Career Program Director

Job Description

Job Description

Company Description

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace! We are a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

Fitzgerald Institute for Real Estate (FIRE) | University of Notre Dame

Location: On-Campus (Notre Dame, IN)

About the Institute:

The Fitzgerald Institute for Real Estate (FIRE) is Notre Dame’s premier hub for real estate education, research, and industry engagement. Driven by a distinctive mission to promote human flourishing and the common good through the built environment, the Institute supports 450+ undergraduate and graduate students and connects a global network of over 3,000 alumni, parents, and industry leaders.

The Opportunity:

We are seeking an ambitious, relationship-driven Director of Career Development & Industry Engagement to lead career strategy and corporate partnerships for Notre Dame's rapidly growing real estate community.

This is a high-visibility, high-impact role designed for a dynamic leader who excels at bridging academia and industry. You will serve as the primary architect of our employer network and the driving force behind FIRE Ignite and FIRE Forge - the Institute’s flagship career accelerators.

Working collaboratively across the Mendoza College of Business, the Meruelo Family Center for Career Development, and Mendoza’s External Engagement teams (Alumni and Corporate Relations), you will champion Notre Dame’s talent on a national stage and help shape a world-class real estate program from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Industry Partnerships & Strategic Growth

• Expand Corporate Network: Build and cultivate high-value relationships with leading real estate firms, institutional investors, and alumni employers to maximize internship and full-time placement outcomes.
• Serve as Primary Industry Liaison: Act as the central point of contact for employers seeking Notre Dame real estate talent.
• Cross-Campus Alignment: Partner closely with Mendoza’s External Engagement teams (Alumni and Corporate Relations) to streamline outreach, share contacts, and maximize broader institutional partnerships.
• Market Intelligence: Track real estate industry trends, hiring cycles, and market shifts to inform strategy and student preparation.

2. Student Career Development & Mentorship

• Lead Flagship Programs: Direct and evolve FIRE Ignite and FIRE Forge , ensuring students master industry-standard skills, real estate modeling, and interview readiness.
• Personalized Guidance: Coach students through career discernment, recruiting strategy, and placement—with a strong focus on commercial real estate investing, development, and finance.
• Cross-Program Support: Collaborate with the Meruelo Center for Career Development and MBA leadership to support real estate career efforts across campus.
• Benchmarking & Analytics: Monitor placement metrics, analyze recruiting trends, and benchmark peer institutions to continuously elevate student outcomes.

3. Signature Experiential Programs & Engagement

• Events & Treks: Design and execute high-impact industry treks, workshops, guest lectures, and networking events connecting students with executive leadership.
• Recruiter Experience: Create exceptional, high-touch experiences for employers and guest executives visiting campus.
• Storytelling & Marketing: Showcase student achievements, alumni successes, and partner highlights across social media, digital platforms, and campus news outlets.

Work Environment & Reporting Structure

• Reports To: Director of Operations & Undergraduate Programs
• Team Dynamic: Collaborative, entrepreneurial, and mission-driven.
• Location Structure: 100% On-Campus. Because direct engagement with our students and visiting industry partners is central to this role's success, this position is strictly on-campus at our Notre Dame, IN location.

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, economics, or a related field (required)
• 5–6 years of relevant experience, ideally in real estate, career services, or industry relations
• A natural relationship-builder with excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strategic thinker who can also execute - comfortable managing multiple partnerships and priorities at once
• An established network in real estate and/or investments is a strong plus
• Familiarity with ARGUS or real estate financial modeling is a plus
• Enthusiasm for Notre Dame's mission and Catholic character

Compensation: Starting at $95,000, commensurate with experience

This position will be accepting applications until August 2, 2026.

Please submit a resume and cover letter in order to be considered.

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.