Director of Industry Partnerships & Employer Engagement – Sample Job Description
Excelon Associates has been retained to identify a strategic and relationship-driven leader to serve as Director of Industry Partnerships & Employer Engagement. This pivotal role is designed for an individual passionate about bridging higher education with workforce development by cultivating partnerships that translate academic excellence into career success. The Director will lead efforts to strengthen employer engagement, expand experiential learning opportunities, and align institutional programs with regional and national industry needs.
The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing and maintaining strategic partnerships across corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors, serving as a primary liaison between the institution and its external stakeholders. This individual will work collaboratively with academic leadership, faculty, and career services teams to develop internship pipelines, employer advisory boards, and innovative workforce initiatives that enhance student outcomes and institutional visibility.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for employer engagement and industry partnerships that supports institutional goals.
- Build and maintain relationships with key employers to create internship, co-op, and job placement opportunities for students and graduates.
- Collaborate with deans, faculty, and program directors to ensure academic offerings align with emerging workforce trends and employer expectations.
- Lead employer advisory boards and convene roundtables to strengthen communication between industry and the institution.
- Secure partnership funding and sponsorships to support experiential learning and workforce development initiatives.
- Track, analyze, and report on partnership performance metrics, providing insights that inform institutional planning and decision-making.
- Represent the institution at industry events, conferences, and workforce consortiums to advance visibility and strategic alignment.
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in business, higher education administration, workforce development, or a related field required; doctorate preferred.
- Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in employer relations, partnership development, or workforce engagement.
- Proven ability to build and sustain high-impact partnerships with diverse industry sectors.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
- Experience managing cross-functional teams and complex initiatives.
Why This Role Matters:
The Director of Industry Partnerships & Employer Engagement plays a vital role in connecting classroom learning with real-world application. By cultivating strategic alliances, this position ensures that students are career-ready, employers have access to top-tier talent, and the institution remains responsive to the evolving needs of the workforce. Through innovation, collaboration, and strategic outreach, the Director will help position the institution as a leader in applied education and employer partnership excellence.
