Associate Director of Partnerships and Events

Harris School Employer Partnerships Why policy? For a better world. Why Harris Public Policy? Because when it comes to better policymaking, evidence matters. We work at the frontiers of data collection and analysis, using the latest technology and social science methods to design policies that work for society. We conduct rigorous inquiry in an environment of innovation and risk taking, fearlessly questioning the status quo. We collaborate across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, adopting new methodologies to drive better solutions. We engage with our city, our world, and our leaders every day to evaluate and test our ideas. And we lead with our passion for driving social change, knowing that passion alone does not equal impact. With passion and precision, we figure out what’s best for society—and get it done. This is Harris Public Policy: Social impact, down to a science. As a key member of the Harris School of Public Policy's Career Development Office reporting to the Director of Employer Partnerships, the Associate Director of Employer Partnerships will execute the following:

1. Relationship Management and Development: Manage all facets of the relationship development of a specific employer portfolio, securing internship and full-time opportunities for Harris students, and growing and maintaining the employer portfolio.

2. Departmental Event Support Management: Oversee and manage event support for career fairs, networking receptions, alumni career panels, career development conferences, and career exploration treks. This includes planning, coordinating, executing, and assessing these events to enhance employer engagement and student career development.

Additionally, the Associate Director will conceptualize, develop, iterate and deliver career-programming specific to their employer sector.

• In unison with the overall strategic vision of the employer partnership strategy, implement strategic goals associated with employer outreach, relationship development, and recruitment services.
• Collaborate with the Director of Employer Partnerships and team on strategic employer engagement and the fulfillment of departmental goals.
• Identifies, cultivates, and develops employer relationships and student employment opportunities for assigned industry areas. Uses best practices and knowledge of employers to recruit new companies and/or organizations to participate in career fairs, on-campus recruiting, job postings, and other programs.
• Manages the job posting process for direct hires and search firms. Evaluates job and internship offers and other metrics, consolidating findings, and presenting concerns and successes to the team.
• Collaborate with employers to understand their talent acquisition needs and align them with student competencies.
• Initiate, maintain, and cultivate strong employer relationships through communications, meetings, events, and ongoing engagement activities.
• Ensure a high level of employer satisfaction by addressing employer needs and facilitating their engagement in ongoing campus events and programs.
• Plan, coordinate, execute, and assess events such as career fairs, networking receptions, alumni career panels, career development conferences, and career exploration treks.
• Collaborate with employers, career services staff, faculty, and student organizations to create and deliver impactful programs.
• Promote events through various marketing strategies to ensure maximum attendance and participation of both employers and students.
• Manage event logistics, including venue selection, vendor coordination, budget management, and post-event evaluations.
• Deep commitment to customer service and the ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and work successfully in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining collaborative relationships with diverse constituencies required.
• Experience with the development and execution of partnership agreements
• Effective negotiation and communication skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Client-focused approach partnered with strong relationship-building skills.
• Business acumen and market insight.
• Ability to communicate with large groups as well as one-on-one with students, alumni, senior administration, faculty, and employers.
• Reviews and finalizes the guest lists, assists with mailing invitations and creates complex brochures for the event.
• Implements ideas for improvement as they are identified in addition to providing post-event feedback on turnout and vendor performance.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

• Master’s degree in related field.

• Understanding of recruitment processes and strong knowledge of candidate selection methods.
• Experience in employer relations, event planning, and relationship management.
• Background coordinating with executive directors and research leaders from on-campus institutions, off-campus think tanks, government entities, or non-profit organizations focusing on research or evaluation.

• Understanding of international development as a career field and relevant recruiting and hiring practices within the field.
• Conceptualize, plan, and execute complex, multi-faceted projects with minimal oversight.
• Entrepreneurship attitude.
• Commands strong interpersonal, analytical, management, and organization skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Event planning and facilitation.
• Manages stressful situations with diplomacy, tact, and good humor; possesses conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrates experience in collaboration among colleagues and/or departments.

• This role is located in Chicago, at the University with a hybrid work arrangement.
• Some evening and weekend work.
• An estimated 10% overnight travel.

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• References Contact Information (3)(required)

Communications Individual Contributor 37.5 No No No Salary Exempt $68,950.00 - $89,230.00 Yes