Associate Director for Strategic Partnerships

Reporting to the Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships and ultimately to the Associate Vice Provost

for Career and Professional Development, the Associate Director for Strategic Partnerships will support

the department’s strategy of signature programs and special projects with the Senior Director aligning

and advancing partnership priorities.

The position collaborates with the Enrollment Marketing & Communications team, school/college Communications Managers, and other colleagues to ensure aligned objectives and messaging.

The Associate Director manages the department’s Career Trek program by developing strategy, engaging relevant stakeholders, overseeing logistics, and collaborating with CPD and cross-campus partners. This position will supervise the Events and Promotions Coordinator and related student staff.

Position Specific Responsibilities/Accountabilities

Strategic Partnerships

• Partner with Employer Relations team to enhance employer engagement across programs, including fairs, panels, and workshops, and support streamlined communication processes.
• In partnership with Enrollment Marketing & Communications, develop a cohesive strategy and system that clearly conveys our value proposition throughout LMU.
• In collaboration with the Senior Director, enhance and define CPD’s partner and outreach strategy to faculty, students, prospective students, employers, alumni and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead the Career Trek program, including long-term planning, industry and city selection, employer and alumni outreach, faculty engagement, site visit logistics, and collaboration with Alumni and Family Engagement on coordinating the student-alumni networking mixer (a component of the Trek). Mentor and train student staff to support Trek logistics.
• Facilitate communications for CPD employer-focused events such as career fairs, information sessions, industry panels, and related programming ensuring strong seamless and logistical execution with the Events and Promotions Coordinator.
• Present to various campus communities and stakeholders on the department services, resources, and programs. Common presentations include Orientation, Admission events, classroom and club/organization requests for engagement, etc.

Supervision, Project Management & Special Projects

• Supervise, coach, and evaluate the Events and Promotions Coordinator.
• Provide strategic oversight and guidance on CPD event production logistics and plans.
• Establish policies, procedures, and systems for department event promotion in collaboration with the Senior Director and Events and Promotions Coordinator; develop best practices for event management in Smartsheet and develop and oversee CPD’s annual events calendar.
• Collaborate with the Director of Employer Engagement and Employer Relations workgroup on elevating the promotion of employer-related events and strategic outreach. Report on student and alumni successes and career outcomes.
• Collaborate with the Director of Career Education & Outcomes on developing career readiness resources and coaching tools for the department; support the ongoing vision and maintenance of the CPD website: careers.lmu.edu.
• Oversee the department’s marketing and event budget including tracking and reporting alongside Senior Operations Coordinator and Director of Career Education & Outcomes.
• Work with Enrollment Management and Student Affairs colleagues in coordinating CPD representation at programs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities

• Represent LMU and contribute to the career services community through professional associations and partnerships with employers, alumni, faculty, and other stakeholders.
• Support Enrollment Management and CPD by participating in university-wide initiatives, committees, orientations, family weekend, and retreats.
• Stay current on higher education, career services, marketing, communications, and hiring trends through Handshake training(s) and conferences such as NACE and MPACE.

Loyola Marymount University Expectations 

Exhibit behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the university. Communicate and employ interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct. Demonstrate a commitment to outstanding customer service. 

Requisite Qualifications 

• Typically, a master’s degree or equivalent professional experience. Incumbent will be expected to continue upgrading knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to keep abreast of regulation/policy changes.
• Minimum of five years of related job experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with faculty, administrators, staff, and employers.
• Proficiency in MS Office, Canva, and familiarity with platforms such as LinkedIn, Meta, and Smartsheet. Knowledge of Handshake and EMMA platforms is preferred but not required.
• Proven experience in event planning and production.
• Prior experience supervising, training or managing professional staff.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong relationship-building skills with a commitment to delivering customized, quality service.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this position.

Staff Regular

Salary range

$78,600.00 - $102,200.00 Salary commensurate with education and experience.

Please note that this position may not be eligible for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Loyola Marymount University, a Carnegie classified R2 institution in the mainstream of American Catholic higher education, seeks outstanding applicants who value its mission and share its commitment to inclusive excellence, the education of the whole person, and the building of a just society. LMU is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an environment free from discrimination and harassment as defined by federal, state and local law. We invite all persons in the full diversity of their being, life experience, and beliefs to apply. (Visit www.lmu.edu for more information.)