the CDO coaching team, CDO Leadership, Ross Leadership, and faculty.
• Plan industry-specific events such as treks, conferences, and workshops.
• Provide individualized coaching on job search strategies and career navigation.
• Cultivate student-alumni relationships to support career exploration and networking.

Business Development (15%)

• Cultivate relationships with existing and prospective employers to expand recruiting opportunities.
• Engage alumni and industry contacts to identify strategic partnerships and employment opportunities.
• Represent Ross and promote student talent at conferences and industry events.

Supervision (10%)

• Develop and evaluate assigned staff; set goals and performance standards.
• Foster a high-performing, service-oriented team culture focused on learning and growth.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of experience in recruiting, higher-education, or a related field that involves serving multiple constituents or equivalent combination of education and related experience required.
• Experience coaching, mentoring and guiding students.
• 1+ year of experience in leadership, either formal or project based.
• Experience representing your organization to a wide range of audiences, such as executives, donors, faculty, and leadership.
• Experience in project management and event planning.

Salary Information

The salary offer range for this position is $64,700 - $79,900. Salary offers are determined based on several factors, including a candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications, along with internal equity considerations. It is not common for new hires to be offered the top of the range.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off (Vacation, Holidays, Season Days, Maternity and Parental Leave)
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Flexible work arrangements
• Access to the onsite Fitness Center at Ross

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.