Director, Employer Engagement

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Please provide resume and cover letter detailing your interest in this position.

Position Summary:

The Director of Employer Engagement reports directly to the Executive Director of Career Services within the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice Business. This role is crucial for building and maintaining relationships with employers, enhancing the visibility of Rice MBA students in the job market, and ensuring strong employment outcomes. The Director provides experienced leadership within the career development office, playing a key role in strategic vision and planning. They oversee key performance metrics visible both internally and externally and interact regularly with peer institutions, employers, and campus partners.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate for this role will be a proactive and visionary leader with a passion for connecting top MBA talent with leading employers. They will possess exceptional networking and relationship-building skills, with the ability to create and sustain impactful partnerships. This individual will be strategic, data-driven, and innovative, continuously seeking new ways to enhance employer engagement and student outcomes. A strong communicator and collaborator, the ideal candidate will effectively lead a team, work cross-functionally within the institution, and represent Rice Business with professionalism and enthusiasm in various external settings. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that employer engagement efforts support and reflect the diverse talent pool of Rice Business.

Workplace Requirements:

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. During peak recruiting season, this role may be expected to be in person more frequently. Occasional early morning, evening and weekend hours are required, as needed. Occasional business development and conference travel is required.

Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change."

Hiring Salary Range: $85,000-$92,500

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree

• In lieu of the education additional related professional work experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.

• 4+ years related experience in employer relations, corporate recruitment, career services, business development, or a related field.

• In lieu of the professional work experience requirement, additional related education above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.

Skills:

• Exemplary leadership prowess evidenced by adept strategic decision-making and comprehensive organizational oversight

• Excellent communication skills, written and oral, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders

• Strong interpersonal, diplomacy, organizational, and project management skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities and navigate a wide range of interactions

• Analytical skills to assess program effectiveness and make data-informed decisions

• In-depth understanding of career development philosophy and models; proactive attitude towards students and stakeholders.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality

• Knowledge of computer software, website development and database packages.

Preferences:

• 2+ years of management experience strongly preferred.

• 5+ years of experience in employer relations, corporate recruiting, career services or business development.

• Deep familiarity with business functions and industries commonly pursued by Rice Business students: financial services, consulting, energy, healthcare, technology, consumer packaged goods, healthcare and real estate.

Essential Functions:

• Directs operations of employer engagement team including setting strategic priorities, supervising staff, managing budget

• Devises marketing strategies to promote a diverse range of departmental services to both new and existing employers

• Supervises the marketing and promotion of recruiting initiatives, ensuring their effectiveness

• Formulates short and long term operational plans, encompassing budgets, services, personnel and technology

• Designs and executes workshops and presentations targeting students, faculty, employers, and alumni, thereby enhancing CDO visibility

• Builds and manages relationships with employers and recruiters from various industries and organizations.

• Monitor and report monthly on employer recruiting activities

• Performs other duties as needed.

Additional Functions

• Maintains relationships with academic departments, collaborative offices, and residential college constituencies to supplement services for existing and developing affiliate programs.

• Participate in various local, state, regional and national organizations such as MBA CSEA, chambers of commerce to increase employment opportunities and benchmark best practices

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels. It considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.