University Relations & Campus Recruiting Manager
Manages collegiate partnerships and strategic recruitment programs to secure high-potential, early-career talent.
Overview
The day-to-day rhythm of this career is defined by seasonal cycles, shifting from strategic planning and relationship building in the summer to intense recruitment and event execution during the academic semesters. Professionals in this field spend significant time coordinating with internal stakeholders to determine headcount needs while simultaneously managing external relationships with career centers and student organizations. The work involves a blend of logistical oversight, data-driven decision-making, and high-energy networking to maintain a competitive edge in the talent market.
Success in this role requires a balance of project management discipline and strong interpersonal skills. Managers frequently solve complex problems related to candidate experience, brand reputation, and the scaling of internship programs into full-time hiring pipelines. Those who thrive are typically adaptable, organized, and capable of navigating both the corporate environment and the unique ecosystem of higher education.
The role often culminates in the management of summer internship programs, ensuring that the next generation of employees is successfully integrated into the company culture.
Responsibilities
- Develop comprehensive campus recruitment strategies to meet annual hiring goals for interns and entry-level employees.
- Maintain strategic partnerships with university career services, faculty, and student leadership organizations.
- Direct the planning and execution of on-campus events, career fairs, and technical workshops.
- Manage the full-cycle recruitment process from initial screening and interviewing to offer negotiation.
- Analyze recruitment data and metrics to measure the effectiveness of various university pipelines and programs.
- Collaborate with business leaders to identify talent gaps and define early-career competency requirements.
- Oversee the design and implementation of summer internship programs and rotational leadership tracks.
Qualifications
- Bachelor degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field.
- Minimum of five years of experience in talent acquisition or university relations.
- Proven experience managing high-volume recruitment cycles and internship programs.
- Proficiency with Applicant Tracking Systems and recruitment marketing platforms.
- Strong public speaking and presentation skills for diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple large-scale projects simultaneously.
Nice to have
- Experience managing a team of recruiters or program coordinators.
- Advanced certification in Human Resources such as SHRM-CP or PHR.
- Extant network of contacts within top-tier university career centers.
- Master of Business Administration or equivalent advanced degree.
Work environment
- Work is primarily office-based with significant travel to campuses during peak recruitment seasons.
- Collaborative team environment requiring constant communication with hiring managers and executives.
- Standard business hours are common, though evening events and early morning travel are frequently required.
- Tools include data analytics software, recruitment CRM platforms, and social media management suites.
Benefits & growth
- Compensation typically includes a base salary supplemented by annual performance bonuses.
- Career progression often leads to Director of Talent Acquisition or Head of Early Career Talent roles.
- Professional development is supported through industry conferences and memberships in recruitment associations.
- Standard corporate benefits packages including healthcare, retirement plans, and paid time off are typical.
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