Manager of Graduate Career & Industry Engagement

POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Manager of Graduate Career & Industry Engagement will lead career and professional development initiatives specifically for graduate students (master's and Ph.D.) within the College of Science and Engineering (CSE). Reporting to the Director of Career Services, with additional work direction and guidance from the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs, this role will enhance career readiness by developing specialized programming, strengthening employer engagement, and building strategic partnerships.

A key focus will be on supporting the diverse career pathways of CSE graduate students - including academia, industry, government, and entrepreneurship - through tailored career support, workshops, and networking opportunities. This position will actively cultivate relationships with employers and industry partners to create and promote employment opportunities for graduate students. This includes organizing industry panels, career fairs, and employer-hosted events designed specifically for graduate students in science and engineering and recognizing that different activities may be needed to serve the unique needs of M.S. and Ph.D. students.

The Manager of Graduate Career & Industry Engagement will work closely with academic departments, faculty, key university offices, and industry partners to address the unique professional development needs of science and engineering graduate students. Additionally, they will identify emerging workforce trends and collaborate with employers to develop targeted recruitment strategies, ensuring that CSE graduate students are well-positioned for success in a competitive job market.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Employer Engagement (30%)

• Lead all graduate student career strategy by collaborating with the CSE Career Services Employer Engagement team, CSE Corporate and Foundation Relations team, and Director of Alumni Relations to identify and expand career and research opportunities for graduate students, ensuring a coordinated approach to employer and alumni partnerships.
• Create a strategy to identify and cultivate relationships with local, regional, national, and international employers to expand internship and full-time career opportunities tailored to master's and Ph.D. students.
• Develop and implement employer engagement strategies that increase the quality and quantity of graduate-focused employer participation in on-campus and virtual recruiting events.
• Plan and lead regular meetings and events with corporate recruiters, alumni, and HR professionals to understand hiring needs for graduate-level roles, advocate for CSE graduate students, and strengthen employer connections.
• Assess and determine graduate student career interests and goals, in consultation with CSE Career Services Counseling team and CSE academic departments to ensure employer outreach strategies align.
• Analyze and monitor industry trends, workforce demands, and emerging skill requirements to assess employer hiring needs for graduate-level talent, ensuring alignment with current and future job market expectations.

Graduate Student Career & Professional Development Programming (25%)

• Design and implement career development programming tailored to master's and Ph.D. students, including career fairs, networking events, workshops, panels, and site visits in order to expose graduate students to a variety of career paths.
• Collaborate with the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs to integrate career development into graduate student success initiatives.
• Develop and deliver programming that prepares graduate students for internships, job searches, and other experiential learning opportunities, including topics such as search strategies, effective networking, and building skills for professional success.
• Coordinate graduate student participation in Big10+ virtual career fairs and other consortium-based recruitment events, ensuring CSE graduate students have access to a broad network of employers seeking advanced-degree talent.
• Develop and implement communication and marketing strategies to enhance the visibility, accessibility, and impact of career programs, employer engagement initiatives, and professional development opportunities for graduate students.

Departmental and Faculty Engagement (20%)

• Design and execute targeted initiatives to strengthen collaboration among CSE academic departments, facilitating the expansion of employer partnerships, and ensuring all graduate students-regardless of program or background-have equitable access to career development opportunities and hiring networks.
• Leverage existing faculty and department relationships with industry partners to expand opportunities for graduate students.
• Serve as the direct contact for academic departments to consult on graduate student career initiatives and programs.
• Partner with faculty, directors of graduate studies, and graduate program coordinators to integrate career development topics into graduate seminars, research programs, and departmental events.
• Guide faculty and academic departments on best practices for preparing graduate students for diverse career pathways, including academic, industry, and government careers.

Data Collection, Analysis and Assessment (15%)

• Build a robust assessment strategy to evaluate overall student and employer engagement, event and new initiative effectiveness, and impact on student career development and graduate outcomes.
• Develop methods, collect, analyze, and report graduate student career outcomes, including employment trends and salary data, by collaborating with academic departments and institutional research teams to assess post-graduation success.
• Leverage CRM systems to enhance employer partnership tracking and generate actionable insights and resources for career counselors supporting graduate students.
• Analyze annual data on student engagement and outcomes to identify gaps and implement improvements in programming, resources, and employer outreach strategies that support CSE graduate student career success.

Professional Development & Service (10%)

• Collaborate across UMN career services offices on University-wide programming and actively participate in relevant committees related to graduate student success.
• Support broader CSE and University initiatives that enhance the student experience and career readiness.
• Maintain involvement in local, state and national professional associations (MNACE, NACE, chambers of commerce, etc.).
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the College's graduate student career initiatives.

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's degree plus at least six years of relevant experience, or master's degree plus at least four years of relevant experience.
• Documented experience in building strong relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders including students, employers, alumni, faculty and staff.
• Ability to solve complex problems, prioritize, and oversee multiple tasks with minimal supervision/consultation.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to confidently and positively represent the College and University to employers. High level of comfort with networking.
• Experience creating, planning, and executing events with strong attention to detail.
• A passion for supporting the career development and success of all students.
• Exceptional organization, written and oral communication skills.

PREFERRED:

• Master's degree in student affairs, higher education, human resource management, organizational leadership, or a related discipline.
• Prior experience working with graduate students, particularly in STEM fields.
• Data management and technology skills including experience with CRM, database systems or project management systems.
• Experience in marketing and program implementation.
• Experience collecting and analyzing data; ability to utilize data to drive strategy.
• Demonstrated ability to work flexibly and successfully within a changing environment.
• Experience working with the Twin Cities business/STEM community.
• Familiarity with the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus.

College of Science and Engineering Student Services provides student support by promoting academic success, intentional engagement, and professional development. Students receive assistance with academic and career planning, job and internship searches, international experiences, and leadership opportunities. The department includes approximately 40 staff across six units: Academic Advising, Career Services, International Programs, Operations and Support Services, Recruitment and Outreach, Student Engagement, and Student Records and Curriculum.

Pay Range: $70,000-$79,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).