Industry Engagement Specialist, Regional - College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies

Current UC employees must apply internally via SuccessFactors

Next Lives at the University of Cincinnati

Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation's best urban public research universities. Home to more than 53,000 students, 12,000 faculty and staff, and over 350,000 living alumni, UC, a Carnegie 1 institution, combines research prowess with a physical setting The New York Times has called "the most ambitious campus design program in the country." UC's momentum has never been stronger as the anchor of the Cincinnati Innovation District, the oldest cooperative education (co-op) program in the country with students earning $88.8 million annually through paid experiences, an academic health system, and as a member of the Big 12 Conference. The university contributes $10.6 billion in economic impact to the city and $22.7 billion to the state of Ohio. At UC, next is all of us. Learn more at uc.edu.

UC is a mission-driven organization where we are committed to student success and positively transforming the community through scholarship and service. We thrive on innovation, making an impact, and fostering an environment where staff and faculty are key contributors to UC's success.

About the College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies

At the University of Cincinnati's (UC) College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies (CCPS), we believe that experiential learning and career education are essential components of higher education. In support of this, we develop and deliver innovative, high-impact courses, programs, and services that foster students' personal and professional development as dynamic, thoughtful, global citizens. Within a thriving culture of collaboration, we provide students, employers, and partners with a single point of contact for Cooperative Education (Co-op) and transition-to-career services. Cooperative Education and Professional Studies (CCPS) faculty and staff are proud to say that our contributions have earned UC the distinction of being U.S. News and World Report's (2023) #1 public university for Co-ops and Internships.

Job Overview

The Industry Engagement Specialist - is responsible for developing and managing strategic industry relationships that support the University of Cincinnati's experiential education mission, including co-op. Focused on the Northeast Ohio corridor-stretching from Cleveland to Columbus-this role will proactively engage with employers and key stakeholders to build a strong portfolio of industry partnerships. The ideal candidate will serve as a regional ambassador for the university's co-op and internship programs, oversee partnerships with key organizations including the Cleveland and Columbus Chambers of Commerce, and will play a critical role in expanding UC's presence across the region.

This role will be remote to Northeast Ohio, focusing on the Cleveland, OH region. Candidates must have the ability to report to UC's Main Campus, as required. Remote work arrangements are subject to change in accordance with university policies.

Essential Functions

• Identify, connect with, and build strategic partnerships with employers and industry groups in the Cleveland-to-Columbus corridor, aligning opportunities with UC's experiential learning programs.
• Identify and develop key organizational partnerships in the region. This includes leading and maintaining active engagement with organizations such as the Cleveland and Columbus Chambers of Commerce, leveraging those relationships to increase UC's industry visibility and student opportunities.
• Manage a dynamic portfolio of approximately 100 industry partners. Conduct outreach to new prospects, maintain current relationships, and cultivate long-term partnerships across the region.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on UC's co-op and internship programs. Effectively communicate program value to external partners and internal stakeholders.
• Use CRM (Salesforce) to accurately document all partner activity, ensuring data integrity, timely follow-ups, and strategic insights.
• Represent UC at industry events, on-site meetings, conferences, and regional initiatives. Travel will be required within the Northeast Ohio corridor and occasionally outside the region.
• Perform related duties based on departmental need. This job description can be changed at any time.

Required Education

• Bachelors degree required

Required Experience

• Five (5) years of experience in business development, relationship management, or employer engagement.

Additional Qualifications Considered

• Familiarity with experiential learning programs such as co-ops and internships.
• Experience working with chambers of commerce or regional economic development organizations.
• Background in higher education, workforce development, career services, or education.
• Strategic thinker with a proactive, collaborative approach to partner development.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Office environment/no specific unusual physical or environmental demands.

Compensation and Benefits

UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. (UC Benefits Link) Highlights include:

Comprehensive Tuition Remission

UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.

Robust Retirement Plans

As a UC employee, you won't contribute to Social Security (except Medicare). Instead, you'll choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14-18% of your salary based on position.

Real Work-Life Balance

UC prioritizes work-life balance with a generous time-off policy, including:

Vacation and sick time

11 paid holidays and additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days)

6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents

Additional Benefits Include:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription)
• Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs
• Professional development & mentorship opportunities

To learn more about why UC is a great place to work, please visit our careers page at https://www.uc.edu/careers.html

UC is an E-Verify employer. If hired into this position, you will be required to provide satisfactory proof of employment eligibility by providing acceptable, original forms of identification for employment verification via the Federal I-9 employment verification process. A list of acceptable documents can be seen here: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Important : To apply you must create a profile and submit a complete job application through the UC applicant portal. We are unable to consider "easy apply" applications submitted via other websites. For questions about the UC recruiting process or to request accommodations with the application, please contact Human Resources at jobs@uc.edu.

Equal Opportunity Employer. Building a workplace where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, including Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans.

REQ: 100208

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Industry Engagement Specialist, Regional - College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies

Date: Oct 8, 2025

Location:
Cincinnati, OH, US

Facility: Main Campus

Nearest Major Market: Cincinnati
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