Engagement Manager

Employer Engagement Manager at Wayne State University

Wayne State University, located in Detroit, Michigan, seeks an experienced Employer Engagement Manager to lead career services’ employer engagement and partnership programming. The role develops partnerships that create internships, full‑time employment, and experiential learning opportunities for students, aligning with the College-to-Career initiative.

This role expands student opportunities by cultivating relationships with employers, industry partners, and community organizations, and works closely with academic units and external partners to connect students to career pathways that support regional talent and workforce development. The role reports to the Director of Career Services.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive employer engagement strategy to increase access to high‑impact career experiences for WSU students.
• Plan and manage employer‑focused programs, including career fairs, networking events, information sessions, and panels.
• Partner with schools, colleges, and university offices to connect employers to curricular and co‑curricular opportunities.
• Track and analyze employer engagement, student hiring outcomes, and partnership growth; contribute to reports, dashboards, and KPIs.
• Collaborate with communications staff to promote employer opportunities and share success stories.
• May supervise student employees, graduate interns, or part‑time staff supporting employer engagement activities.
• Additional duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in student affairs, higher education administration, marketing, psychology, social work, learning design, or a related field from an accredited institution;
  Master’s degree in higher education, human resources, communications, or related field preferred.
• Minimum five years of experience in employer relations, career services, workforce development, or recruiting; demonstrated experience developing partnerships and working collaboratively across diverse teams.
• Experience using career management or CRM systems (e.g., Handshake, Salesforce) and data‑informed approaches to track engagement and outcomes.
• Strong relationship‑building, communication, and presentation skills.
• Understanding of workforce trends, recruitment practices, and experiential learning models.
• Ability to design and implement strategic engagement initiatives that align with institutional goals.
• Proven event planning and project management skills.
• Ability to lead and supervise student staff in a fast‑paced, service‑oriented environment.
• Creative problem‑solving and strategic thinking abilities.
• Proficiency with digital tools and platforms such as social media, email marketing, and career management systems (e.g., Handshake).

• Regular Employee
• Job type:
  Full Time
• Job category:
  Staff/Administrative

Mid‑Senior level

• Office Environment; occasional local travel required.

The university welcomes applications from persons with disabilities and veterans. Wayne State is an equal opportunity employer.