Director of Employer and Corporate Relations

About the role

The Director of Employer and Corporate Relations will establish and expand partnerships through the Champlain Exchange, a new centralized hub for experiential learning opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate prospective employer partners and understand opportunities to support their needs through experiential learning, internships and co-operative education.
• Negotiate and finalize multi-year employer partnership agreements.
• Provide on-going support to employer partners and facilitate collaboration with Champlain College Program Leadership & Strategy.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive vision for the cooperative education program that aligns with institutional goals and student success outcomes.
• Manage the administration and evaluation of programs and employer relations / engagement.
• Collaborate with academic departments to support the integration of experiential learning projects with curriculum and learning outcomes.
• Work with faculty to develop field-specific co-op opportunities and ensure academic rigor.
• Facilitate faculty understanding of experiential learning initiatives and employer expectations.
• Develop messaging and frameworks that communicate the Champlain Exchange's work with employers.
• Manage program budget and resources effectively.
• Develop and oversee co-op management systems and ensure accurate record-keeping and compliance.
• Provide leadership to relevant coordinators and support staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, Business, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in experiential learning in higher education, workforce development, business development and/or related partnership-focused role.
• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining employer partnerships.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Prioritize managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Experience with data analysis and impact assessment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, Business, or related field.
• Thorough knowledge of federal regulations related to internships and co-ops (FLSA, F-1 visa requirements).
• Strong knowledge of co-op program models, best practices, and accreditation standards.
• Proficiency with student information systems and co-op management platforms.
• Certified Cooperative Education Professional (CCEP) or willingness to obtain certification.
• Experience with employer advisory boards and industry partnerships.
• Experience leading cross-departmental teams and fostering collaboration among academic and administrative stakeholders.

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual Salary: $80,000 - 90,000
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Health Coverage, Paid Time Off, Retirement, Wellness Programs, and more.