Employer Relations Specialist

Make a difference at one of Florida’s premier institutions for education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Florida Polytechnic University, ranked the No. 1 public college in the region by U.S. News and World Report, offers a unique working environment that encourages faculty and staff to be part of a culture that prizes collaboration, innovation, and the willingness to go above and beyond to ensure our students and University succeed. Florida Poly offers a small campus academic environment where students form connections with their faculty and peers as they pursue high-value degrees in engineering and applied sciences.

The University is equipped with cutting-edge facilities and equipment and two award-winning, architecturally distinct academic buildings. Its evolving curriculum, designed to meet the needs of industry and provide a life-long educational foundation for students, has helped the institution grow in prominence since its opening in 2014. Florida Poly’s deliberately small classes, affordability, and outstanding graduate outcomes have helped it earn recognitions such as being named a top value school, in the top 25 nationally for affordability, and in the top five best universities in the South for tech students. Accredited by ABET and SACSCOC, Florida Poly is educating some of the brightest minds in Florida and attracting standout talent from across the nation.

   

JOB TITLE

   

Employer Relations Specialist

   

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

   

The Employer Relations Specialist coordinates day-to-day employer engagement by serving as the primary operational contact for employers, maintaining employer records and recruiting technologies, coordinating recruiting events and employer information sessions, supporting career fairs, promoting internship opportunities, and providing career coaching support during peak service periods.

This position develops positive working relationships with employers through consistent communication and outstanding customer service while implementing employer engagement initiatives established by the Career Services Program Director. The position also supports departmental assessment, Student Affairs programming, and university initiatives that advance student career readiness and graduate success.

   

JOB DESCRIPTION

   

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Employer Relations & Employer Services - 20%

• Serve as the primary operational contact for employers by responding to inquiries, coordinating employer communications, maintaining positive working relationships, assisting employers with recruiting needs, and providing exceptional customer service. Support the Career Services Program Director by implementing employer engagement initiatives and maintaining consistent communication with employer partners.

Employer Recruiting Operations – 15 %

• Coordinate employer recruiting activities including employer site visits, information sessions, campus interviews, networking events, employer tabling, recruiting logistics, and employer participation in Career Services programs. Ensure employers 15 receive timely communication, scheduling assistance, and operational support throughout the recruiting process.

Career Fairs & Event Coordination - 15%

• Coordinate the operational planning and implementation of career fairs, employer networking events, and recruiting programs. Manage employer registration, event logistics, communication, scheduling, materials, and follow-up while collaborating with Student Affairs partners to deliver successful employer engagement events.

Internship & Experiential Learning Support - 10%

• Assist employers and students with internship opportunities by coordinating internship postings, promoting experiential learning opportunities, supporting faculty partnerships, and assisting with internship-related initiatives that increase student participation in work-based learning.

Employer Systems, Data Assessment - 10%

• Maintain employer information within Handshake and other career technologies, ensure accurate employer records, prepare reports, monitor employer engagement metrics, assist with departmental assessment efforts, and support continuous improvement initiatives through accurate data collection and reporting.

Career Coaching Support - 10%

• Provide career coaching support during high-demand periods by assisting students with resumes, interviewing, networking, internship preparation, job search strategies, and employer-informed career readiness. Refer students to the Career Development Specialist for ongoing coaching needs when appropriate.

Career Services & Student Affairs Programming - 10%

• Plan, coordinate, and participate in Career Services and Student Affairs events including orientation, commencement, recruitment events, student engagement initiatives, career programming, and university-sponsored activities that promote student success and career readiness.

Department Operations & Special Projects - 5%

• Support departmental operations by assisting with marketing initiatives, maintaining departmental procedures, coordinating special projects, participating on university committees, supporting strategic initiatives as assigned, and performing related duties necessary to accomplish departmental goals. Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Business Administration, Marketing, Human Resources, Communications, Higher Education, Student Affairs, Public Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a closely related field.  
• Two (2) years of professional experience in employer relations, career services, recruiting, workforce development, higher education, student services, human resources, event coordination, business development, or a related field.
• Experience providing professional customer service and building collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience coordinating projects, programs, events, or operational activities while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.  
• Experience utilizing Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint) and learning new technology systems.  
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through verbal, written, and interpersonal communication.  
• In lieu of a degree, any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Business Administration, Human Resources, Organizational Leadership, Counseling, Marketing, or a related field.  
• Professional experience in a college or university Career Services, Student Affairs, Admissions, Alumni Relations, Workforce Development, or Human Resources office.  
• Experience coordinating employer recruiting events, career fairs, internship programs, or employer engagement initiatives.  
• Experience utilizing Handshake or comparable career management systems and customer relationship management (CRM) software.  
• Experience supporting departmental assessment, data collection, reporting, or continuous improvement initiatives.  
• Experience working with STEM students, technical employers, or industry partners.  
• Experience providing career coaching, resume reviews, mock interviews, or career readiness programming.  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge

• Principles and best practices of employer relations, career services, internship development, and university recruiting.  
• Career readiness competencies and student career development practices within higher education.  
• Student Affairs philosophy, student engagement, and student success initiatives.  
• Employer recruitment processes and hiring practices.  
• Internship and experiential learning program administration.  
• Event planning, program coordination, and project management principles.
• Customer relationship management practices and employer communication strategies.  
• Labor market information, workforce trends, and employment resources.  
• Career management platforms such as Handshake or comparable systems.  
• Microsoft 365 applications, virtual meeting platforms, and database management systems.  
• Assessment methods, data collection, reporting, and continuous improvement practices.  
• University organizational structure and the ability to collaborate across academic and administrative departments.  
• Principles of customer service, confidentiality, and professional ethics. 

