Email info@aaer-web.com to inquire about a customized series or to answer any questions. 

The Employer Relations Academy (ERA) is the premier interactive training experience for career services employer relations professionals. Through a cohort model, participants learn industry best practices to develop relationships and work opportunities for job seekers. The academy is designed to provide the fundamentals and foundational framework to effectively work with employers. The curriculum offers novice and intermediate-level professionals the ability to acquire the skills, experience, and expertise necessary to design and deploy an effective employer relations menu and strategy.

Attendees engage in a series of online challenges, conducting real research to identify individuals and employer networks (leads) that serve as access points for developing jobs, internships, and employer relationships. Participants collaborate with peers in forums to share ideas, network, and refine their skills as employer relations representatives. They work in groups to brainstorm employer service menus, explore delivery options, and develop engagement tiers. The program concludes with final presentations, where attendees implement their ideas and learn effective employer engagement and presentation strategies from their peers. Students have the opportunity to earn a badge and receive a certificate of competency.

Enrollment & Tuition 

Space sells out each year!

Acceptance into the Employer Relations Academy is based on available space. Enrollment is open to all college and university staff and administrators across the United States.  Classes are kept small and intimate to enhance the learning experience. Participants are expected to network and collaborate on team projects, share and present their ideas and results, and contribute to a supportive learning environment. Participants are to encourage innovation, creativity, and outside-the-box thinking among their peers. 

All registrants must be able to commit to the following requirements: 
• Employed by a college or university 
 • Able to attend all sessions 
• Participate in online mobile challenges 
• Submit work to the instructor for review 
• Open to receiving feedback from the instructor and their peers to enhance learning

Registrants participate in up to 2.5 hours of in-class instruction each meeting that includes team projects and discussions. Classes meet every other week. Between meetings, registrants will be expected to complete 1-2 hours of real-world challenges and research to help enhance their learning experience. 

MPACE members receive a 15% discount on tuition, please use the discounts below to take advantage of this deal! Not a member of MPACE? Join here.

Enroll Now Cohort #1 (Starting 6/15 at 9:00am)

Use codempace2026-1

Enroll Now Cohort #2 (Starting 6/15 at 12:00pm)

 Use code mpace2026-2

Enroll Now Cohort #3 (Starting 6/22 at 9:00am)

Use codempace2026-3

Enroll Now Cohort #4 (Starting 6/22 at 12:00pm)

Use code mpace-2026-4

** All Times are Pacific Standard Time

Meet the Presenters:

Joe Hayes – Director External Partnerships & Special Projects Joe Hayes serves as Director of External Partnerships and Special Projects at Dartmouth College’s Center for Career Design. With nearly 20 years of experience spanning consulting and career education across private and public institutions, Joe leads strategic initiatives that connect employers, alumni, and family supporters to create meaningful opportunities for students. Before joining Dartmouth, Joe held key roles at the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and Connecticut College where he advanced institutional outcomes, developed innovative career programs, and strengthened employer partnerships. Earlier in his career, he worked in the private sector for a New York–based consulting firm, contributing to its global expansion. Brandon Green, PhD – Assistant Director, Career Coach Brandon brings over eight years of experience in higher education as a student mentor, faculty member, and researcher. As a Career Coach, Brandon is passionate about empowering students to pursue their goals with confidence, clarity, and calm. Before joining the team, he studied digital media and culture at Northwestern University and UCLA, where he earned his doctorate in 2023. Brandon works with all students, including those looking to explore career pathways, develop professional skills, and navigate internship, research, and job opportunities. Drawing from his background in the liberal arts, he supports students in solving career questions through reflection and creative inquiry. Catherine Darragh - Associate Director of Programming, Operations, and Marketing Catherine leads the development and delivery of high impact career programs and logistics for students, alumni, and families; fosters cross campus partnerships to enhance collaboration; and streamlines operations to ensure effective, inclusive access to career design resources. Previously, Catherine served in Dartmouth Advancement on the Conferences & Events and Alumni Relations teams, where she organized dedications and major institutional events, contributed as a project lead to the College’s COVID 19 reopening efforts, and built engaging programs that connect alumni—including the Dartmouth Book Club, regional networking initiatives, and the award winning 50 for 50 storytelling project. Her early career in theater and events management sharpened her strengths in operations, stakeholder coordination, and creative problem solving. Catherine holds an MBA from the University of Southern Maine and a BA from Dartmouth in Theater and Classical Archaeology. She earned the David Birney Award for Excellence in the Theatre Arts and helped lead the “Diverse Voices: The 50 for 50 Storytelling Project,” recognized with a Best of District I Award in 2024.