DIRECTOR, INTERNSHIPS & INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS, Center for Career Development

The Director of Internships and Industry Partnerships provides strategic leadership for Boston University’s Center for Career Development (CCD) in advancing experiential learning and employer engagement as integral components of students’ academic and career success. Reporting to the Assistant Provost for Career Education, the Director leads a cross-functional team that drives employer engagement, campus recruiting, and funded internship programs—including the Yawkey Nonprofit Internship Program—and develops new, high-impact opportunities for students to gain meaningful professional experience.

As a senior leader within the CCD, the Director sets the vision and strategy for expanding internship participation and industry partnerships across all schools and colleges. This includes cultivating relationships with employers, alumni, parents, and industry leaders to strengthen Boston University’s network of opportunities and ensure equitable access to internships and early career experiences for all students. The Director will also collaborate closely with academic and administrative units to embed experiential learning within BU’s broader educational mission and industry engagement strategy.

Essential Functions:

Develop and implement a multi-year strategy to expand internship participation, industry partnerships, and campus recruiting across all disciplines. Lead the design and execution of innovative programs that connect students with high-quality experiential learning opportunities. Serve as the University’s lead expert on internship and early career trends, advising senior leadership on emerging opportunities and market shifts.

Lead proactive outreach to employers across sectors—corporate, nonprofit, startup, and government—to create scalable, sustainable pipelines of internships and early career opportunities. Partner with Advancement, Alumni Relations, and Industry Relations to align employer engagement strategies and leverage BU’s global network of alumni and supporters. Oversee strategic relationship management systems to track, analyze, and strengthen employer partnerships.

Supervise and mentor professional staff overseeing internship programs, employer engagement, and recruiting events, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation. Provide leadership for the Yawkey Nonprofit Internship Program and other funded initiatives totaling over $1.1 million annually. Promote cross-campus coordination in experiential learning and ensure programs meet institutional goals for access, diversity, and impact.

Oversee data collection and analysis to assess program outcomes and inform strategic decisions. Leverage technology and market intelligence to enhance internship matching, relationship management, and program visibility. Represent BU and the CCD in regional and national professional associations, contributing to thought leadership in experiential education and employer engagement.

Required Skills

• Master’s degree in higher education, business, marketing, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Minimum of eight to ten years of progressive leadership experience in career services, employer relations, partnership development, or corporate engagement, including at least five years in a supervisory role.
• Proven record of developing and executing strategic initiatives, building partnerships, and managing complex teams and projects.
• Demonstrated success in overseeing internship programs and professional opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong analytical, communication, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across a large, decentralized university.
• Commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and advancing equity and belonging within career education.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends in support of events and employer engagement activities.
• This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule with up to two days of remote work per week, year-round.

Applicants must upload a cover letter for consideration.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.