Manager of Employer Partnerships & Workforce Development

Community HigherEd Institute is Oklahoma’s only private non-profit technical college system, committed to transforming lives through career-focused education at its three campuses: Community Care College, Clary Sage College, and Oklahoma Technical College. Our mission is to provide hands-on, career-focused education that prepares our students for meaningful, in-demand opportunities. 

Job Location: CCC, CSC and OTC – Tulsa, OK
Position Type: Full Time

Position Overview:

The Manager of Employer Partnerships & Workforce Development serves as a strategic leader within the Career Services department, responsible for developing and expanding employer partnerships, workforce development initiatives, community engagement efforts, and business partnerships that support graduate employment outcomes and institutional growth.

This position leads the development of new hiring partnerships to create employment opportunities for students and alumni while strengthening Community HigherEd Institute’s reputation as a workforce talent provider. The role is responsible for managing employer engagement strategies, maintaining employer and workforce databases, overseeing graduate employment verification processes, and driving initiatives that improve graduate placement outcomes and accreditation performance.

In addition, the position is responsible for cultivating sponsorships, donor relationships, and community partnerships that generate financial and in-kind support for student success initiatives, scholarships, career development programming, workforce development activities, and institutional advancement efforts.

Key Responsibilities:

Employer Development & Relations:

• Build, expand, and manage relationships with employers, alumni, and industry partners to increase job opportunities for students and graduates.
• Execute targeted employer outreach strategies to secure hiring partnerships, employer advisory committee members in partnership with department heads, and drive graduate placement outcomes.
• Assess employer workforce needs and align recruiting strategies with academic programs and graduate skill sets.
• Lead and coordinate employer engagement initiatives, including site visits, campus tours, networking events, and community partnerships.
• Secure and facilitate employer participation in mock interview programs and other employer-led student engagement activities.
• Plan and support execution of employer led career services events, including career fairs, employer information sessions, and on-campus recruiting.
• Manage employer communications, including event invitations, follow-ups, and satisfaction surveys, while tracking engagement and outcomes.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators related to employer engagement, graduate placement outcomes, sponsorship development, and workforce partnership growth. 

• Develop, cultivate, and steward strategic partnerships with workforce development agencies, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, employers, nonprofit organizations, alumni, donors, and community stakeholders to advance student success, workforce development, and institutional initiatives. 
• Identify and secure sponsorships, donations, and community investment opportunities that provide financial and in-kind support for scholarships, career services programming, student engagement activities, workforce development initiatives, and special events. 
• Coordinate partnership agreements, sponsorship packages, donor recognition, and engagement activities while collaborating with institutional leadership to strengthen community relationships and support organizational priorities. 
• Represent the institution at approved community meetings, workforce development forums, industry associations, and networking events to enhance organizational visibility, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and expand partnership opportunities. 
• Collaborate with academic leadership and internal stakeholders to develop partnerships that enhance student learning, workforce readiness, career placement outcomes, and employer engagement. 
• Track, analyze, and report partnership, sponsorship, donor, and community engagement outcomes, including financial contributions, employer participation, and student success metrics, to measure impact and support strategic decision-making. 

Operations, Data & Reporting:

• Maintain accurate and timely records of employer engagement and placement activity within the database.
• Conduct employment verification to support accreditation standards and institutional reporting requirements.
• Oversee employer data and event communications to ensure efficient operations.
• Analyze employment trends and outcomes to inform advising strategies and employer engagement efforts.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners to strengthen career placement pipelines.
• Perform additional duties as assigned and ensure compliance with institutional policies and procedures.

Schedule:

This is a full-time position, generally scheduled during regular business hours, with flexibility required based on events, employer outreach, and operational needs.

Required Qualifications:

• Associate degree or higher in Business, Communications, Human Resources, Education, Marketing, Workforce Development, or a related field preferred.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in employer relations, workforce development, business development, community engagement, recruiting, fundraising, career services, or a related field may be substituted for formal education. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build meaningful relationships with employers, students, and staff 
• Demonstrated proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and job search tools (e.g., LinkedIn, Handshake, Indeed)
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal
• Strong time management, organizational skills, and attention to detail
• Data-driven mindset with the ability to analyze employment trends and outcomes
• Cultural competency and the ability to support a diverse student population
• Demonstrate a professional demeanor and appearance with a commitment to Transforming Lives, Empowering Futures through being Collaborative, Adaptable, Resilient, Empowered, and Student-focused (CARES)