Associate Director, Employer Relations and Partnerships

Associate Director, Employer Relations and Partnerships

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Posting Details

 I. JOB OVERVIEW 

Job Description Summary:  | Are you a strategically minded, politically savvy professional ready to forge high-impact partnerships in Washington, DC? Join GW’s highly distinguished Graduate School of Political Management to directly launch the next generation of professionals who shape society.

About Us

The George Washington University’s (GW) College of Professional Studies (CPS) offers diverse professional academic degree programs in a flexible, innovative learning environment that takes full advantage of the university’s deep relationships in the Washington, DC area. CPS arms graduates with a professional agility that is critical to success and leadership in today’s career landscape and crucial for making a difference in the world. By combining University faculty experts with accomplished practitioners, CPS is a catalyst for academic innovation, constructing credentials for the workforce that uphold the University’s rigorous standards of academic excellence and respond to the needs of today’s professionals.

Housed within CPS, the Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) delivers hands-on education establishing superior standards of real-world strategies and resources. The school offers three graduate degree programs: Legislative Affairs, Political Management, and Public Relations and Communications, along with stackable certificates. GSPM is a leader in defining and shaping the political and communications professionals who, in turn, shape society. Our students regularly connect with leaders in advocacy, communications, and politics inside and outside of the classroom. The GSPM alumni network radiates through the upper echelons of elected politics, public affairs, NGOs, issue advocates, and trade associations around the world.

About the Opportunity
Join us in fulfilling the School’s missions as the Associate Director, Employer Relations and Partnerships, where you will serve as a strategic leader prepared to translate our purpose into high-impact partnerships, leveraging your exceptional professional experience and critical understanding of the political landscape.

This is a new exciting role that is highly visible, mission-critical, and engages directly with industry executives and leaders across the political management, legislative, and communications fields. The Associate Director will report to the Executive Director of GSPM and former Congresswoman, the Honorable Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell is the first Ecuadorian-American and first South American–born immigrant elected to the U.S. Congress, representing Florida’s 26th District from 2019 to 2021.

Under the leadership of the Executive Director, the Associate Director will identify new opportunities for the GSPM students and alumni, helping them find internships, make career transitions, and undertake job searches while maintaining relationships with established employers of choice. As senior professional staff, they will be responsible for close collaborations with career services, graduate admissions, alumni relations, and University Advancement colleagues and offices across GW. The Associate Director ensures that employers and other external partners are well-supported and that students are prepared with the professional skills needed to excel in competitive job markets, responsible for developing and advancing employer and industry partnerships that strengthen career outcomes for students and alumni. This role provides strategic direction on employer engagement, recruitment initiatives, and industry collaboration opportunities that connect academic programs to market demand.

Specific Responsibilities

Employer Engagement & Partnership Development
Strategically navigate and cultivate professional relationships within key sectors, including government, public affairs, campaigns, and high-level advocacy circles, to identify and secure career opportunities for students and alumni. Lead the design and execution of a comprehensive employer engagement strategy, leveraging labor market trends, student career interests, and alumni networks to maximize recruitment opportunities. Build and strengthen pipelines for underrepresented fields and emerging sectors aligned with student interest and institutional growth priorities. Primary point of contact for external partners, ensuring a consistent and high-quality relationship experience. Represent the school at conferences, association events, and external engagements to drive visibility and partnership expansion.

Events & Communications
Plan and implement recruitment programs—including job fairs, expos, networking sessions, on-campus and virtual recruiting, and industry-themed programming. Articulate the School’s mission and value proposition clearly and persuasively to build sustained partnerships. Collaborate with University Career Services, campus partners, and faculty to design tailored opportunities that connect employers to GSPM students. Evaluate partner and student feedback to refine and enhance recruitment strategy and engagement offerings. Provide high-level oversight of employer-facing communications, including marketing campaigns, resource dissemination, and relevant sections of the GSPM website.

Career Coaching & Student Market Readiness
Provide career advising and coaching to students and alumni, including support on networking strategies, employer engagement, and professional communication. Help students and alumni identify jobs and career paths that align with their professional passions and goals. Communicate emerging market insights to enhance career decision-making and employer readiness among student and alumni populations. Coordinate with central University Career Services on joint activities and resources.

Program Evaluation, Data, & Institutional Collaboration
Assess employer engagement outcomes and analyze employment data to inform strategic planning. Build strong internal partnerships with academic program leadership, advancement, alumni relations, admissions, career consultants, and student services teams to ensure aligned strategy and cohesive messaging. Collaborate closely with central University Career Services, especially regarding policies, best practices, training, and tools, for staff. Team up with College, University Career Services, and other GW Schools to pool resources and services for students and employers. Support College and School-wide initiatives related to student affairs, career education, alumni engagement, and external relations as needed.
Perform other related responsibilities as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude assignment of tasks logically related to the position.

This is a Washington, DC-based position requiring 4-days/week in-person and the option for one remote day. There will be required travel as well as evening or weekend events.

Minimum Qualifications:  | Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 5 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant area of study plus 3 years of relevant professional experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications:   
Preferred Qualifications:  | If you possess an exceptional understanding of the political landscape and a proven track record of translating purpose into partnerships, this is your opportunity to make a tangible difference in the world’s most dynamic capital.

To thrive in this role, the ideal candidate will bring a blend of the following strengths and experiences:

3+ years of direct experience in the political arena is highly desired. 5+ years of relevant professional experience particularly in public relations, communications, career/employer development, or program management is preferred. Proven skills in developing partnerships. A demonstrated ability to significantly increase employer engagement. Skilled in planning effective events and conferences. Enthusiastic about and highly skilled in delivering compelling presentations or communications that inspire action. Experience with CRMs or e-learning platforms such as Handshake to analyze trends, and track student and employer involvement. Strong interest in supporting adult learners. Prior experience in higher education is a plus. Education in political management, legislative affairs, public relations and communications, or relevant fields.
Hiring Range  | $64,483.58 - $106,415.52
GW Staff Approach to Pay  | How is pay for new employees determined at GW?

 Healthcare Benefits
GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/benefits-programs.

 II. JOB DETAILS 

Campus Location:  | Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.
College/School/Department:  | College of Professional Studies (CPS)
Family  | Student Affairs
Sub-Family  | Career Services
Stream  | Individual Contributor
Level  | Level 3
Full-Time/Part-Time:  | Full-Time
Hours Per Week:  | 40
Work Schedule:  | Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM with evenings or weekends for events. Some travel required.
Will this job require the employee to work on site?  | Yes
Employee Onsite Status  | Hybrid
Telework:  | Yes
Required Background Check:  | Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search
Special Instructions to Applicants:  | Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status
Internal Applicants Only?  | No
Posting Number:  | S013965
Job Open Date:  | 12/16/2025
Job Close Date:  |
If temporary, grant funded, Sponsored Project funded or limited term appointment, position funded until:  |
Background Screening  | Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.
EEO Statement:  | The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Posting Specific Questions

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2013 H Street, NW, 3rd Floor
 Washington, DC 20006

Phone: 202-994-8500
Fax: 202-994-9680
Email: askhrmd@gwu.edu
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