Associate Director for Employer Recruitment

Columbia University
United States, New York, New York
Jan 24, 2025
Job Type: Officer of Administration Regular/Temporary: Regular Hours Per Week: 35 Salary Range: $95,000-$115,000 The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. Position Summary The Associate Director establishes and maintains relationships with employers, industry partners, and alumni to drive internship and full-time career placement opportunities for students in the Master of Science Data Science program at Columbia University. They will act as a liaison between the Data Science Institute and employers, advocating for students' capabilities and fostering a pipeline of career recruitment opportunities in data-driven and technology industries. The Associate Director has three main key goals, including (1) match and place as many students in the defined cohort in full-time and internship opportunities; (2) develop leads to generate career opportunities for students; and (3) develop key employer partnerships to foster placement of students and engagement with the Institute. Responsibilities Employer Cultivation and Relationship Management Identify and establish relationships with employers seeking candidates for data science, analytics, machine learning, AI, and other roles aligned with the MS in Data Science program. Develop partnerships with local, national, and international companies to increase student job and internship opportunities. Maintain ongoing engagement with alumni to support networking, job placement initiatives, and mentoring. Organize regular employer check-ins to assess hiring needs and promote Master of Science Data Science program talent. Actively promote the MSDS program to prospective employers and industry leaders. Design and deliver marketing materials that highlight student achievements, program curriculum, and success stories. Facilitate employer participation in capstone projects, research collaborations, and mentorship opportunities. Career Events and Programming Plan and execute career fairs, employer info sessions, and on-campus/virtual recruiting events tailored to the Master of Science Data Science students to facilitate career placement. Host employer panels, workshops, and networking events to expose students to job opportunities and industry trends. Collaborate with faculty and program leadership to align recruitment events with academic calendars and student availability. Student Engagement and Mentorship Serve as the primary career resource for MSDS students, educating them on employer needs and market expectations. Collaborate with the Columbia Engineering Graduate Career Placement team to support students career readiness such as resume preparation, interview readiness, and professional branding. Serve as an advocate for the students to employers and industry contacts; obtaining feedback to facilitate matching students to employers and opportunities. Data Collection and Reporting Track and report job placement statistics, employer engagement metrics, and student employment outcomes to inform program success. Analyze employer feedback and hiring trends to improve recruitment initiatives and align student preparation efforts. Maintain accurate employer contacts and opportunities records within the within the career services database. Industry and Program Collaboration Work closely with the Strategic Partnerships team, and program leadership to understand curriculum offerings and student skill sets. Collaborate with industry professionals to align educational outcomes with employer needs. Advocate for data science program graduates by showcasing their expertise in programming languages, data analysis, machine learning, and real-world projects. Continuous Improvement Stay informed about hiring trends in data science, AI, and related fields. Work with internal teams to develop strategies for enhancing employer partnerships and career outcomes for students. Provide recommendations for program enhancements based on industry insights and employer needs. Other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree is required, ideally in business, higher education, data science, or a related field. 4-6 years of experience in employer relations, recruiting, business development, or career services. Proven ability to engage and maintain relationships with employers and industry stakeholders. A client-focused and improvement-oriented mindset is essential. Knowledge of data science, analytics, and technology-related job markets and skills. Strong communication, organizational, and project management skills. Ability to work with diverse groups, including students, faculty, employers, and alumni. Preferred Qualifications Graduate degree preferred. Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.