Associate Director of National Employer Engagement

REPORTS TO: Director of Strategic Programs

Job Summary:
The Associate Director of National Employer Engagement provides national leadership for Bridges’ employer engagement strategy, formal partnership development, and multi-market coordination. This role is responsible for building the structure, systems, and partnership model that connects strong site-based employer relationships into a cohesive and scalable national strategy, while preserving local ownership of placements, day-to-day employer relationships, and market execution. The Associate Director will help Bridges strengthen its employer value proposition, formalize priority partnerships, improve employer related visibility and reporting, and support the development of tools, resources, and education that position Bridges as a trusted workforce partner for employers.

Core Responsibilities:

The Associate Director of National Employer Engagement’s primary responsibilities include but are not limited to:

National Employer Strategy & Partnership Development

• Lead the design, implementation, and ongoing refinement of Bridges’ national employer engagement strategy, governance model, and partnership framework.
• Develop and manage a national employer portfolio by identifying, segmenting, prioritizing, formalizing, and stewarding employer partnerships based on strategic fit, market relevance, growth potential, and partnership opportunity.
• Establish clear definitions, criteria, pathways, and engagement models that move employers from informal relationships to formalized partnerships with clear commitments, hiring goals, named owners, and partnership agreements as appropriate.

Cross-Functional Coordination & Site Partnership

• Coordinate national and multi market employer relationships, including National Anchor and Regional Scaling opportunities, in partnership with site leadership and under the direction of the Director of Strategic Programs.
• Partner with Program Directors, site teams, and internal leaders to identify, strengthen, and scale employer relationships across markets while preserving local ownership of day-to-day relationship management and placement activity.
• Collaborate across teams to align employer strategy with organizational priorities, program growth, fundraising opportunities, external communications, and internal adoption of the national employer engagement model through practical tools, resources, guidance, and support.

Systems, Reporting & Strategic Visibility

• Oversee national employer engagement systems, reporting, and partnership visibility, including Salesforce enhancements that improve employer data, pipeline visibility, account management, and strategic decision making.
• Monitor partnership activity, employer trends, performance indicators, and field input to identify what is working, assess gaps, strengthen tracking across markets, and inform decision making, priority setting, and partnership growth opportunities.

Employer Value Proposition, Materials & External Representation

• Lead the development and stewardship of Bridges’ employer value proposition, employer facing messaging, pitch materials, and related tools that position Bridges as a trusted workforce partner.
• Develop employer education, training resources, and employer focused materials that build confidence, reduce barriers, strengthen inclusive hiring, onboarding, and retention practices, and support organizational growth opportunities.
•  Represent Bridges in employer-facing and workforce development settings and seek opportunities to build awareness of Bridges as a trusted partner in disability inclusive youth employment.

Other Responsibilities

• Support special projects and strategic initiatives related to employer engagement, partnership growth, and national program development.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience in a related field such as workforce development, business, nonprofit management, public policy, education, communications, human services, or a similar discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in employer engagement, workforce development, partnership development, business development, or related strategic roles.
• Demonstrated success building and managing strategic partnerships across multiple markets, regions, or locations.
• Experience developing scalable systems, partnership models, or governance structures that support consistency and growth.
• Experience using data and reporting to inform decision making, assess performance, and guide strategy.
• Experience in a nonprofit, workforce development, education, social services, or other mission driven environment preferred.
• Familiarity with disability inclusion, youth employment, school to work transition, or employer engagement in mission aligned settings preferred.

Required Skills:

• Strong strategic thinking and ability to translate ideas into practical action.
• Strong relationship building, communication, presentation, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively without direct authority.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, database or CRM platforms, and data informed decision making.
• Ability to maintain security and confidentiality of sensitive information.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to operate general office equipment.
• Ability to travel.