CPT Partnerships Associate Jobs
Partnerships Associate roles sit at the intersection of business development, relationship management, and strategic communication, making them a strong CPT match for students in business, marketing, or communications programs. Your DSO must confirm the role ties directly to your curriculum before you can start, so bring a detailed job description to your authorization meeting.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Assistant Director of Employer Relations - Co-op is responsible for cultivating and managing employer partnerships that generate paid cooperative education opportunities for DePaul University business undergraduates. This hands-on, relationship-focused role involves prospecting new employers, managing a portfolio of existing partnerships, coordinating employer engagement activities, and ensuring students have access to high-quality co-op placements.
As part of DePaul's pioneering business co-op program—the only program of its kind in the Chicagoland area—the Assistant Director plays a vital role in building DePaul's reputation as a premier talent pipeline for businesses seeking to develop emerging professionals. This position requires strong relationship-building skills, business acumen, and a commitment to connecting students with meaningful career experiences.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
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Employer Prospecting & Partnership Development: Identifies and researches prospective employers in accounting, finance, and other business sectors across Chicagoland and beyond. Conducts targeted outreach to employers via phone, email, LinkedIn, and in-person meetings to introduce DePaul's co-op program. Delivers compelling presentations and consultative conversations that position the co-op program as a strategic talent solution. Qualifies leads and converts prospects into active employer partners committed to hosting co-op students. Leverages alumni, parent, faculty, and donor networks to identify warm leads and partnership opportunities. Attends industry networking events, chamber of commerce meetings, and professional association gatherings to build relationships. Contributes to team goals of securing 500 employer relationships and 100 paid co-op placements in Year 1.
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Employer Relationship Management & Job Development: Manages a portfolio of employer accounts, serving as primary point of contact for partnership inquiries. Builds and maintains strong relationships with HR professionals, hiring managers, and business leaders. Works collaboratively with employers to develop co-op job descriptions that align with student learning objectives and employer needs. Facilitates the posting of co-op opportunities on Handshake and other platforms, ensuring accurate and compelling job descriptions. Supports employers through the student recruitment and selection process, including resume referrals, interview coordination, and hiring logistics. Conducts regular check-ins with employer partners. Gathers feedback from employers on student performance and program quality.
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Employer Programming: Coordinates employer participation in career fairs, information sessions, networking events, and on-campus recruiting activities. Facilitates employer-led workshops, career panels, mock interviews, and resume review sessions. Organizes industry-specific events and career treks. Manages logistics for employer visits. Ensures exceptional employer experience at all touchpoints, from initial contact through event execution. Promotes employer events to students through collaboration with Career Coaching team and student organizations.
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Data Management, Reporting & Administrative Support: Maintains accurate and up-to-date employer records in CRM systems (Salesforce, Handshake, or similar). Tracks employer interactions, job postings, student placements, and partnership outcomes. Generates reports on employer engagement metrics, job development progress, and placement data. Contributes to assessment efforts and continuous improvement initiatives. Assists with MOU documentation and partnership agreements. Supports team projects and initiatives.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Higher Education, or related field required.
- Minimum 2 years of experience in employer relations, sales, business development, recruiting, talent acquisition, or account management.
- Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for employer events.
- Experience in higher education career services, co-op/internship programs, or student affairs.
- Knowledge of Chicago business community and employer landscape.
- Experience in sales, account management, or business development.
- Knowledge of accounting, finance, and business career pathways.
- Established network within Chicago business community.
- Experience with event planning and coordination.
- Strong relationship-building and networking skills with the ability to connect with diverse professionals.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
- Sales or business development skills with the ability to prospect, qualify leads, and close partnerships.
- Customer service orientation with commitment to employer and student satisfaction.
- Proficiency with CRM systems (Salesforce preferred), job posting platforms (Handshake preferred), and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Self-motivated and results-oriented with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Flexibility and adaptability in a startup program environment.
- Occasional travel to employer sites for student visits and relationship building.
COMPENSATION
- The anticipated hiring range for this position is: $50,174 to $75,000/year.
The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education, and other factors including departmental budget.
PERKS
- Working for a stable and well-known University.
- Top choice medical, dental, and vision benefits.
- Retirement plan matching contribution of 8%.
- Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
- Generous paid time off, sick time, holidays, floating holidays, and more!
- Full-Time Benefits
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
For consideration, please include a resume and cover letter.
VINcentian MISSION
Guided by an ethic of Vincentian personalism and professionalism, DePaul compassionately upholds the dignity of all members of its diverse, multi-faith, and inclusive community. We seek to hire collaborative, open-minded, and dedicated professionals who are committed to advancing our university mission to making education accessible to all, with special attention to including underserved and underrepresented communities. Successful candidates thrive in an environment where ideas and perspectives representing a wide variety of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences are welcome and supported.
REQUIRED BACKGROUND CHECK
Employment at DePaul University is contingent on passing a background check. Only final candidates who are extended an offer of employment will undergo a background check.
DePaul University is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local EEO laws.
INTRODUCTION
The Assistant Director of Employer Relations - Co-op is responsible for cultivating and managing employer partnerships that generate paid cooperative education opportunities for DePaul University business undergraduates. This hands-on, relationship-focused role involves prospecting new employers, managing a portfolio of existing partnerships, coordinating employer engagement activities, and ensuring students have access to high-quality co-op placements.
