Associate Director for Corporate Partner Relations (Student Services Program Manager 2)
Search #: 499523
Work type:
Full-time
Location: UConn Storrs
Categories: Student Programs and Services
JOB SUMMARY
Reporting to a
Senior-level manager at the UConn Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills, the Associate Director of Corporate Partner
Relations leads a
comprehensive, data-driven employer engagement strategy that advances the mission of the University of Connecticut and
aligns with
institutional priorities. The role cultivates and expands strategic employer partnerships to strengthen recruitment pipelines
for students
and alumni, leveraging labor market intelligence, first-destination outcomes data, and industry trend analysis to align
engagement with
academic programs and workforce needs. As a member of the department’s leadership team, the Associate Director supervises
corporate partner
relations staff, contributes to strategic planning and performance metrics, and partners with faculty, staff, and the
University Foundation
to enhance corporate engagement and sponsorship opportunities. The position exercises independent judgment in policy
development and
compliance, promotes equitable access to employer opportunities, and uses data, technology, and cross-campus collaboration
to advance an
integrated, career-ready ecosystem.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develops and executes a comprehensive
strategic vision and framework for corporate partner relations aligned with the goals of the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills and
the broader University strategic plan, incorporating Connecticut and national labor market intelligence and first-destination outcomes data
to align employer engagement with student career trends and workforce needs. - Supervises corporate partner relations team,
providing leadership, strategic direction, and professional development to advance employer engagement goals and student career
success. - Leads labor market research, industry analysis, and needs assessments to inform employer outreach, academic alignment,
and career development strategies. - Develops and disseminates data-driven reports, dashboards, and actionable insights on employer
engagement and student outcomes to guide decision-making and demonstrate institutional impact. - Provides career coaches and
university partners with employer insights and labor market intelligence to strengthen advising and student career preparation -
Cultivates, manages, and expands strategic employer partnerships to enhance recruitment pipelines for students and alumni while
collaborating with the experiential learning team to incorporate internship and cooperative education strategy and development. -
Consults with employers on best practices for establishing and strengthening recruitment programs and serves as chair and coordinator of the
Corporate Advisory Council. - Partners with faculty and academic leadership to align employer engagement with academic programs,
workforce needs, and student career outcomes, strengthening connections between classroom learning and career pathways. - Serves on
the department’s leadership team, contributing to strategic planning, budget forecasting, resource allocation, and the development of goals
and performance metrics aligned with institutional priorities. - Implements continuous improvement practices and leverages
institutional data, technology, and cross-campus partnerships to strengthen employer engagement and advance UConn’s integrated career
ecosystem. - Drives the development and expansion of employer sponsorship opportunities by collaborating with corporate partners and
the University Foundation, aligning engagement strategies to support and sustain Career Readiness initiatives. - Collaborates with
marketing and communications to develop and promote a compelling employer value proposition highlighting academic excellence and
career-ready student talent. - Promotes equitable access to employer opportunities by developing partnerships that support
underrepresented student populations and expanding inclusive experiential learning models. - Develops and refines policies and
procedures, exercising independent judgment to ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal employment and partnership
guidelines. - Performs related duties.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree and five
years of
experience in corporate/employer partner relations, career services, recruiting, human resources, sales, or related field; OR
Bachelor’s
degree and seven years of experience in corporate/employer partner relations, career services, recruiting, human resources,
sales, or
related field. - Supervisory experience over a small unit or overseeing large projects.
PREFERRED
QUALIFICATIONS
- Nine years of experience in corporate/employer partner relations, career services, recruiting, human
resources, sales, or related
field - Four years of experience supervising and mentoring professional staff, with demonstrated
success in driving performance and
professional growth - Demonstrated experience engaging directly with senior-level executives and
hiring managers - A
well-developed understanding of corporate recruiting for student talent at a university, from a human resources
and university career
services perspective - Proven experience working with diverse students, programs, and /or constituents
- Demonstrated
experience securing financial support or generating revenue - Demonstrated proficiency in CRM systems or career
services management
platforms (e.g., 12twenty, Handshake) to manage relationships, engagement activity, and engagement analytics -
Proficiency with
Microsoft Office Programs, including Teams, Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, to support strategic communication and
cross-campus
coordination
APPOINTMENT TERMS
This is a full-time, permanent position and may include
occasional nights and weekends.
The successful candidate will be responsible for building and maintaining external partner relationships to
support internships,
experiential learning opportunities, and other program initiatives, and must have dependable transportation to
occasionally travel in
support of these activities. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee
and dependent tuition
waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits, please visit
https://hr.uconn.edu/health-benefits/ and explore the sections under the Benefits & Leaves and Engagement
&
Learning headers. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the
University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF
EMPLOYMENT
Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal
background check.
TO APPLY
Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff
Positions, Search #499523 to upload a resume, cover letter, and
contact information for three (3) professional references.
This job
posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on
April 21st, 2026.
All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.
The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.
