University Outreach Program Manager

At Gensler, we design for people. We leverage our global perspective and local presence to innovate at every scale. We’re not just designers. We are story tellers, collaborators, innovators, and thought leaders. Fueled by passion and entrepreneurial spirit, our people generate new ideas to solve some of the world’s most challenging problems. Simply put, we come to work every day to design a more resilient, inclusive, and equitable future for communities and cities around the world.

Our team member focused, “people first” culture and “one firm-firm” philosophy allows us to work seamlessly across geographies and align individual interests with career opportunities wherever they exist. Gensler’s mission is to “Create a Better World Through the Power of Design,” and we do that with a deep commitment to our clients and by fostering a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive work environment that enables our people to do their best work, pursue their personal passions and realize their full professional potential.

Your Role

Gensler is seeking a University Outreach Program Manager to lead and evolve our firmwide university engagement and early talent strategy. This role is a critical connector between our business and emerging talent—building sustainable pipelines that support growth, innovation, and our long-term hiring strategy.

You will serve as both a strategic leader and hands-on program operator, responsible for shaping how Gensler engages with universities, attracts top early-career talent, and delivers best-in-class internship and entry-level programs.

This role partners closely with Talent Acquisition, HR, Talent Development, studio leadership, and regional teams to ensure our university strategy reflects the needs of the business while strengthening Gensler’s brand on campus globally.

What You Will Do

Lead Firmwide University Strategy

• Design and evolve a comprehensive university recruiting and outreach strategy aligned with Gensler’s hiring needs and growth priorities

• Identify target schools, programs, and markets based on business demand, talent trends, and diversity goals

• Evaluate current partnerships and recommend where to scale, shift, or invest to maximize impact

Build and Manage University Partnerships

• Establish and maintain long-term relationships with universities, faculty, student organizations, and career services

• Represent Gensler as a thoughtful, design-driven employer of choice on campus

• Identify opportunities for deeper engagement (studio partnerships, sponsorships, curriculum alignment)

Partner with Talent Development team in elevating Early Talent Programs

• With our firmwide Talent Development team, oversee and continuously improve Gensler’s internship and early-career hiring programs as a strategic pipeline

• Partner with studios and regions to ensure programs are aligned, consistent, and scalable across the Firm

• Enhance the internship experience, conversion strategies, and long-term talent outcomes

Drive Execution and Program Delivery

• Lead and coordinate campus recruiting activities, including career fairs, portfolio reviews, events, and outreach campaigns

• Collaborate with recruiters and studio leaders to deliver high-quality, efficient early-career hiring processes

• Manage program logistics, timelines, budgets, and cross-functional coordination

Partner and Influence Across the Firm

• Serve as a trusted advisor to Talent Acquisition, HR, Talent Development and business leadership on early talent strategy

• Influence hiring decisions through data, insights, and market knowledge

• Partner across regions to ensure alignment while supporting local market needs and approaches

Leverage Data and Insights

• Track and analyze pipeline metrics, conversion rates, and program outcomes

• Identify gaps and opportunities to strengthen candidate quality, diversity, and hiring efficiency

• Use insights to shape continuous improvement and strategic decision-making

Your Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business, Marketing, or a related field

• 6–10+ years of experience in campus recruiting, university relations, early talent programs, or talent acquisition

• Experience in architecture, design, engineering, consulting, or professional services preferred

• Proven ability to design and scale university recruiting strategies and programs

• Strong network or demonstrated experience working with universities, faculty, and student organizations

Skills & Capabilities

• Strategic thinker + hands-on executor—able to set direction while driving day-to-day delivery

• Strong relationship builder with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and external partners

• Excellent project management and organizational skills; able to manage multiple programs and priorities

• Data-driven mindset with the ability to translate insights into action

• Skilled communicator and presenter with strong storytelling and employer branding capabilities

• Ability to thrive in a matrixed, global environment, balancing firmwide strategy with regional needs

• Passion for early career talent development and building inclusive pipelines

• If the position is in Chicago, the compensation range is estimated to be between $120k-$145k, plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience.

**If the position is in DC, the compensation range is estimated to be between $130k-$155k, plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience.

***If the position is in LA, the compensation range is estimated to be between $135k-$165k, plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience.

Life at Gensler

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to “Well-being Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests.

We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.

As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.