Associate Director of Engagement

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace! We are a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world.

Whether contributing to world‑class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

The Associate Director serves as a senior-level strategic leader responsible for advancing high-impact employer relationships that expand career outcomes for MBA, EMBA, EMNA, Specialized Master’s students. This role requires significant professional experience, demonstrated leadership capability, and the ability to operate with autonomy in complex, fast-paced environments.

The Associate Director will lead corporate partnership strategy, provide market intelligence insights, and shape employer-facing brand positioning. This individual plays a key role in strategic planning, program development, and cross-functional collaboration, while also mentoring colleagues and contributing to long-term organizational direction.

This position is designed for a high-performing professional ready to contribute at a strategic level and positioned for future management and leadership opportunities.

Employer Relationship Strategy & Corporate Partnerships (70%)

• Serve as the primary relationship lead for employers and recruiters across multiple industries.
• Independently design and execute strategies to grow, strengthen, and sustain high-impact corporate partnerships.
• Identify, prioritize, and cultivate new employer relationships aligned with student career goals and market demand.
• Develop and implement long-term stewardship and employer development plans with minimal oversight.
• Partner closely with MBA, EMBA, EMNA, Specialized Master’s Career Coaches and academic leaders to co-design integrated employer engagement strategies that improve placement outcomes.
• Represent Mendoza externally at industry events, corporate meetings, and high-level employer/alumni engagements.
• Drive expansion and deepening of target employer relationships across priority sectors.

Market Intelligence, Data & Systems Leadership (20%)

• Lead data collection and market analysis to provide actionable insight into hiring trends, competitive benchmarks, and industry shifts.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for internal stakeholders on employer expectations, hiring cycles, and evolving market dynamics.
• Develop and oversee systems for tracking employer engagement using CRM and survey platforms.
• Translate data into strategic recommendations that inform employer engagement planning and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Contribute to long-range planning through data-informed forecasting and sector analysis.

Marketing & Brand Positioning (10%)

• Lead development and refinement of employer-facing marketing strategies aligned to MBA, EMBA, EMNA, Specialized Master’s program pathways.
• Oversee digital engagement campaigns across Linked In, Irish Compass, and website platforms to ensure strategic consistency.
• Analyze branding and communication effectiveness using performance metrics and market insight.
• Collaborate with marketing and advancement teams to elevate Mendoza’s visibility and positioning across industries.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of progressive experience
• Master’s degree (highly preferred)
• Advanced certification beyond Bachelor’s degree considered

The Associate Director is a seasoned professional who brings significant experience, strategic judgment, and demonstrated leadership capability. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, this individual leverages data and market insight to shape strategy, cultivate…