Engagement Manager

Employer Engagement Manager

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Employer Engagement Manager at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

The Employer Engagement Manager is responsible for developing, managing, and leading all aspects of Career Services’ employer engagement and partnership programming. This role expands opportunities for students by cultivating relationships with employers, industry partners, and community organizations that lead to internships, full-time employment, and other high-impact experiences. The Manager collaborates with academic units, employers, alumni, and external partners to ensure Wayne State University’s College to Career (C2C) initiative effectively connects students to career pathways that support regional talent and workforce development.

This position reports to the Director, Career Services.

• Employer Outreach & Partnership Strategy:
  Develop and implement a comprehensive employer engagement strategy to increase access to high-impact career experiences for WSU students. Build and sustain relationships with employers, industry partners, and community organizations to expand internship, employment, and experiential learning opportunities. Identify key industries and organizations aligned with university academic programs and regional workforce needs.
• Recruitment and Event Management:
  Plan and manage employer-focused programs, including career fairs, networking events, information sessions, and panels that connect employers and students. Support employers in leveraging Handshake and related platforms to recruit and engage with students. Collaborate with the Student Engagement Manager to coordinate complementary student and employer events that strengthen visibility and participation.
• Campus Collaboration and Employer Integration:
  Partner with schools, colleges, and university offices to connect employers to curricular and co-curricular opportunities. Work closely with internal partners such as WSU OPEN, Corporate Relations, Alumni Relations, and the Division of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development offices to align outreach and employer development efforts. Serve as the primary point of contact for employer engagement initiatives that support experiential learning and workforce readiness.
• Data, Reporting and Continuous Improvement:
  Track and analyze employer engagement, student hiring outcomes, and partnership growth. Contribute to the development of reports, dashboards, and KPIs related to employer engagement and career-engaged learning. Use data to inform strategy and demonstrate impact aligned with College to Career (C2C) and Student Success 2.0 goals.
• Marketing and Communication:
  Collaborate with communications staff to promote employer opportunities, highlight partnerships, and share success stories that elevate Wayne State’s reputation as a talent pipeline. Ensure consistent and inclusive messaging that reflects the diversity of WSU’s student body and employer base.
• Supervision & Leadership:
  May functionally supervise student employees, graduate interns, or part-time staff supporting employer engagement activities. Provide training and professional development to ensure team members effectively represent Career Services and the university to external partners.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Bachelor's degree

• 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…