Early Careers and University Relations Lead

Early Careers & University Relations Lead

Forgent is seeking a strategic and hands-on Early Careers & University Relations Lead to design, build, and scale a best-in-class early talent strategy. Reporting to the VP of Talent Acquisition, this role will own the development and execution of Forgent's university engagement, internship programs, and entry-level hiring pipelines.

The Lead will operate with a high degree of autonomy in building and executing programs, while partnering closely with the VP of Talent Acquisition, who provides strategic oversight and ensures alignment with enterprise talent priorities.

Strategy & Program Development

• Develop and execute a comprehensive early careers strategy aligned with Forgent's workforce planning and growth priorities

• Design scalable recruiting programs for interns, co-ops, and entry-level hires across key functional areas

• Establish KPIs and metrics to measure program success (conversion rates, diversity outcomes, retention, performance)

University Relations & Partnerships

• Identify and build strategic partnerships with target universities, colleges, and talent pipelines

• Create and manage campus engagement plans including career fairs, info sessions, and leadership engagement

• Cultivate relationships with faculty, career services, student organizations, and diversity-focused groups

Recruitment & Candidate Experience

• Lead end-to-end recruiting for early career talent, including sourcing, interviewing, and offer management

• Develop innovative sourcing strategies leveraging digital platforms, events, and partnerships

• Deliver a best-in-class candidate experience that reflects Forgent's values and culture

Internship & Early Talent Programs

• Design and manage structured internship and early career development programs

• Partner with business leaders to ensure meaningful project work, mentorship, and feedback loops

• Drive intern-to-full-time conversion strategy and onboarding experiences

Employer Branding

• Build Forgent's brand presence on campus and across early-career talent channels (social, events, partnerships)

• Collaborate with marketing and communications to craft compelling messaging and campaigns

• Leverage storytelling and employee ambassadors to differentiate Forgent in competitive markets

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

• Embed DEI priorities into all early careers initiatives

• Expand partnerships with HBCUs, HSIs, women's colleges, and other diverse institutions

• Track and improve diverse representation across early talent pipelines

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner with hiring managers and leadership to forecast early talent needs and hiring plans

• Collaborate with HR, L&D, and business leaders to create development pathways for early talent

• Provide regular updates and insights to the VP of Talent Acquisition and executive stakeholders

• Partner closely with the VP of Talent Acquisition to align early careers strategy with broader organizational goals, with the VP providing strategic guidance and final alignment on key program decisions

• Proactively bring forward recommendations, insights, and program innovations to inform leadership decision-making

• Ensure all early talent initiatives are aligned with enterprise talent strategy, hiring priorities, and workforce planning

Required

• 6–10+ years of experience in university relations, early careers recruiting, or campus talent programs

• Proven experience building or scaling early careers initiatives in a corporate or high-growth environment

• Strong relationship management and stakeholder influencing skills

• Demonstrated ability to manage programs end-to-end with measurable outcomes

• Experience driving diversity recruiting initiatives within early talent pipelines

Preferred

• Experience in [relevant industry—consulting, tech, professional services, etc.]

• Background working in a mid-sized or high-growth company environment

• Familiarity with applicant tracking systems (ATS) and campus recruiting tools

• Strong analytical mindset with experience using data to inform talent strategies

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinker with strong execution skills

• Relationship builder and brand ambassador

• Innovative and…