Associate Director, Employer Partnerships Co-op

About this role

The Highlights:

The Associate Director of Employer Partnership - Co-op provides strategic leadership for cultivating, managing, and expanding partnerships with employers who provide paid cooperative education opportunities for DePaul University business undergraduates. This role is critical to establishing DePaul's co-op program as the premier talent pipeline for businesses seeking to develop emerging professionals while they grow. This position offers a unique opportunity to build transformative employer partnerships from the ground up. The Associate Director leads a team of employer relations professionals, develops strategic account management systems, negotiates Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), and drives toward ambitious placement goals. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong sales and relationship management skills, deep knowledge of the Chicagoland business community, and the ability to position DePaul as partner in employer talent development strategies.

What You'll Do:

1. Strategic Partnership Development & Account Management: Designs and implements an employer partnership development strategy aligned with program goals and student demands. Develops and oversees a pipeline targeting employers in accounting, finance, and other business sectors across Chicagoland. Cultivates relationships with decision-makers including HR leaders, talent acquisition professionals, and business executives. Conducts consultative sales conversations to position DePaul's co-op program as a strategic talent solution. Negotiates and executes Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with employer partners outlining co-op program expectations, commitments, and benefits. Manages a portfolio of accounts, ensuring employers maximize engagement with DePaul students and the co-op program. Identifies opportunities to expand partnerships beyond co-op into full-time hiring, project-based learning, advisory boards, and philanthropic support. Sets and achieves partnership development targets. Leverages alumni, parent, donor, and faculty networks to identify and cultivate new employer partnerships.
2. Leadership, Supervision & Team Development: Directly supervise 2-3 Assistant Directors of Employer Partnership, providing coaching, mentorship, and performance management.
3. Employer Programming: Designs and oversees employer engagement strategies including on-campus recruiting events, career fairs, industry showcases, and networking opportunities. Coordinates employer information sessions, site visits, career panels, and workshops. Facilitates employer participation in mock interviews, resume reviews, and other student development activities. Organizes industry-specific events and career treks to ensure seamless employer experience. Gathers employer feedback on student performance, program quality, and areas for improvement.
4. Data Analytics, Technology & Process Improvement: Develops and tracks key performance indicators including number of employer partnerships, co-op positions secured, student placements, and employer retention rates. Utilizes CRM systems to manage employer contacts, track interactions, and analyze engagement data. Generates reports for leadership and identify trends in labor market demand and employer hiring patterns. Implements process improvements and best practices for employer outreach, relationship management, and job development. Leverages technology to streamline employer engagement and enhance data-driven decision-making.
5. Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to strengthen co-op programming, align employer partnerships with academic and institutional goals, and enhance student readiness for co-op opportunities. Partner with faculty, university leadership.
6. Establishes clear expectations, workflows, and quality standards for employer outreach and relationship management. Distributes employer portfolios strategically among team members based on industry focus, geography, and capacity. Conducts regular one-on-one meetings, performance evaluations, and goal-setting sessions with direct reports.

What You'll Need:

• Bachelors degree and related experience required.

• Minimum 6 years of progressive experience in employer relations, partnership development, sales, recruiting, talent acquisition, or business development.

• At least 3 years of supervisory or leadership experience managing professional staff.

• Proficiency with CRM systems (Salesforce preferred), job posting platforms (Handshake preferred), and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Strong analytical skills with ability to use data to inform strategy and demonstrate impact.

• Project management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Higher Education, Career Development, Marketing, or related field preferred.

• MBA or advanced degree in business-related field.

• Experience launching or scaling co-op or internship programs.

• Established network within Chicago business community.

• Experience negotiating contracts or MOUs.

• Knowledge of accounting, finance, and business career pathways.

• Experience with assessment and program evaluation.

• Exceptional relationship-building and networking skills with ability to cultivate partnerships at all organizational levels

• Strong consultative sales skills and ability to position value propositions effectively.

• Strategic thinking and business acumen with ability to identify opportunities and develop growth strategies

• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.

• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.

• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in employer partnerships and student access to opportunities.

• Entrepreneurial mindset and comfort working in a startup program environment.

• Regular on-campus presence and frequent off-site employer meetings.

• Extensive travel throughout Chicagoland for employer visits, networking events, and relationship building.

• Evening and weekend hours required for employer events and programming.

• Fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment building a program from inception.

The anticipated hiring range for this position is: $56,222 to $90,000/year.

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.

Perks:

Working for a stable and well-known University.

Top choice medical, dental, and vision benefits.

Retirement plan matching contribution of 8%.

Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Generous paid time off, sick time, holidays, floating holidays, and more!

Full-Time Benefits

For consideration, please include a resume and cover letter.

Vincentian Mission:

Guided by an ethic of Vincentian personalism and professionalism, DePaul compassionately upholds the dignity of all members of its diverse, multi-faith, and inclusive community. We seek to hire collaborative, open-minded, and dedicated professionals who are committed to advancing our university mission to making education accessible to all, with special attention to including underserved and underrepresented communities. Successful candidates thrive in an environment where ideas and perspectives representing a wide variety of cultures, backgrounds and experiences are welcome and supported.

Required Background Check:

Employment at DePaul University is contingent on passing a background check. Only final candidates who are extended an offer of employment will undergo a background check.

DePaul University is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information or any other legally protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local EEO laws.