Career Program Director

About the Institute

The Fitzgerald Institute for Real Estate (FIRE) is Notre Dame’s premier hub for real estate education, research, and industry engagement. Driven by a distinctive mission to promote human flourishing and the common good through the built environment, the Institute supports 450+ undergraduate and graduate students and connects a global network of over 3,000 alumni, parents, and industry leaders.

Key Responsibilities

• Industry Partnerships & Strategic Growth
• Build and cultivate high-value relationships with leading real estate firms, institutional investors, and alumni employers to maximize internship and full-time placement outcomes.
• Serve as Primary Industry Liaison: Act as the central point of contact for employers seeking Notre Dame real estate talent.
• Partner closely with Mendoza’s External Engagement teams (Alumni and Corporate Relations) to streamline outreach, share contacts, and maximize broader institutional partnerships.
• Track real estate industry trends, hiring cycles, and market shifts to inform strategy and student preparation.
• Student Career Development & Mentorship
• Lead Flagship Programs: Direct and evolve FIRE Ignite and FIRE Forge, ensuring students master industry-standard skills, real estate modeling, and interview readiness.
• Coach students through career discernment, recruiting strategy, and placement—with a strong focus on commercial real estate investing, development, and finance.
• Collaborate with the Meruelo Center for Career Development and MBA leadership to support real estate career efforts across campus.
• Monitor placement metrics, analyze recruiting trends, and benchmark peer institutions to continuously elevate student outcomes.
• Benchmarking & Analytics
• Create exceptional, high-touch experiences for employers and guest executives visiting campus.
• Showcase student achievements, alumni successes, and partner highlights across social media, digital platforms, and campus news outlets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, economics, or a related field (required)
• 5–6 years of relevant experience, ideally in real estate, career services, or industry relations
• A natural relationship-builder with excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strategic thinker who can also execute - comfortable managing multiple partnerships and priorities at once
• An established network in real estate and/or investments is a strong plus
• Familiarity with ARGUS or real estate financial modeling is a plus
• Enthusiasm for Notre Dame's mission and Catholic character