Director for Employer Connections & Internships

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With nearly 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design, and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

In Fall 2016, UC Merced broke ground on a $1.3 billion public-private partnership that is unprecedented in higher education. The Merced 2020 Project will nearly double the physical capacity of the campus by 2020, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. In 2018, UC Merced opened the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The Director for Employer Connections & Internships will lead the Center's efforts in engaging employers and community organizations to develop a range of opportunities for UC Merced students and alumni to gain experience and employment. The person in this position will have the primary responsibility of developing and executing a plan that provides outstanding corporate and employer relations. The incumbent is responsible for new employer outreach, including soliciting new employers, managing key employer relationships, and creating opportunities for employers to connect with UC Merced students and alumni. The Director serves on the center's leadership team and participates in developing strategic plans, goals/objectives and initiatives; evaluating programs and services; and assisting the other Associate/Assistant Directors and Executive Director. This position reports to the Executive Director for the Office of Leadership, Service and Career.

Key Responsibilities:

Contributes to University strategic initiatives related to the development and sustaining of organizational partnerships to ensure student post-graduate success. Provides leadership for the design, implementation, and assessment of programs and services that engage students in industry/career strategy development and executes a robust strategic plan for employer, alumni, parent and community outreach and engagement. Primary focus on developing jobs, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities at regional/national/international levels across a wide range of industries and fields. Develops and sustains relationships with Fortune 500 companies, mid-size firms, not-for-profits, as well as government departments and agencies to secure internship and placement opportunities for UC Merced undergraduate and graduate students and alumni. Supports major and ongoing University initiatives related to engaging alumni and employers in student professional development. Executes a strategic plan to significantly increase the number of internships and full-time employment opportunities based on student interests. The plan developed will include benchmarks for excellence.

Guides, leads, and manages staff responsible for recruiting programs, industry advising and building, nurturing and deepening effective employer/community relations. Provides support and assistance in setting performance goals, reaching goals, and engaging in self-appraisal. Conducts annual appraisals, encourages and provides opportunities for professional development and growth. Raises awareness of and interest in UC Merced and its students by targeting and cultivating relationships with employers and alumni through individual outreach and special events. Manages recruiting event scheduling and employer site visits in conjunction with the Internship Coordinator and Career Specialists. Interprets, implements and ensures compliance with employment, recruiting and administrative policies. If appropriate, recommends new internal policies. Manages fiscal/budget for employer development and forecasts overall employer development budget on an annual basis.

Works closely with academic deans, faculty, alumni and advisory boards to develop a strategic plan for employer relations. The long-term goal is to increase student satisfaction with the career placement efforts and elevate UC Merced's profile.

Travels extensively to build brand recognition with corporations to support placement outcomes for students and alumni. Keeps abreast of current trends in job posting sites and other technology/social media venues for job opportunities with a specialized focus on best practices. Gathers and analyzes feedback regarding employer perceptions of both UC Merced and intern/new hire performances.

Develops and prepares statistical reports. Provides leadership in the use of online tools and applications to match employers with students and alumni. Additionally, the Director will supervise the development of media materials that showcase UC Merced graduates to employers. This includes social media, web-based, print and video. Manages special projects and strategic initiatives as directed by the Executive Director.

Qualifications:  

  • A Bachelor’s degree in related area and 5 years of progressively responsible related experience or equivalent combination of experience/training required.
  • A Master’s degree and experience in employer relations, business development, recruiting and/or human resources in a university setting preferred.
  • A Master’s degree in related area may be substituted for 2 years of required experience.
  • Significant supervisory experience and comfort with significant travel are also preferred for ideal candidate.

If you do not have internet access you may mail your application, resume, and cover letter to: University of California, Merced, 5200 North Lake Rd., Merced CA 95343. Please list the position code (SCSC9036A) on the envelope.

The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct.

On January 1, 2014, University of California, Merced became a smoke- and tobacco-free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu

E-Verify: Effective September 8, 2009, all employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

More Information

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit:

http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/