University Relations Manager

This role serves as Emtech’s dedicated public relations point of contact and liaison with colleges and universities and drives strategic academic partnerships in the engineering, robotics, automation, and mechatronics space. The relationship manager / education partner cultivates relationships with professors, department heads, and career services teams to develop work-study, internship, co-op, and collaborative programs. These partnerships will provide students with real-world, hands-on experience while building Emtech’s talent pipeline, enhancing brand visibility in STEM education, and supporting long-term growth in technician capacity and R&D integration services.

This position directly supports Emtech’s 2026 1-Page Marketing Plan by expanding our network of future technicians and engineers (primary ICP: Robotics & Automation R&D leaders needing technician capacity). It contributes to lead generation, referrals, brand advocacy, and a sustainable talent pipeline that fuels our pilot-first model and world-class client experience.

Key Responsibilities

Relationship Building & PR — Act as Emtech’s primary liaison with colleges and universities. Identify and prioritize target institutions with strong engineering/robotics programs (focus on Pacific Northwest and national partners).

Partnership Development — Build and nurture relationships with professors and academic leaders. Negotiate and implement work-study agreements, MOUs, internships, co-ops, and joint projects that benefit students and Emtech’s growth.

Talent Pipeline & Business Impact — Facilitate student placements that align with Emtech’s needs in robotics prototyping, hardware testing, lab support, automation deployments, and field installations. Track placements, retention, and conversion into full-time roles or contractor talent.

Marketing & Business Development Integration — Collaborate on the 2026 Marketing Plan: leverage partnerships for content (case studies, webinars, guest lectures), campus events, career fairs, SEO/ABM amplification, and referral/advocacy programs. Support lead capture tools (e.g., R&D Throughput Diagnostic) through academic channels.

Events & Outreach — Represent Emtech at university events, guest lectures, career fairs, and industry-academia conferences. Develop compelling proposals and marketing materials tailored to academic audiences.

Metrics & Reporting — Monitor KPIs such as number of active partnerships, students engaged/placed, work-study agreements secured, brand impressions, and ROI (talent acquisition cost savings, pipeline quality, referral leads). Provide regular updates tied to 90-day marketing goals (leads, pilots, engagement).

Compliance & Stewardship — Ensure all partnerships reflect Emtech’s values of integrity, honor, dignity, and biblical principles in stewardship and service.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Engineering, Education, or a related field (Master’s preferred).

3+ years of experience in relationship management, business development, university/academic relations, talent acquisition, or education partnerships (STEM or engineering focus strongly preferred).

Proven track record building and maintaining professional relationships, negotiating agreements, and driving measurable outcomes.

Knowledge of or strong interest in robotics, automation, mechatronics, or engineering R&D.

Excellent interpersonal, communication, presentation, negotiation, and project-management skills.

Self-motivated, organized, and comfortable working independently with travel (campus visits, events).

Alignment with Emtech’s people-first culture and values.

Proficiency with CRM tools, Microsoft Office/Google Workspace, and basic marketing platforms.

Preferred Skills & Experience

Existing network in higher education (especially PNW institutions).

Experience with work-study programs, internships, or industry-academia collaborations.

Familiarity with robotics/automation workforce trends and talent development.