As part of DePaul's pioneering business co-op program—the only program of its kind in the Chicagoland area—the Assistant Director plays a vital role in building DePaul's reputation as a premier talent pipeline for businesses seeking to develop emerging professionals. This position requires strong relationship-building skills, business acumen, and a commitment to connecting students with meaningful career experiences.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
-
Employer Prospecting & Partnership Development: Identifies and researches prospective employers in accounting, finance, and other business sectors across Chicagoland and beyond. Conducts targeted outreach to employers via phone, email, LinkedIn, and in-person meetings to introduce DePaul's co-op program. Delivers compelling presentations and consultative conversations that position the co-op program as a strategic talent solution. Qualifies leads and converts prospects into active employer partners committed to hosting co-op students. Leverages alumni, parent, faculty, and donor networks to identify warm leads and partnership opportunities. Attends industry networking events, chamber of commerce meetings, and professional association gatherings to build relationships. Contributes to team goals of securing 500 employer relationships and 100 paid co-op placements in Year 1.
-
Employer Relationship Management & Job Development: Manages a portfolio of employer accounts, serving as primary point of contact for partnership inquiries. Builds and maintains strong relationships with HR professionals, hiring managers, and business leaders. Works collaboratively with employers to develop co-op job descriptions that align with student learning objectives and employer needs. Facilitates the posting of co-op opportunities on Handshake and other platforms, ensuring accurate and compelling job descriptions. Supports employers through the student recruitment and selection process, including resume referrals, interview coordination, and hiring logistics. Conducts regular check-ins with employer partners. Gathers feedback from employers on student performance and program quality.
-
Employer Programming: Coordinates employer participation in career fairs, information sessions, networking events, and on-campus recruiting activities. Facilitates employer-led workshops, career panels, mock interviews, and resume review sessions. Organizes industry-specific events and career treks. Manages logistics for employer visits. Ensures exceptional employer experience at all touchpoints, from initial contact through event execution. Promotes employer events to students through collaboration with Career Coaching team and student organizations.
-
Data Management, Reporting & Administrative Support: Maintains accurate and up-to-date employer records in CRM systems (Salesforce, Handshake, or similar). Tracks employer interactions, job postings, student placements, and partnership outcomes. Generates reports on employer engagement metrics, job development progress, and placement data. Contributes to assessment efforts and continuous improvement initiatives. Assists with MOU documentation and partnership agreements. Supports team projects and initiatives.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Higher Education, or related field required.
- Minimum 2 years of experience in employer relations, sales, business development, recruiting, talent acquisition, or account management.
- Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for employer events.
- Experience in higher education career services, co-op/internship programs, or student affairs.
- Knowledge of Chicago business community and employer landscape.
- Experience in sales, account management, or business development.
- Knowledge of accounting, finance, and business career pathways.
- Established network within Chicago business community.
- Experience with event planning and coordination.
- Strong relationship-building and networking skills with the ability to connect with diverse professionals.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
- Sales or business development skills with the ability to prospect, qualify leads, and close partnerships.
- Customer service orientation with commitment to employer and student satisfaction.
- Proficiency with CRM systems (Salesforce preferred), job posting platforms (Handshake preferred), and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Self-motivated and results-oriented with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Flexibility and adaptability in a startup program environment.
- Occasional travel to employer sites for student visits and relationship building.
COMPENSATION
- The anticipated hiring range for this position is: $50,174 to $75,000/year.
The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education, and other factors including departmental budget.
PERKS
- Working for a stable and well-known University.
- Top choice medical, dental, and vision benefits.
- Retirement plan matching contribution of 8%.
- Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
- Generous paid time off, sick time, holidays, floating holidays, and more!
- Full-Time Benefits
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
For consideration, please include a resume and cover letter.
VINcentian MISSION
Guided by an ethic of Vincentian personalism and professionalism, DePaul compassionately upholds the dignity of all members of its diverse, multi-faith, and inclusive community. We seek to hire collaborative, open-minded, and dedicated professionals who are committed to advancing our university mission to making education accessible to all, with special attention to including underserved and underrepresented communities. Successful candidates thrive in an environment where ideas and perspectives representing a wide variety of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences are welcome and supported.
REQUIRED BACKGROUND CHECK
Employment at DePaul University is contingent on passing a background check. Only final candidates who are extended an offer of employment will undergo a background check.
DePaul University is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local EEO laws.
See all CPT Partnerships Associate Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new CPT Partnerships Associate Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsPartnerships Associate CPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Partnerships Associate role qualify for CPT?
Yes, if your degree program includes coursework in business development, marketing, communications, or a related field, and the role's responsibilities connect directly to that curriculum. Your DSO makes the final determination. Roles focused on partner outreach, account management, or strategic relationship-building typically qualify for students in business or marketing programs.
Can I do CPT for a Partnerships Associate role at a startup?
You can, but startups require extra due diligence. Confirm the employer is registered as a legal U.S. entity, enrolled in E-Verify, and can provide a detailed written description of your duties. Startups without prior international hiring experience may need guidance on the CPT process, so be prepared to explain the authorization steps to HR.
How do I find Partnerships Associate jobs open to CPT students?
Use Migrate Mate to search for Partnerships Associate roles filtered by CPT authorization. Many employers who have hired international students before will be familiar with the process and more likely to accommodate your timeline. Look for roles in tech, media, or SaaS companies, which tend to have structured internship pipelines that include CPT.
Does working as a Partnerships Associate on CPT affect my OPT eligibility?
Full-time CPT used for 12 months or more eliminates your OPT eligibility entirely. Part-time CPT, regardless of duration, does not affect OPT. If you're considering a post-graduation OPT period, structure your Partnerships Associate CPT as part-time or limit full-time CPT to under 12 cumulative months across your program.
What should my CPT authorization letter say for a Partnerships Associate position?
Your DSO's CPT authorization letter should name the employer, your specific job title, the employment dates, and whether the work is part-time or full-time. For a Partnerships Associate role, it helps to include a brief note connecting the work to your program, for example, referencing coursework in strategic communications or business negotiations.