Director of Industry & Student Connections

The Director will provide the strategic leadership necessary to inspire, coordinate, and manage the efforts of the ten-member (eight full-time and three graduate coordinators) Industry & Student Connections Unit. This unit, comprising the General Recruiting Programs and Industry-to-Campus Connections teams, requires a dedicated leader capable of effectively delegating responsibilities, balancing multiple priorities, and driving the vision of the unit. Their leadership will contribute to the smooth operations of the unit, and their active participation in strategic planning and decision-making will significantly shape the future direction of CES as a whole.

The director oversees budgetary expenses of approximately $171,000 (non-salary operating) and $38,000 (student wages). Employer-based income streams for CES are approximately $700,000 (fair revenue) and $150,000 in donations from employers.

The Director will develop and oversee recruitment strategies to expand the number of businesses, corporations, and local, regional and national organizations with active recruiting relationships with the university. This will be achieved by cultivating and expanding strategic relationships with industry through recruiting programs and other direct outreach, as well as through active participation in industry and professional associations.

The Director will oversee the organization of recruiting events, such as fairs, interviewing days, employer information sessions, and other networking events. These essential activities necessitate the Director to strengthen relationships with potential employers, promoting Rutgers as a preferred institution for recruiting talent. Their efforts will encourage employer participation in various recruiting programs and other resources organized by CES, playing a pivotal role in expanding career opportunities available to students and graduates.

Collaboration is a key aspect of this role. The Director will facilitate and promote collaboration with other CES units, particularly the student-facing career community team. This entails fostering partnerships that bridge the gap between students, campus partners, and potential employers. The director will also ensure their teams increase activity with campus partners and organize advisory boards, councils, meetings, and events to promote this endeavor. Their leadership will guide the growth and development of the Knights of the Round Table corporate partners program, fortifying the bond between the University and these crucial partners while develop a source of revenue to maintain free programming for students.

Additionally, the Director will manage the campus-wide Industry Development Council. This council serves as a platform that brings together campus partners for the purposes of information sharing, professional development, and strategic planning. It is focused on developing a unified front for employer development, aiming to streamline engagement and foster stronger partnerships between the university and potential employers. The Director's oversight will ensure that the council functions effectively, bolstering its role as a vital resource for information and a mechanism for consolidating the university's employer engagement strategies.

The Director's role extends beyond the responsibilities listed above. They will be expected to actively participate in various meetings, professional development activities, and take on other responsibilities as assigned. Additionally, they will be a champion for enhancing the Rutgers University brand within the field of career services. This will involve a range of activities, such as presenting at conferences, submitting nominations for awards, and participating in professional online communities like LinkedIn groups. Through these engagements, the Director of Industry and Student Connections will promote the CES office and Rutgers University, effectively elevating its status and influence within the career services sector. This will require a level of dynamism, commitment, and industry involvement that extends the director's impact beyond the boundaries of the university.

To be considered for the director of Experiential Education & Post-graduation Success position, candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Experience: At least 5 years of experience in career services, workforce development, university relations and recruiting, or similar fields. This should encompass experience in networking and relationship management, strategic planning, and team management.
2. Education: A master's degree in a related field.
3. Skills and Competencies: Candidates should demonstrate excellent networking abilities and be comfortable establishing and nurturing relationships with a variety of stakeholders. They must also be strategic and visionary thinkers, capable of setting goals, driving the vision of the unit and the CES office, and contributing to the overall strategy of the department.
4. Leadership: Proven ability to lead, inspire, and manage teams is essential. Candidates should have experience in supervising and developing staff, promoting teamwork and positive dynamics, and encouraging team members to feel ownership and celebrate their outcomes. The director should be comfortable making decisions in line with the broader CES mission and goals. They should demonstrate motivational skills and be able to inspire their team to achieve the department's goals and objectives.

Preferred Qualifications: Prefers a minimum of three (3) years of leadership experience within career services.