Director of Industry Partnerships
Reports to: Dean of the College of Science and Engineering
Job Status: Exempt
Introducing Houston Christian University
At Houston Christian University, our Christian liberal arts, professional, and graduate programs have equipped students to lead, collaborate, and discover out of a deep sense of purpose for more than 60 years. We are driven forward by our central confession, “Jesus Christ is Lord,” and defined by our “Ten Pillars” core convictions. From this foundation we guide students confidently into discerning discovery, preparing them to think biblically, critically, and holistically about how to engage the world. We aspire to care for every student by meeting their academic, spiritual, and social needs with mentorship and support. At HCU, we are cultivating a culture of excellence that will mold a new generation of leaders in their communities, standard-setters in their professions, and fruitful disciples in their churches.
HCU is set in the heart of one of the most diverse and fastest-growing cities in the nation-and our growth and diversity match the dynamism of the city we call home. We continue to break records with our incoming freshmen class sizes, our graduate programs have more than doubled in the past decade, and we are significantly expanding our online programs as well.
The College of Science and Engineering at HCU
The vision of the College of Science and Engineering at HCU is to be a world leader in integrating fundamental principles of science, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) with historic Christian values and standards to serve God and humanity. For additional information, please visit https://hc.edu/science-and-engineering/.
Position Summary
The Director of Industry Partnerships reports to the Dean of the College of Science and Engineering at Houston Christian University. The primary purposes of this position are to create, develop and maintain relationships with regional industries, resulting in internships and/or job opportunities for the Department of Engineering and Computing; create opportunities for industry sponsorships and collaborative partnerships; and collaborate with other HCU staff to prepare students for the job search process and the internship work experience
Job Responsibilities
- Communicate externally the vision for project-based learning in the Department of Engineering and Computing
- Increase the Department of Engineering and Computing branding and identity among regional Engineering/Computing employers
- Network with HR officers and Engineering/Computing managers in these companies and agencies
- Secure spots for internships and full-time employment for the Department of Engineering and Computing students at a variety of employers in the Houston metropolitan region and beyond
- Collaborate with other HCU staff to plan and execute employer events – information sessions, meet-and-greet events, interviews, guest speakers, and career fairs
- Strengthen connections with local Engineering and Computing professional societies and organizations: IEEE, SWE, ACM, HOU.SEC.CON, API, SIM Houston
- Attend local professional society meetings and network with industry professionals
- Create and track measured outcomes for the Department of Engineering and Computing
- Track and promote/advertise participation in internships and first destination jobs
- Connect with engineering and computing alumni, gather data on their career outcomes, and leverage toward goals above
- Share data with IR and Alumni Relations in support of their efforts
- Develop industry sponsorships
- Create opportunities for industry-sponsored senior design projects, externships, coursework, laboratories, and/or academic programs
- Create opportunities for industry-sponsored certifications in relevant fields
- Create opportunities for industry-sponsored and/or mentored student participation in co-curricular learning opportunities, e.g. robotics competitions, cybersecurity competitions, etc.
- Develop an Industry Partnership Program
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline, Master’s in STEM, Business, Entrepreneurship, or related field preferred
- Prior experience working in industry, preferably with experience developing partnerships
- Excellent ability to communicate and articulate the vision for engineering and computing at HCU
Additional Information
Houston Christian University is an independent, private Christian liberal arts university dedicated to the development of moral character, the enrichment of spiritual lives, and perpetuation of growth in Christian ideals. HCU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Houston Christian University is committed to maintaining a teaching faculty and staff who share an active Christian faith. The Preamble to the By-Laws of the University, “Scripture and a Christian Worldview,” and the “Ten Pillars Core Convictions of HCU” set forth a statement of belief which each University employee is expected to support and personify as an essential function of their employment at the University. Your submittal of an application for employment indicates your acceptance and affirmation of these statements.
As one of the most diverse universities in the nation, Houston Christian University also strives to build a faculty and staff team that provides role models who embody biblical orthodoxy and ethics for all our students, whatever their background or life experience.
As with all open positions at the University, a contract or employment offer will only be extended when the budget for the position has been confirmed.
**Disclaimer**
Background checks are performed for every new hire. If your application is selected to continue in our hiring process, you will be required to submit a background check form authorizing this screening. If you decline, your application may be denied. By proceeding with the online application, you understand and accept this process.
