Assistant Director, Employer Relations (HR Title : Employer Relations Specialist II) - (STU00000142)

Salary Range :

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools :   Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences ,  Cox School of Business ,  Lyle School of Engineering ,  Meadows School of the Arts ,  Simmons School of Education and Human Development ,  Dedman School of Law ,  Perkins School of Theology  and  Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies .

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities.  SMU’s relationship with Dallas  – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Department :

The Hegi Family Career Development Center equips students and alumni to cultivate meaningful lives through career development, continuous learning, and professional growth. We provide relevant experiential learning opportunities for students to gain tangible skills that position them for professional success. Through these experiences, we empower students and alumni to find their passion and to navigate careers for a lifetime .  The Hegi Family Career Development Center is committed to providing a positive and inclusive experience for our employer partners. Our team is proud to connect employers with a talented, well-prepared population of SMU students who are ready and eager to apply their skills and knowledge to positively impact their company or organization.

About the Position :

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Assistant Director assists with the College's on-campus and off-campus recruiting activities for students. This entails working closely with employer representatives, alumni and parents, as well as the other staff within the Career Center. The primary objectives are to optimize the employer and student experience with the recruitment-related systems activities of the Center, maintain employer relationships, and conduct outreach to new employers. Additionally, the Assistant Director is responsible for coordinating large scale events and programs while serving as liaison to associated industries and academic colleges on campus.

Essential Functions :

Uses a variety of professional strategies to increase employment opportunities for SMU students and recent alumni. Assists in developing and administering outreach programs to faculty and employers to connect students with internships, full-time and part-time employment opportunities. Researches and communicates employment and job trends to all relevant stakeholders.

Responsible for administrative event coordination and management for assigned Hegi student experiences or programs.

Serves as liaison and point of contact for assigned employer relations industries and academic colleges involving communications with employers regarding recruitment and sponsorship activities. Establishes relationships with employers, community members, and on-campus partners to create and enhance student, alumni, and employer programs and experiences.

Assists in planning and coordinating large-scale career events such as the All Majors Career & Internship Fair, Site Visits, Info Sessions, Professional Development Sessions, etc. Presents workshops on various career development topics, including formal job search strategies, interview techniques, networking, negotiating, etc.

Helps manage 12twenty, the internship and job database. Assists the Associate Director in developing routine data reports with regards to employer recruiting activity and post-graduate student placement data.

Responsible for assessment for assigned employer / student programming and ERT Division assessment reporting.

Other duties as assigned to meet the needs of the Department, Division, and University Strategic Plan.

Occasional evening hours may be required.

Qualifications

Education and Experience :

A Master's degree is required. A degree in student affairs, human resource management, business, communications or related field is preferred.

A minimum of three (3) years experience in career center, business / corporate, employer relations, marketing / external relations, university advancement / development / alumni relations, student activities, or leadership programs in a college setting including event management experience is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.

Candidate ability to oversee multiple tasks with attention to detail is preferred. A motivated / enthusiastic work style with strong work ethic and initiative is a plus.

Candidate must possess high-level interpersonal and networking skills as well as a professional demeanor that thrives in an intense, deadline-filled environment, where multi-tasking and the ability to remain organized despite frequent interruptions is essential.

Candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and database programs (e.g. Handshake, 12twenty, etc.).

Physical and Environmental Demands :

• Sit for long periods of time
• Handle objects (dexterity)
• Stand

Deadline to Apply :

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by September 30, 2025.

This position is open until filled.

EEO Statement

SMU is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.

Benefits :

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of  health and related benefit s. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of  wellness programs  to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of  retirement programs  that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of  professional and personal development opportunities , including  tuition benefits .

Salary Range :

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools :   Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences ,  Cox School of Business ,  Lyle School of Engineering ,  Meadows School of the Arts ,  Simmons School of Education and Human Development ,  Dedman School of Law ,  Perkins School of Theology  and  Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies .

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities.  SMU’s relationship with Dallas  – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Department :

The Hegi Family Career Development Center equips students and alumni to cultivate meaningful lives through career development, continuous learning, and professional growth. We provide relevant experiential learning opportunities for students to gain tangible skills that position them for professional success. Through these experiences, we empower students and alumni to find their passion and to navigate careers for a lifetime .  The Hegi Family Career Development Center is committed to providing a positive and inclusive experience for our employer partners. Our team is proud to connect employers with a talented, well-prepared population of SMU students who are ready and eager to apply their skills and knowledge to positively impact their company or organization.

About the Position :

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Assistant Director assists with the College's on-campus and off-campus recruiting activities for students. This entails working closely with employer representatives, alumni and parents, as well as the other staff within the Career Center. The primary objectives are to optimize the employer and student experience with the recruitment-related systems activities of the Center, maintain employer relationships, and conduct outreach to new employers. Additionally, the Assistant Director is responsible for coordinating large scale events and programs while serving as liaison to associated industries and academic colleges on campus.

Essential Functions :

Uses a variety of professional strategies to increase employment opportunities for SMU students and recent alumni. Assists in developing and administering outreach programs to faculty and employers to connect students with internships, full-time and part-time employment opportunities. Researches and communicates employment and job trends to all relevant stakeholders.

Responsible for administrative event coordination and management for assigned Hegi student experiences or programs.

Serves as liaison and point of contact for assigned employer relations industries and academic colleges involving communications with employers regarding recruitment and sponsorship activities. Establishes relationships with employers, community members, and on-campus partners to create and enhance student, alumni, and employer programs and experiences.

Assists in planning and coordinating large-scale career events such as the All Majors Career & Internship Fair, Site Visits, Info Sessions, Professional Development Sessions, etc. Presents workshops on various career development topics, including formal job search strategies, interview techniques, networking, negotiating, etc.

Helps manage 12twenty, the internship and job database. Assists the Associate Director in developing routine data reports with regards to employer recruiting activity and post-graduate student placement data.

Responsible for assessment for assigned employer / student programming and ERT Division assessment reporting.

Other duties as assigned to meet the needs of the Department, Division, and University Strategic Plan.

Occasional evening hours may be required.

Qualifications

Education and Experience :

A Master's degree is required. A degree in student affairs, human resource management, business, communications or related field is preferred.

A minimum of three (3) years experience in career center, business / corporate, employer relations, marketing / external relations, university advancement / development / alumni relations, student activities, or leadership programs in a college setting including event management experience is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.

Candidate ability to oversee multiple tasks with attention to detail is preferred. A motivated / enthusiastic work style with strong work ethic and initiative is a plus.

Candidate must possess high-level interpersonal and networking skills as well as a professional demeanor that thrives in an intense, deadline-filled environment, where multi-tasking and the ability to remain organized despite frequent interruptions is essential.

Candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and database programs (e.g. Handshake, 12twenty, etc.).

Physical and Environmental Demands :

Deadline to Apply :

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by September 30, 2025.

This position is open until filled.

EEO Statement

SMU is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.

Benefits :

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of  health and related benefit s. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of  wellness programs  to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of  retirement programs  that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of  professional and personal development opportunities , including  tuition benefits .