Associate Director, Partnerships and External Affairs

Job Overview

Shape the Future of Political Management. Are you a strategically minded, politically savvy professional ready to forge high-impact partnerships in Washington, DC? Join GW’s highly distinguished Graduate School of Political Management to directly launch the next generation of professionals who shape society.

Join us in fulfilling the School’s missions as the Associate Director, Employer Partnerships and External Affairs
. In this new, highly visible, mission‑critical role, you will translate our purpose into high‑impact partnerships, leveraging your exceptional understanding of the political landscape. You will collaborate closely with career services, graduate admissions, alumni relations, and other GW offices to strengthen career outcomes for students and alumni.

This role reports to the Executive Director of GSPM and former Congresswoman Honorable Debbie Mucarsel‑Powell
, who served as Florida’s 26th District representative from 2019 to 2021.

Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C. Washington, DC‑based position requiring 4 days per week in person and the option for one remote day. Travel and evening or weekend events are required.

Employer Engagement & General Partnership Creation

• Identify, initiate, and manage collaborative opportunities that enhance program reach, engagement, and impact.
• Design and implement outreach strategies to expand institutional partnerships and strengthen brand presence.
• Represent GSPM at academic, community, and professional events to build networks and drive engagement.
• Monitor and evaluate partnership effectiveness, recommending improvements to maximize impact.
• Strategically navigate and cultivate professional relationships within key sectors—including government, public affairs, campaigns, and high‑level advocacy circles—to identify and secure career opportunities for students and alumni.
• Lead the design and execution of a comprehensive employer engagement strategy, leveraging labor market trends, student career interests, and alumni networks to maximize recruitment opportunities.
• Build and strengthen pipelines for underrepresented fields and emerging sectors aligned with student interest and institutional growth priorities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for external partners, ensuring a consistent and high‑quality relationship experience.
• Represent the school at conferences, association events, and external engagements to drive visibility and partnership expansion.

Events & Communications

• Plan and implement recruitment programs—including job fairs, expos, networking sessions, on‑campus and virtual recruiting, and industry‑themed programming.
• Articulate the School’s mission and value proposition clearly and persuasively to build sustained partnerships.
• Collaborate with central University Career Services, campus partners, and faculty to design tailored opportunities that connect employers to GSPM students.
• Evaluate partner and student feedback to refine and enhance recruitment strategy and engagement offerings.
• Provide high‑level oversight of employer‑facing communications, including marketing campaigns, resource dissemination, and relevant sections of the GSPM website.

Student Market Readiness & Career Coaching

• Communicate emerging market insights to enhance career decision‑making and employer readiness among student and alumni populations.
• Coordinate with central University Career Services on joint activities and resources.

Program Evaluation, Data, & Institutional Collaboration

• Assess employer engagement outcomes and analyze employment data to inform strategic planning.
• Build strong internal partnerships with academic program leadership, advancement, alumni relations, admissions, career consultants, and student services teams to ensure aligned strategy and cohesive messaging.
• Collaborate closely with central University Career Services—particularly regarding policies, best practices, training, and tools for staff.
• Support College and School‑wide initiatives related to student affairs, career education, alumni engagement, and external relations as needed.

Perform other related responsibilities as assigned.…