Executive Director, Employer Relations

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Executive Director, Employer Relations is responsible for the development, planning and execution of Weatherhead School of Management's company engagement strategy with respect to experiential learning, class or independent projects, internships, full-time employment and other student engagement opportunities. This individual will work directly with the Associate Dean, Corporate Partnerships and Executive Education and the Assistant Dean, Career Services. The executive director, by demeanor and professionalism, must be comfortable dealing with high-level corporate executives, human capital leaders, internal school leadership, and other key stakeholders. Positioning the school as the 'place to go for talent' will be critical to the success of Weatherhead School of Management.

The executive director will be responsible for student outcomes which directly impact the school's revenue and growth projections. They are charged with building Weatherhead School of Management's brand as a source of talent for employers and with educating students about the hiring processes, timing and competencies which will allow them to succeed in today's business world. The Executive Director is a valued partner to internal Weatherhead colleagues as they develop and share knowledge and insights of the graduate business job market.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develop and execute a comprehensive employer engagement strategy for Weatherhead. This strategy will include developing and implementing practices related to achieving student outcomes by expanding employer engagement which ultimately impact the school's revenue. The strategy will be aligned with the school's strategic goals and priorities. Participate in long-term and short-term strategic planning across the school. Serve as primary point of contact to manage employer outreach and outcome efforts. Work with the internal team (Recruitment, Student Success, Career Services, Degree Program Leaders (staff and faculty), Center Directors, Corporate Partnerships and faculty) to achieve student outcomes. Manage portfolio of employer relationships. (65%)
• Build the school's employer engagement framework. The framework will include processes to coordinate, communicate and consolidate engagement opportunities (regional, national, and international) with student success, career services, degree program leaders (staff and faculty), Center Directors, Corporate Partnerships and faculty. Determine process for facilitating connections, i.e., moving from identification to implementation. Work with cross-functional teams within the school to develop new engagement methods or make changes based on school and industry needs. Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders; support plans and initiatives to meet school and industry needs; identify and communicate goals and objectives; build accountability for progress and measuring the results to be achieved; identify and address continuous improvement opportunities. Establish relevant KPIs for assessing employer engagement and outcomes. (25%)
• Work with the Director of Marketing to develop a strategic and integrated marketing and communications plan for employers. Research and benchmark market data as it applies to corporate engagement. (5%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Represent the school of management in university and interdisciplinary initiatives that are externally focused on employer engagement. (3%)
• Perform other duties as assigned. (2%)

CONTACTS

Department/School: Daily contact with associate dean, corporate partnerships and executive education, assistant dean, career services, faculty, staff, and students. Regular contact with the dean and other associate deans to report on employer engagement.

University: Frequent contact with the university counterparts to leverage and coordinate employer engagement.

External: Daily contact with executives, human capital leaders, community partners and alumni to establish new partnerships, develop new programs and leverage new opportunities. New relationships will be regional, national and international in nature.

Students: Frequent contact with students and executive education participants.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervises student workers.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: A minimum of 8-10 years of management responsibility. Demonstrated performance/potential for entrepreneurial, creative and innovative leadership. Corporate talent acquisition experience and/or employer relations experience in higher education strongly preferred.

Education/Licensing: Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree in business, education or organizational development preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Outstanding business development, marketing, and sales skills and experience.
• Capacity to develop and execute complex strategies impacting employer development.
• A skillful negotiator with the ability to keep involved parties content and work always focused on unified goals. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face. Proven success working with all levels of management.
• Excellent speaking and written communication skills; capacity to communicate effectively with diverse groups and audiences.
• Demonstrated capacity to inspire and to move diverse interests or perspectives toward consensus and action. Possess credibility necessary to influence and tactfully manage relationships with internal and external constituencies.
• Proven managerial expertise and success; corporate experience and employer relations experience in higher education is strongly desired.
• Capacity to effectively represent Weatherhead's mission, programs, and other interests with external groups and audiences.
• Flexibility, perseverance, and a sense of urgency.
• Demonstrated ability to sell and to manage a complex sales process in a corporate environment.
• Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
• Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision and to use sound judgment.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Strong familiarity with standard desktop software applications (i.e. Microsoft Office).

WORKING CONDITIONS

Fast paced constantly changing working environment requiring adaptability and flexibility. Job may require long hours, including evenings and weekends. Job requires travel - locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Must have reliable form or transportation.

Hybrid Eligibility

This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.

Diversity Statement

In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity. Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Reasonable Accommodations

Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.