Student Development Specialist

Job Details

Please note: all position postings close at 12:00 A.M. CST on the position closing date

Student Development Specialist

Working Title Assistant Director of Employer Engagement and Corporate Partnerships

Position # A00465

Department Career Services

Apply Now (https://phe.tbe.taleo.net/phe02/ats/careers/v2/applyRequisition?org=ARKASTAT2&cws=40&rid=39902)

Employment Status:

Full time (29-40 Hrs)

Type of Employment:

Staff

of openings:

1

Location:

ASU-Jonesboro

Proposed Salary Range:

Commensurate with Experience

Closing:

10/9/26

Please note: All postings close at 12 A.M. CST on the closing date. This employer participates in E-Verify.

Position Summary:

The Assistant Director of Employer Engagement and Corporate Partnerships serves as the primary relationship manager between Arkansas State University and employers, industry partners, and workforce development stakeholders. The position is responsible for expanding employer participation in career fairs, campus recruiting, internships, experiential learning opportunities, networking events, and workforce development initiatives that enhance career outcomes for Arkansas State students and graduates.

The Assistant Director develops and maintains strategic employer relationships that support talent acquisition, student success, and workforce readiness. Through these relationships, the Assistant Director also identifies and cultivates opportunities for corporate sponsorships, philanthropic investments, and long-term partnerships that advance Career Development & Engagement initiatives and broader university priorities.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Employer Engagement and Recruiting Partnerships (50%)

• Serve as the primary contact for employers seeking to recruit Arkansas State University students and graduates.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national employers.

• Increase employer participation in career fairs, networking events, on-campus interviews, employer panels, and recruiting programs.

• Identify and recruit new employers to engage with Arkansas State University.

• Conduct regular visits and outreach to employers to understand workforce needs and talent demands.

• Partner with academic colleges to connect employers with relevant student populations and academic programs.

• Coordinate employer campus visits, information sessions, facility tours, and recruiting events.

• Develop strategies to increase internship, and full-time employment opportunities for students.

• Identify employer engagement opportunities that may lead to sponsorship, philanthropic, or strategic partnership support for Career Development & Engagement initiatives.

• Cultivate relationships with corporate leaders and decision-makers to increase investment in career readiness, workforce development, student success, and university priorities.

• Collaborate with University Advancement and Corporate and Foundation Relations staff to move qualified employer prospects through the cultivation and solicitation process.

• Maintain ongoing communication with employers to strengthen engagement, improve recruiting outcomes, and expand partnership opportunities.

Corporate Partnerships and Resource Development (20%)

• Develop and strengthen relationships with employers and corporate partners that support the mission of Career Development & Engagement.

• Identify opportunities for employers to sponsor career fairs, networking events, professional development programs, workforce readiness initiatives, and student engagement activities.

• Collaborate with Corporate and Foundation Relations and Development staff to cultivate corporate support for scholarships, internships, experiential learning opportunities, and career development programs.

• Facilitate introductions and partnership opportunities between employers and University Advancement when philanthropic interests align with institutional priorities.

• Assist with the development, solicitation, and stewardship of corporate sponsors and partners supporting Career Development & Engagement initiatives.

• Create employer engagement pathways that encourage long-term involvement through recruiting, mentoring, program sponsorship, volunteer service, and philanthropy.

• Ensure corporate partners receive meaningful recognition, visibility, and return on investment through university engagement opportunities.

Career Programming and Workforce Development (15%)

• Support the planning and execution of career fairs, employer networking events, industry panels, and professional development programs.

• Coordinate employer participation in mentorship, mock interviews, classroom presentations, and career readiness workshops.

• Collaborate with faculty and staff to align programming with industry trends and workforce needs.

• Assist in developing initiatives that enhance student career readiness and workforce preparation.

Alumni and Community Engagement (5%)

• Partner with Alumni Relations to engage alumni employers, mentors, and industry leaders.

• Increase participation of alumni-owned businesses in recruiting and career development initiatives.

• Foster relationships with economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, and workforce development agencies.

Data, Assessment, and Reporting (10%)

• Track employer engagement activity, recruiting outcomes, internship participation, and partnership growth.

• Maintain accurate employer and corporate relationship records within CRM systems.

• Prepare reports and performance metrics related to employer engagement and recruiting success.

• Utilize data to inform outreach strategies and identify areas for program growth.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education career services, talent acquisition, workforce development, or corporate relations.

• Experience securing sponsorships, fundraising support, or corporate partnerships.

• Knowledge of recruiting practices, employer engagement strategies, and workforce development trends.

• Experience using CRM and relationship management systems.

• Master's degree in a related field

Core Performance Indicators:

Employer Engagement

• Number of active employer partnerships.

• Growth in new employer relationships.

• Employer retention rate.

• Employer participation in career fairs, recruiting events, and networking programs.

• Number of employer visits and engagement activities conducted annually.

Student Career Outcomes

• Internship and experiential learning opportunities secured.

• On-campus interviews and recruiting activities hosted.

• Employment opportunities generated for students and graduates.

• Employer satisfaction with recruiting and engagement efforts.

Corporate Engagement and Revenue Generation

• Sponsorship revenue secured for Career Development & Engagement programs and events.

• Number of corporate sponsors actively supporting Career Development & Engagement.

• Corporate-funded scholarships, internships, or workforce development initiatives established.

• Number of employers participating in mentorship, classroom engagement, mock interviews, and professional development programs.

• Number of corporate partnership opportunities referred to University Advancement for philanthropic cultivation.

• Renewal and retention rate of corporate sponsors and partners.

Strategic Partnership Growth

• New industry partnerships established.

• Alumni employer participation in Career Development & Engagement initiatives.

• Engagement of workforce development agencies, chambers of commerce, and economic development organizations.

• Overall growth and impact of Career Development & Engagement employer partnerships.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships with external stakeholders.

• Strong communication, presentation, and networking skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

General Days/Hours:

Monday - Friday

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Some nights and weekends

Reliable attendance required.

Travel is required.

Other:

Please note: all position postings close at 12:00 A.M. CST on the position closing date

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

• Three years of experience in employer relations, business development, sales, workforce development, corporate engagement, recruiting, fundraising, higher education, or related fields.

• Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends for events and employer engagement activities.

E-Verify Participation Notice:

https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf

E-Verify Right to Work:

https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER\_RightToWorkPoster%20Eng\_Es.pdf