Assistant Director of Employer Relations and Career & Professional Development

About the role

The Assistant Director of Employer Relations and Career & Professional Development (AD) advances the Kroc School’s mission by leading initiatives that strengthen students’ career readiness and employment outcomes. The AD develops and implements a comprehensive career development strategy that integrates career advising, employer and recruiter partnerships, alumni engagement and experiential learning, to prepare Kroc School graduates for impactful careers in peacebuilding, social innovation, the private sector, public service, and other social impact driven fields.

Responsibilities

• Lead efforts to build and sustain strategic relationships with employers across sectors to expand internship and job opportunities for Kroc School students and alumni.
• Maximize student employment outcomes by expanding outreach to new employers and creating broader career opportunities for Kroc School students and alumni.
• Engage with industry partners to create internships, post-graduate fellowships and job placement opportunities for students.
• Represent the Kroc School at employer and industry events, conferences, and site visits to strengthen relationships and elevate the visibility of students and alumni.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to develop outreach materials and campaigns that showcase Kroc students, alumni, and employer partnerships.
• Oversee systems to track employer engagement, job placements, and labor market trends, using data to guide strategic planning and continuous improvement.
• Design and deliver a comprehensive career development program that prepares students for meaningful, mission-driven careers in peacebuilding, social innovation, and related fields.
• Provide one-on-one and group advising to guide students in career exploration, internships, externships, and experiential learning, including goal setting and reflection.
• Create tailored advising resources for students pursuing careers in peacebuilding, social innovation, public service, and other mission-driven sectors.
• Lead mentorship and alumni engagement initiatives, including the Kroc Mentoring Alliance, to expand professional networks and career guidance opportunities.
• Develop and implement communications and marketing strategies for student-facing career programming and employer engagement.
• Teach KROC 502 Pursuing Purpose, a required course that equips students to define, plan, and pursue their professional paths with confidence.
• Foster lifelong connections with alumni to strengthen the Kroc School community and expand professional pathways for students and graduates.
• Leverage alumni employer connections to expand opportunities, create pipelines for mission-driven careers, and enhance Kroc School visibility in diverse sectors.
• Organize alumni events, such as panels and networking mixers, to connect alumni with current students and employers.
• Oversee data management and reporting to inform decision-making, demonstrate impact, and strengthen employer relations and career development initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in career services, employer relations, talent acquisition, workforce development, professional career coaching, leadership development, student affairs, academic advising, alumni relations and/or related field.
• Demonstrated ability to teach a career preparation course at the graduate level; responsible for teaching KROC 502.
• Knowledge of the field of peace, justice and social innovation.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred.
• 4+ years of experience in career services, employer relations, talent acquisition, workforce development, professional career coaching, leadership development, student services and/or related field.
• 4+ years in a leadership role.
• Experience in higher education.
• Knowledge of the field of peace, justice and social innovation.

Skills

• Strong strategic planning and leadership abilities.
• Excellent networking and relationship-building skills.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication abilities.
• Proficiency in data management and reporting tools.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Understanding of industry trends and employment practices.
• Significant and successful administrative experience, financial acumen, and proven leadership skills.
• Knowledge of university and college policies and operations.
• Commitment to the university's mission and values, particularly in the context of a Catholic institution.
• Being flexible and versatile in coping with evolving and work situations.
• Being able to handle the stress of last-minute deadlines and changes.
• Independently assuming responsibility and effectively resolving problems by exercising independent judgment.
• Interacting with professionals across sectors and industries.
• Interacting with faculty, academic administrators and students.
• Proficiency with career development technologies and platforms (e.g., Handshake, LinkedIn, Symplicity, etc..).

Benefits

The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including; medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers. Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer.