Associate Director, Recruitment & Employer Relations

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Why join the Harvard Graduate School of Education?

The Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education.

Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: www.gse.harvard.edu.

Job Summary

The Associate Director of Recruitment and Employer Relations will play a key role on the Career and Alumni Engagement team at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE). Our unit’s mission is to help students and alumni thrive and engage in lifelong personal growth, professional development, and career exploration. 

As a senior member of the CAE team, the Associate Director of Recruitment and Employer Relations will provide strategic direction on job search and advancement services for our 1,000+ HGSE students and 30,000+ HGSE alumni. Among other initiatives, the Associate Director will lead strategy and projects related to recruiting expos, student-alumni networking, and large-scale employer engagement events in partnership with the Academic Programs and Student Services staff and HGSE faculty. Specific responsibilities include:

Recruitment and Communication

• Using data-based analysis of student career interests, design and implement a demand-based, inclusive recruitment strategy (job fairs, expos, panels, etc.; general and industry-based)
• Review student and employer feedback data to inform revisions to current recruitment strategy
• Research hiring trends in education and adjacent sectors to inform innovative offerings on emerging markets
• Evaluate and provide high-level oversight of externally-facing “For Employers” pages on the Career Services Office website 
• Manage employer communications with support from CAE teammates
• Provide high-level oversight of student recruitment communications and resource dissemination with attention to email volume

Employer Engagement and Relationship Management

• Design and implement short- and long-term employer engagement strategy utilizing data on peer institution offerings, student career interests and prior employer relationships
• Manage outreach and marketing initiatives to attract potential employers that address student needs and demands, including international, underrepresented, and mid-career learners 
• Develop opportunities to more deeply engage HGSE alumni as potential employers (e.g., more frequent solicitations of job postings)
• Oversee Fulbright Fellowship marketing and interview processes
• Identify, establish, and maintain relationships with relevant university partners

Coaching and Institutional Support

• Offer weekly career coaching appointments to students and alumni (~3-10 hours/weekly)
• Serve as CAE designee on relevant HGSE and University-wide committees or events, as needed
• Support general CAE events as needed  

Team Management

• Supervise staff
• Convene team members on a regular basis to ensure cohesion and transparent, collaborative decision-making 
• Model inclusive leadership in team meetings, hiring actions, performance management, opportunities for growth, and mentorship
• Serve as a resource to all direct reports, stepping in as needed to provide additional support and/or coverage

Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office setting
• May be required to work nights and weekends

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting using near vision use for reading and computer use for extended periods of time
• Lifting (approximately 20 to 30 pounds), bending, and other physical exertion

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum 4 years of professional relevant experience  
• Any candidate wishing to be considered must submit a cover letter in addition to their resume.

Additional Qualifications

Advanced degree preferred. Experience in career services or employer relations preferred. Prior work in higher education, graduate school settings a plus. Demonstrated ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders with a commitment to equity and inclusion. Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and management skills. Excellent attention to detail and ability to set direction for outstanding service. Willingness to provide ground-level support as needed, including at night and/or on weekends during busy periods.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity and Education

Work Format Details

This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment. 

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes. 

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.