Assistant Director, Employer Partnerships Co-op

Role Overview

The Assistant Director of Employer Relations – Co-op is responsible for cultivating and managing employer partnerships that generate paid cooperative education opportunities for DePaul University business undergraduates.

What You Will Do

Identify and research prospective employers, conduct targeted outreach, and deliver compelling presentations to position the co-op program as a strategic talent solution. Manage a portfolio of employer accounts, develop co-op job descriptions, and support employers through the student recruitment and selection process.

Why It Might Be a Fit

This role requires strong relationship-building skills, business acumen, and a commitment to connecting students with meaningful career experiences. The ideal candidate will have a strong network within the Chicago business community, experience in sales, account management, or business development, and proficiency with CRM systems and job posting platforms.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Higher Education, or related field
• Minimum 2 years of experience in employer relations, sales, business development, recruiting, talent acquisition, or account management
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for employer events
• Experience in higher education career services, co-op/internship programs, or student affairs
• Knowledge of Chicago business community and employer landscape
• Experience in sales, account management, or business development
• Knowledge of accounting, finance, and business career pathways
• Established network within Chicago business community
• Experience with event planning and coordination
• Strong relationship-building and networking skills
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal
• Sales or business development skills with ability to prospect, qualify leads, and close partnerships
• Customer service orientation with commitment to employer and student satisfaction
• Proficiency with CRM systems (Salesforce preferred), job posting platforms (Handshake preferred), and Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Self-motivated and results-oriented with ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Flexibility and adaptability in a startup program environment
• Occasional travel to employer sites for student visits and relationship building

Benefits

• Top choice medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Retirement plan matching contribution of 8%
• Tuition waivers for employees and dependents
• Generous paid time off, sick time, holidays, floating holidays, and more!