Assistant Director of Employer Relations

At Bennington, we understand that deep learning requires a sustained mix of classroom time and real-world experiences that build on each other over four years. Our students are required to complete an internship or field experience for six weeks every year through our nearly 100-year-old field work term (FWT). In each of their four FWTs, students bring their studies to the world of work, implementing knowledge, confronting challenges firsthand and refining their questions to further shape their studies when back on campus. The Field Work Term/Career Development Office supports students in all aspects of this important work.

The Assistant Director of Employer Relations manages data systems, analytics, employer relations, and partnership building for the Field Work Term and Career Development office. This position is designed for the unique individual who loves both organizing critical data and providing exceptional service to a range of constituents.

The Assistant Director maintains, strengthens, and expands the network of employers involved in Field Work Term through a combination of relationship-management, partnership building, and effective data management skills. This position serves as the key liaison to employers in establishing new and recurring Field Work Term opportunities, assists employers in recruiting for these positions, and works with Field Work Term supervisors on internship approval and evaluation. The Assistant Director oversees a database of thousands of employer contacts and hundreds of job and internship postings annually, and advises students on navigating FWT database resources.

As the Field Work Term's Office’s data management specialist, the Assistant Director also leverages and analyzes FWT data for internal program tracking and assessment, and for other Bennington College staff and departments (including Communications, Institutional Advancement, and the Dean’s Office). Additional duties include managing daily email and phone inquiries, facilitating electronic communications to Field Work Term employers and prospective employers, and overseeing ongoing data input and data hygiene. The Assistant Director also supervises the Student Employment Specialist and is responsible for overseeing student employment.

Bennington serves a diverse student population inclusive of members of ethnically/racially minoritized, international, LGBTQIA+, and disability communities as well as diverse gender identities, socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, and political beliefs. Our staff and faculty also reflect diverse and intersecting backgrounds and identities. All employees are expected to be respectful and responsive to these differences in the service of building community that promotes student and employee success and community cohesiveness. Each individual (faculty, staff and students) will be accountable for upholding these values.  The College’s approach to pluralism and inclusivity—both as fields of inquiry and practice—is to prioritize flexible thought, and to invite the examination of access, value, power, and privilege through its institutional policies and areas of study. We encourage applicants from diverse realms of interest, backgrounds, experience, and accomplishment to apply. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and 3-5 years experience in higher education administration or program administration. Career development background a plus. 
• Demonstrated success in working with database management systems and CRMs, preferably in the career services field. Solid database, Excel capacities and Google Suite experience a must. Strong technological and organizational skills required. 
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills, attention to detail, professional demeanor and communication skills (written and oral) are essential. Able to work effectively with a variety of clients including faculty, students, administration, and employers. Able to handle multiple projects effectively.
• The position requires successful completion and acceptable results of a background check.

The College

Last updated on Sep 26, 2023