Assistant Director for Employer Engagement

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

THE CENTER FOR CAREER & PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS

The Center for Career and Professional Success (CCPS) is a unit within the Office of Undergraduate Studies (OUS). CCPS’ goal is to become a standard-bearer for providing innovative and transformative career development opportunities for students and alumni through robust partnerships with prospective employers and industry experts. Working in partnership with the Office of Corporate Relations, campus partners, programs, and service,s including career development, experiential learning, and corporate initiatives.

THE OFFICE OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES

The Office of Undergraduate Studies (OUS), an established unit within the Office of the Provost, operates with goals to meet and exceed retention, persistence, graduation, career, and post-graduate outcomes. OUS comprises three major units: The Academic Center for Excellence, the Center for Career & Professional Success, and the Office of General Education. Collectively, OUS units provide transformative offerings through three major functions: academic excellence support, academic and career exploration, and career development.

BASIC FUNCTION:

Through initiative and collaboration, the Assistant Director for Employer Engagement has primary responsibility for identifying, developing, and managing the employer engagement needs for Howard University and will work extensively to build external relationships with local, regional, and national employers.  In collaboration with the Center for Career & Professional Success staff, faculty, and key campus partners, the Assistant Director will expand the range of employer recruiting activities through new partnerships and initiatives.  Emphasis will be placed on the expansion of job and internship opportunities for students and alumni.  Provide leadership, administrative, and public relations assistance for the promotion of CCPS to all constituencies, both internally and externally.  Assume additional leadership roles in the absence of the director.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:                  

May supervise staff, graduate, and undergraduate student staff

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Reporting to the Director, Center for Career and Professional Success, the Assistant Director for Employer Engagement is responsible for the implementation of employer engagement activities and programs that are aligned with institutional goals and the strategic plan. The Assistant Director must be knowledgeable about corporate engagement strategy, relationship management, and tracking outcomes. Must also have effective interpersonal skills, including verbal and written communications, management and training abilities, and public relations.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Identify and attract new employers and maintain relationships with existing employers from all sectors, focusing on the needs and career interests of students with Howard University majors. 
• In collaboration with the Director, establish a minimum goal of 3-5 appointments or visits per week with employers and alumni, as well as attending other off-campus employer engagement events. 
• Plan, promote, and oversee the execution of two annual Career Fairs and one Employment Fair in collaboration with the CCPS team, in addition to serving as contact for other university-wide career fair events.
• In collaboration with the CCPS team, plan and coordinate all employer recruitment activities, workshops, and events (ex., information sessions, networking events, employer mock interviews, panel discussions, etc.)
• Participate in strategic planning and assessment for employer outreach.
• Establish and maintain an on-campus recruitment/interview program.
• Enforce recruiting policies and resolve employer concerns. 
• Advise employers on strategies for successful branding and recruiting at Howard University. 
• In collaboration with the CCPS team, assist with the planning and implementation of career services programming. 
• In collaboration with the director, develop and oversee an employer advisory committee.
• Track and record all employer-related activities.
• Oversee and maintain career services systems, such as Handshake. 
• Supervise the work of staff, graduate, and undergraduate students.
• Supervise the work of members of the CCPS team in the absence of the director.
• Responsible for other special projects and initiatives related to employer development as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Strong relationship management, project management, and public relations skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build a network of internal and external relationships is required. 
• Excellent communication (oral & written), organization, and marketing skills required. 
• Experience in event planning or a related field preferred.
• Experience with Handshake or similar relationship management tool preferred. 
• Experience with social media and web page maintenance.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to successfully prioritize and meet deadlines related to reporting and compliance issues.

• Must possess a high level of customer service and professionalism.
• Comprehensive understanding of career-related and student development programming.
• Thorough understanding of the benefits of workplace diversity and the career-related developmental needs of Black and underrepresented populations.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree. Effective writing and communication skills.  Customer service and relationship management skills. Strong time management, multitasking, and organizational skills.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

Master's degree in a career-related or other relevant academic discipline. Minimum of six (6) years of experience in a complex career services organization or corporate college relations, recruitment, and/or professional staffing role.

Required application materials will be reviewed as soon as they are received:

• Resume
• Cover letter

Note: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not to be construed as a contract for employment.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

$65,000-$75,000