Strategic Director, Employer & Experiential Partnerships

Seattle University; Seattle, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 67,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition benefits for employee and/or a

Onsite fitness facility

Generous retirement contributions

Job summary

Seattle University is seeking an Associate Director of Employer and Experiential Partnerships to lead the development and stewardship of employer and industry partnerships that expand internships, employment, and experiential learning for students and recent alumni.

The role reports to the Executive Director of Career Engagement and involves coordinating outreach, partnership development, recruiting, and measurable student opportunities across campus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, higher education, human resources, communications, marketing, public relations, nonprofit leadership, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in employer relations, university recruiting, talent acquisition, business development, workforce development, corporate relations, alumni relations, career services, or a related field.
• Experience translating relationships into programs, opportunities, partnerships, or measurable outcomes.
• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, presentation, and relationship-management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple partnerships, projects, events, deadlines, and priorities.
• Ability to work collaboratively across organizational boundaries and with stakeholders who have varied goals and responsibilities.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, social justice, cultural humility, and serving diverse student populations.
• Ability to use data and technology to manage relationships, assess performance, and inform decisions.
• Availability for occasional evening or weekend programs and local travel to employer and community sites.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a diverse portfolio of employer, industry, government, nonprofit, and community partnerships aligned with student interests, academic programs, workforce trends, and institutional priorities.
• Meet with employers to understand workforce needs and develop customized engagement strategies.
• Advise employers on recruiting practices, internship program development, employer branding, campus visibility, and inclusive approaches to attracting early-career talent.
• Proactively cultivate organizations committed to equitable access to employment and experiential learning for underrepresented populations.
• Represent Seattle University and Career Engagement at employer meetings, associations, and community events.
• Manage the full employer relationship lifecycle from onboarding to renewal and expansion.
• Translate employer interest into internships, jobs, mentorships, events, and experiential learning partnerships.
• Coordinate with colleges and campus partners to connect opportunities with students, programs, and faculty.
• Support college-based career and professional formation leaders with access to employer relationships and labor-market insights.
• Strengthen employer retention through responsive service and impact communication.
• Develop resources and pathways that simplify connecting with Seattle University.

Skills

Relationship management

Communication

Team collaboration

Public speaking

Data literacy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

CRM systems

Handshake

Job description

Seattle University is seeking an Associate Director of Employer and Experiential Partnerships to lead the development and stewardship of employer and industry partnerships that expand internships, employment, and experiential learning for students and recent alumni.

The role reports to the Executive Director of Career Engagement and involves coordinating outreach, partnership development, recruiting, and measurable student opportunities across campus.