Director for Employer Relations - (PRO00000404)

Salary Range: 

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Director of Employer Relations is a strategic and collaborative leader responsible for designing and executing employer engagement strategies, cultivating and strengthening employer relationships, and leading the Hegi Center's recruiting activities with the goal of maximizing employment opportunities for SMU students. 

This role oversees the day-to-day operations of the Office of Employer Relations and serves as a key partner to recruiters, the Assistant Provost for Career & Professional Development, Assistant Directors, and Hegi partners to ensure a seamless and exceptional On-Campus Recruiting (OCR) experience. 

The Director collaborates with departmental Directors to establish strategic goals, serves as a member of the Hegi Center's Leadership Team in departmental decision-making, and plans and monitors day-to-day business operations through data tracking to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. 

Essential Functions:

• Lead the planning, logistics, marketing, execution and assessment of employer events/programs, including career fairs, mixers, interviews, workshops/seminars, and internal team employer focused events. 

• Partner with the Hegi Leadership Team to develop and execute departmental strategy while contributing to strategic planning efforts.

• Direct Assistant Directors staff during event planning/marketing/execution, acting as "Event Captain."  Track & report On Campus Recruiting (OCR) data (event attendance, interviews, etc.). 

• Serves as Employer Relations Team (ERT) 12twenty liaison and resident expert, and university point of contact. Works with employers to schedule on campus events and interviews. 

• Oversees program management for the All Majors Career & Internship Fair, Hegi Internship Programs, and SMU Board Fellows Program.  

• Supervise support staff to plan and execute OCR activities (e.g. job postings, events, etc.). Manage day-to-day operations of the ERT, including but not limited to staffing coverage, procurement and budget tracking, as well as providing coaching and feedback to the ERT staff. 

• Meet with Assistant Directors and Assistant Provost to provide up-to-date information from employers regarding upcoming OCR. 

• Lead engagement with Hegi's recruiting partners, collaborating with Assistant Provost, Assistant Directors, the Dallas Office, and other Hegi partners to both acquire new and expand existing relationships. 
• Direct the ERT to serve as primary points of contact with recruiters to ensure a seamless experience hiring SMU students. Works to assess the number of employer engagement programs and student career success.  

• Improve and champion all Hegi Center standards, policies, and procedures. Manage department technology tools/systems, overseeing implementations, upgrades and general performance.

• Oversee department marketing, coordinating with Marketing and Communications and Hegi internal marketing representative.

• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to accommodate department initiatives and events. 

• Local travel will be required to attend events and meet with external employers.

Education and Experience:

Master’s is required. A degree in Higher Education, Business, Communications, Human Resources or other related industries or fields is preferred.

A minimum of seven (7) years of work experience in career development, corporate recruiting/HR, outplacement, or a related fields is required. Extensive interaction with alumni, students & corporate recruiters is integral to the position.

A minimum of three (3) years of supervisory or management experience is required. 

Experience advancing relationships and developing opportunities for collaborative partnerships and programs is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must exhibit a strong portfolio of communication skills, with the ability to present and communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.  

The ability to both lead and collaborate in a team setting is essential.

Candidate should possess the ability to conceptualize and implement programs and initiatives at both strategic and tactical levels that are in alignment with broader departmental and institutional goals and drive them through successful execution. 

Deadline to Apply:

Priority consideration may be granted to applications received by November 10, 2026. 

Deadline to apply is November 23, 2026.