Full job descriptionThe Employer Engagement Officer is responsible for developing and maintaining strong relationships with employers and alumni to create meaningful work-related opportunities for students. This includes internships, placements, graduate roles, and employer-led learning activity that enhances student employability and progression outcomes.
The role plays a key part in improving Graduate Outcomes and supporting students from widening participation backgrounds through high-quality employer engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Employer Partnerships
*Build, manage, and grow relationships with a range of employers, including SMEs, corporates, start-ups, and public/third-sector organisations
*Identify and secure new employer partnerships aligned to academic subject areas
*Act as the main point of contact for employer engagement and recruitment activity
Employer Engagement Activity
*Plan and deliver employer-led events such as careers fairs, networking events, sector insight sessions, and skills workshops
*Coordinate guest speakers, employer panels, and employer advisory groups
*Organise employer site visits and experiential learning opportunities
*Deliver industry-themed weeks and sector-focused engagement initiatives
Alumni Engagement
*Develop and maintain an active network of alumni and industry professionals
*Engage alumni in mentoring, guest lectures, and recruitment activity
*Support alumni involvement in employability and curriculum-related activity
Curriculum & Academic Collaboration
*Work closely with academic teams to embed employer engagement into teaching and learning
*Support live briefs, industry projects, and employer input into programme design
*Ensure engagement activity reflects diversity, inclusion, and student needs
Student Opportunity Pipeline
*Develop and manage a structured pipeline of internships, placements, graduate roles, and project-based opportunities
*Work with careers teams to prepare students and match suitable candidates to employers
Labour Market Insight & Monitoring
*Maintain awareness of labour market trends and employer skills needs
*Track employer engagement activity, student participation, and employment outcomes
*Use data and feedback to improve engagement activity and reporting against KPIs
Institutional Representation
*Represent the institution at employer events, business networks, and industry forums
*Contribute to building the institution’s profile with employers and external partners
Essential Criteria
*Degree or equivalent qualification
*Experience in employer engagement, partnerships, or business development
*Strong relationship-building and communication skills
*Experience organising events or engagement activity
*Knowledge of recruitment practices and labour market trends
Desirable
*Experience in higher or further education
*Experience supporting employability or graduate outcomes activity
*Understanding of widening participation and diverse student groups