Skills

• Building and maintaining positive relationships with employers, students, faculty, alumni, and community partners.  
• Coordinating employer recruiting activities, career fairs, networking events, and employer information sessions.  
• Organizing multiple projects while effectively managing competing priorities and deadlines.  
• Delivering presentations, facilitating workshops, and communicating information to diverse audiences.  
• Preparing professional correspondence, reports, marketing materials, and employer communications.  
• Utilizing career management systems, CRM software, spreadsheets, databases, and reporting tools.  
• Collecting, organizing, and interpreting data to support departmental assessment and decision-making.  
• Providing career coaching related to resumes, interviewing, networking, internship preparation, and job search strategies.  
• Exercising initiative, problem-solving, and sound professional judgment in daily operations. 

Abilities

• Develop and maintain productive working relationships with employers and campus stakeholders.  
• Coordinate multiple employer engagement activities simultaneously while maintaining high levels of customer service.  
• Interpret university policies and procedures and communicate them effectively to internal and external constituents.  
• Work independently while exercising sound judgment and appropriate decision-making.  
• Analyze operational issues and recommend practical solutions to improve employer services and departmental processes.  
• Adapt to changing priorities while maintaining professionalism and attention to detail.  
• Represent Career Services and Florida Polytechnic University in a positive, professional manner.  
• Maintain accurate records and confidential information while utilizing appropriate technology systems.  
• Collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary Student Affairs environment.  
• Support Career Services operations through a willingness to assist with departmental and university initiatives as needed. 

REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND/OR OTHER SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF LAW:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• This position requires a criminal background check, which may include a Level II screening as required by Florida Statute §435.04.
• This position is subject to federal and state privacy regulations.
• Willing to travel locally for employer visits and university events as needed. 
• Willing to work frequent evenings and weekends in support of university programs and events. 

NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE:       This position is salary exempt.  The normal work schedule is Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; however, occasional overtime (weekends and evenings) may be required.

TARGET HIRING SALARY:  $50,200 - $52,000, commensurate with experience.

LOCATION/WORK MODEL: Full-time/On-site

Note: Employment-based visa sponsorship will NOT be considered for this position.

 

Application Deadline Date: The position may be open for 14 days with a minimum of 7 days; however, application reviews will begin immediately.

Application Process:

In addition to completing the online application, all applicants are required to upload the following as attachments to the application (preferably in PDF format):

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Three (3) Professional References

If any of these three items are missing, you will not be considered for the position.

References will not be contacted unless you are selected as a finalist for the position.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT:

Florida Polytechnic University is an equal opportunity/equal access institution. It is the policy of the Board of Trustees to provide equal opportunity for employment and educational opportunities to all (including applicants for employment, employees, applicants for admission, students, and others affiliated with the University) without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or genetic information.

Employment is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. An appointment is not final until proof is provided.

FLORIDA POLY BENEFITS INFORMATION

Florida Poly qualified employees have the opportunity to take advantage of a variety of health benefits (through the State of Florida) to help meet their specific needs, as well as the needs of their family. This comprehensive coverage includes flexible spending accounts, medical and life insurance, and worker's compensation.

Health benefits are administered through People First, on behalf of the State of Florida, as pre-tax insurance plans. People First handles all new hire enrollments, coverage changes, premium administration, and dependent eligibility. Their Service Center is staffed Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. EST, at 1-866-663-4735.

RETIREMENT

Florida Poly offers great options for retirement. From the required selection of a state plan to additional voluntary retirement plans, our employees have many opportunities to save and prepare for their future. Click Here for more information. 

OTHER BENEFITS

• Discounts & Perks

• Annual Leave

• • To help promote work-life balance, Florida Poly provides a generous leave program, which includes paid time off and paid holidays. Qualified employees may accrue 22 days of annual leave. In addition, the University observes the holidays listed in our University Holidays policy FPU-1.008.

• Sick Leave

• • Qualified employees may also accrue 12 days of annual sick leave and participate in our Sick Pool Program.

• Employee Assistant Program (EAP)

EXPLORE LAKELAND FLORIDA

Conveniently located along I-4 between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland is home to Florida Polytechnic University and many other businesses and attractions. Click here to explore Lakeland, Florida.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING ATTACHMENTS:

 

Required attachments are listed on each posting.   Please be sure to attach all required documents in the Resume/CV field before continuing through the application. Once your application has been submitted, no changes may be made and additional attachments will not be considered. 

 

An unofficial copy of the degree/transcript is acceptable during the application process. For positions requiring a degree, the official transcripts are required upon hire. 

 

Foreign Transcript: Transcripts issued outside of the United States require a equivalency statement from a certified transcript evaluation service verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA. This report must be attached with the application and submitted by the application deadline.

 

All document(s) must be received on or before the closing date of the job announcements.

  

This position requires a background check, which may include a level II screening as required by the Florida Statute §435.04.