Government Relations Specialist

Employer Relations SpecialistReporting to the Director of Career Services in the College of Science and Mathematics (CSAM), the Employer Relations Specialist will develop and implement employer engagement strategies, cultivate employer partnerships, and coordinate and secure resources to support career-related programs that expand student access to internships, cooperative education, and career opportunities. Success in this role requires independent judgment, strong collaboration skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities from inception to completion.Principal duties and responsibilities include:Develop and implement employer engagement strategies aligned with college and institutional priorities.Build, manage, and strategically grow relationships with employer partners to expand and sustain pipelines for internships, cooperative education, and career opportunities.Conduct employer site visits to deepen partnerships and increase experiential learning opportunities.Partner with employers to design branding and marketing strategies that maximize student engagement.Design, plan, and execute employer engagement programs and events, including career fairs, networking events, and site visits, with responsibility for outcomes and continuous improvement.Operate with a high level of independence and accountability, exercising professional judgment while collaborating with stakeholders and leadership to advance unit and institutional goals.Collaborate with CSAM departments and university career services staff to align employer engagement efforts across colleges/schools.Analyze employer engagement metrics, student participation, and program outcomes to inform strategy, improve effectiveness, and guide decision-making.Maintain current knowledge of workforce and industry trends, particularly within science and mathematics fields.Ensure events are executed with strong attention to detail from planning through post-event assessment.Review, approve, and manage job postings in Handshake.Leverage platforms such as Handshake, LinkedIn, and Montclair Connect to promote opportunities and engage stakeholders.Lead and contribute to marketing and communication strategies that promote employer partnerships and student engagement.Uphold university policies related to employer engagement and student services, including FERPA.Represent the department at university events and serve on committees as appropriate.Perform other duties as assigned.QualificationsRequired:Master's degree from accredited college or university in higher education, counseling, career services, business, science, and mathematics-related fields, or a closely related discipline.Minimum of three years of experience in career services, employer relations, recruitment, or event coordination.Demonstrated ability to build and sustain strategic relationships with employers and external partners.Strong communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work effectively across all organizational levels.Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and independently coordinate complex initiatives, including employer engagement and large-scale events.Proficiency in career services platforms and technology tools (e.g., Handshake, LinkedIn, Zoom, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace).Experience utilizing data to inform outreach strategies, assess program effectiveness, and support continuous improvement.Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external partners.Flexibility to support occasional evening and weekend programming.Preferred:Experience developing and implementing employer engagement strategies in a higher education setting, particularly with STEM-focused organizations.Experience analyzing recruitment, engagement, or program data to inform decision-making and improve outcomes.Familiarity with science and mathematics career pathways and experiential learning opportunities (internships, cooperative education, research placements).Procedure for candidacy: Applicants should include a resume and cover letter describing how their background, skills, and education match the needs of the University. When applying, please take a moment to carefully read and follow the steps in the application instructions.Salary Range: $76,486.40-$87,954.55 AnnuallyThe position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance. For further details, please visit: State University considers factors such as, but not limited to, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's relevant work experience, education, skills, and internal equity, when extending an offer.Salary offers for internal employees who are part of a collective bargaining unit (CBU) and are applying to a position that is within a CBU will be determined in accordance with contractual provisions.Inclusion Statement: Montclair State University values access and educational excellence. We are committed to an environment of diverse perspectives which ensures that graduates will be civically engaged, committed to democracy, and prepared to thrive as global citizens. We foster a community that promotes varied experiences and voices. We seek applicants who will contribute diverse ideas and perspectives and who value an environment that promotes educational growth and advancement for all.EEO/AA Statement: Montclair State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution with a strong commitment to diversity.Additional information can be found on the website at IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 Policy: Montclair State is required by Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 not to discriminate on the basis of sex or gender, and does not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities. The requirement to not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities extends to admission and employment. For further details, please visit: