The University Relations Specialist will own university activities with business partners, human resources managers and talent acquisition team members to ensure that required tasks are completed on time and to expectations. You will be responsible for both full-cycle recruiting and branding events across multiple local and national universities, as well as fostering relationship development with administrators, professors, and students. This individual will be responsible for the overall program management of AutoZone’s nationally recognized annual summer internship program and other hiring events throughout the academic year.
The University Relations Specialist will develop a sound University strategy, focusing on effective early career and diverse talent acquisition, as well as exceptional employer branding, to meet the critical workforce planning needs for AutoZone.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Develop a comprehensive, diverse university relations recruitment strategy that delivers an outstanding candidate experience, and improves our ability to source, identify and select early career talent to build the future leaders of our company
Partner with Talent Acquisition, HR Business Partners and Diversity & Inclusion to develop a comprehensive early career talent engagement and acquisition strategy to meet our diversity goals
Plan and execute all internship program events, training sessions, executive meetings and on-campus recruiting activities to include, but not limited to, career fairs, student group engagement, collegiate competitions, speaker series, networking sessions, team building and business resource group collaboration events
Source, attract, select and hire undergraduate and graduate students for AutoZone’s internship and early career talent programs, by conducting phone screens and interviews, managing the referral process and onboarding new hires
Represent the Company by conducting information sessions, student organization presentations and attending career fairs, while communicating an employer brand message that reflects our organizational culture and values
Prepare and maintain University Relations reports, metrics to arrive at actionable insights into the effectiveness and impact of the Intern program, and present to Senior Leadership
Manage early career talent programs end-to-end, creating clear program plans, timelines, stakeholder engagement, communications strategies and partner enablement
In partnership with Talent Acquisition leadership, ensure AutoZone’s employer branding efforts are represented and sustainable across social media, online presence, event marketing materials and employer messaging
Manage, monitor and report Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across social media and career platform accounts for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Handshake, and LinkedIn in close cooperation with Communications and Marketing
Build highly workable relationships with internal stakeholders (AutoZone’s executives, managers and team members) and advise external stakeholders (University and Community Partners) to understand the early career talent needs of the business and ensure meaningful roles
Ensuring ongoing communication with interns and collaboration with functional area leadership
Provide program management of weekly events to include calendar invites, program materials, catering, execution and metrics
Position Skills and Requirements
BS/BA degree or equivalent, preferably in HR Management or Business Administration
Must have 3-5 years of recruiting experience with knowledge of University Recruiting, University Campus engagement or professional level HR experience
Demonstrable experience of setting strategic goals and tasks in an innovative and fast-paced environment
Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, organizational, analytical skills and executional ability
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to manage university relations, with the ability to work cross-functionally and dealing with all levels of the organization daily
Demonstrated ability to work independently, and with a minimum amount of supervision
Knowledge and experience in a diverse cultural environment and working with culturally diverse people
Familiarity with employment law and employment recruiting trends
Proven project management skills with the ability to lead multiple simultaneous projects in various stages of completion
Results-driven, organized professional who effectively handles contending priorities
Strong strategic and creative thinker who can distill business strategy into effective recruitment and actionable plans
At AutoZone, we have put customers first since 1979, when our first store was opened in Forrest City, Arkansas. As the leading retailer and a leading distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories with stores in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Mexico and Brazil; AutoZone has been committed to providing the best parts, prices and customer service in the automotive aftermarket industry. We have a rich culture and history of going the Extra Mile for our customers and our community. At AutoZone you’re not just doing a job; you’re playing a crucial role in creating a better experience for our customers, while creating opportunities to DRIVE YOUR CAREER almost anywhere! We are looking for talented people who are customer focused, enjoy helping others and have the DRIVE to excel in a fast paced environment!
