The Associate Director for Employer Relations directs the external relations and recruiting programs with employers seeking to hire our students and/or provide them with internships. Negotiates the nature of the employer/college relationship and appropriateness of services/referrals. He/she will strategically cultivate and strengthen communication with and between employers, students, alumni, and faculty while establishing long-term relationships with employers. Focus will be on maximizing student employment outcomes and college resources, expanding new employment opportunities, and serving as the lead generator of graduate and certificate programming possibilities. The Associate Director for Employer Relations also strategically constructs and manages high volume year-round recruiting activities of the Valparaiso University Career and Alumni Network (VU-CAN).

Responsibilities:

• Develops and maintains employer relationships for cultivation and stewardship of employer contacts.
• Strategically expands the range of employer recruiting activities.
• Actively pursues entry-level and internship development and fundraising opportunities.
• Identifies and initiates contacts to explore, promote, and solicit employer interest in developing a recruiting relationship with the college.

• Increase attendance at fairs

• Provide on-campus recruitment/workshops/networking opportunities

• Employer sponsorship program

• Internship, shadow program

• Internships for international students

• Creates, designs, and maintains friends/employer/volunteer database.
• Collaborates and advises various departments on campus to maximize publicity/opportunities for students, employers, and the University.
• Build relationships with business and industry in NWI and Chicago to offer graduate programs
• Custom design programs and fees to meet local employer needs
• Front-line person to corporations/employers/HR departments
• Become the school of first choice for local employers

Qualifications:

Education

Minimum bachelor’s degree

Experience

At least ten years of experience working with corporations, in human resources, public relations, recruiting, career services, or other related fields; demonstrated experience in employer relations.

Special Requirements

Strong skills in negotiation, fundraising, advisory/consultative, marketing forecasting, and data management. Ability to exercise independent judgment. Performs as a liaison between students, employer representatives, faculty, staff, and the University. Possesses a professional demeanor that thrives in a fast-paced environment.

Successful applicants will demonstrate a commitment to cultural diversity and the ability to work with individuals or groups from diverse backgrounds.

All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, background checks will also include credit history. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates for employment.

Valparaiso University requires all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or apply for and receive a qualified exemption within two weeks of the employment start date.

To be considered for this position you must upload:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• List of 3 professional references
• Answer all the application questions

Please address cover letter to:

Kelly M. Anthony, Director of Government and Community Relations

Valparaiso University

Valparaiso, Indiana 46383