About the College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies

At the University of Cincinnati's (UC) College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies (CCPS), we believe that experiential learning and career education are essential components of higher education. In support of this, we develop and deliver innovative, high-impact courses, programs, and services that foster students' personal and professional development as dynamic, thoughtful, global citizens. Within a thriving culture of collaboration, we provide students, employers, and partners with a single point of contact for Cooperative Education (Co-op) and transition-to-career services. Cooperative Education and Professional Studies (CCPS) faculty and staff are proud to say that our contributions have earned UC the distinction of being U.S. News and World Report's (2023) #1 public university for Co-ops and Internships.

Job Overview

The Assistant Director of Industry Engagement is responsible for creating, developing, and maintaining strategic industry partnerships that support the University of Cincinnati’s experiential education mission. This role represents the university externally to industry leaders, often including C-suite executives, and is expected to have deep knowledge of engagement opportunities across campus. The Assistant Director will maintain a portfolio of key accounts, lead outreach in areas of need for the College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies.  The position will play a critical role in shaping the vision and execution of the industry engagement strategy for CCPS. This position will collaborate closely with the Alumni Association, UC Foundation, faculty, and internal campus stakeholders to identify and develop impactful, long-term partnerships.

CCPS is hiring multiple candidates for this role. This role will primarily function from the 1819 Innovation Hub, located at 2900 Reading Road. CCPS participates in the University's alternative work program; this position may be hybrid in accordance with UC policies. Residence must be in the tri-state area within reasonable distance to UC Main Campus to have ability to report to campus as required. Remote work arrangements are subject to change in accordance with university policies.

Essential Functions

• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with a portfolio of approximately 100 industry partners, ensuring mutual value and ongoing engagement.
• Serve as the primary contact for key employer partners; ensure consistent communication, satisfaction, and strategic alignment with institutional goals.
• Identify and pursue potential partners through targeted outreach based on labor market information (LMI), academic program needs, alumni connections, and strategic priorities.
• Work with faculty and internal stakeholders to communicate industry needs, skill gaps, key job search words, and opportunities for engagement.
• Coordinate with partner units such as Adult Education, Lindner Centers, the Office of Research, and others to build and maintain holistic engagement plans for strategic partners.
• Travel as needed to represent UC at industry events, partner sites, and conferences; host site visits and present engagement opportunities to leadership-level executives.
• Devote approximately 80% of time to nurturing and growing current relationships, and 20% to new partner acquisition and outreach.
• Leverage personal and professional networks to build and grow an ecosystem of relationship-driven partnerships that benefit students, faculty, and the university at large.  Work with UC regional partners to develop networks in key industry clusters.
• Collaborate with the Alumni Association and UC Foundation to maximize partner alignment and philanthropic opportunities.
• Responsible for utilizing CRM (Salesforce) to track all partner activity.
• Perform related duties based on departmental need. This job description can be changed at any time.

Required Education

• Bachelors degree required

Required Experience

•    Eight (8) years of experience in relationship sales, account management, business development, or industry engagement.
•    Demonstrated success building and managing a strategic portfolio of accounts.
•    Ability to communicate effectively with senior-level executives and campus leaders.
•    Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
•    Willingness to travel as needed and represent the university professionally.
 

Additional Qualifications Considered

•    Experience working in higher education, workforce development, or industry partnerships.
•    Familiarity with labor market information (LMI), alumni engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
•    Strategic thinker who is comfortable

Physical Requirements/Work Environment