Entry Level Project Management Jobs in Middletown, CT

Who we are:

The University of New Haven, founded in 1920, is a private university whose mission is to prepare students to excel and lead purposeful and fulfilling lives in a global society. The university offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate programs and has been recognized for academic excellence, nationally and internationally. In addition to its main campus in West Haven, the university has a campus in Tuscany, Italy. Learn more at newhaven.edu.

The Project Manager, Talent Solutions serves as the primary coordinator for employer workforce requests within the Better Than Ready® ecosystem. Working closely with the Corporate Partnerships team, Career Advising team, and employer partners, this position manages company requests for interns, student projects, co-ops, part-time employment, and full-time hiring opportunities.

This role functions as a talent matchmaker and project coordinator, ensuring employer requests are translated into actionable opportunities for University of New Haven students. The Project Manager tracks employer needs, coordinates internal resources, monitors outcomes, and ensures a high-quality experience for students and industry partners.

This is an entry-level professional position designed for an early-career individual interested in workforce development, talent acquisition, employer engagement, project management, or higher education administration.

You will:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employer workforce and talent requests within the Better Than Ready® team.
• Manage the intake, tracking, coordination, and fulfillment of employer hiring and experiential learning opportunities, including internships, co-ops, part-time and full-time positions, consulting projects, and capstone experiences.
• Coordinate activities among employers, Corporate Partnerships, Career Advising, faculty, and other university stakeholders to ensure successful project execution and student placements.
• Match qualified students with employer opportunities by working closely with Career Advisors to identify candidates, facilitate referrals, and support recruitment efforts.
• Monitor project timelines, deliverables, and outcomes, proactively addressing issues that may impact employer satisfaction or student success.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with employer partners through responsive communication, exceptional customer service, and ongoing engagement.
• Support employer participation in recruiting events, career fairs, networking opportunities, employer panels, workshops, and information sessions.
• Maintain accurate records of employer interactions, talent requests, placements, and engagement activities using CRM systems, Handshake, and related technology platforms.
• Track and analyze key performance metrics, including employer engagement, student referrals, internship and job postings, placements, and satisfaction outcomes.
• Prepare reports, dashboards, and status updates for leadership to support strategic decision-making and program evaluation.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance operational efficiency, responsiveness, and service delivery.
• Support the adoption of new technologies, data systems, and AI-enabled tools to strengthen talent solutions and employer engagement efforts.
• Contribute to the growth and success of the University's workforce development strategy by creating meaningful connections between employers and students.
• Promote a high-quality experience for both students and employers while advancing career readiness, workforce development, and talent acquisition objectives.

You need:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Graduate degree preferred.
• Previous experience in project management & coordination required.
• Strong organizational and project management skills; proven experience in process improvement and problem resolution required.
• Excellent customer service skills, including previous experience managing employer relationships and workforce development with excellent results.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and data management systems including CRM utilization.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with attention to detail and handle confidential information with discretion.

What's in it for you:

• Health & Welfare Programs: Employees and their eligible family members, including spouses and dependent are eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Programs.
• Wellness & Fitness: On-campus Recreation and Fitness Center for employees and families; Employee Assistant Program
• Commitment to Educational Excellence: Tuition assistance for employees and eligible dependents; Tuition exchange opportunities
• Employee Discounts on products, services and educational opportunities
• Work/Life Benefits: Generous paid time off programs; progressive paid holiday schedule (including holiday break between Christmas and New Year’s); 4 weeks of parental paid leave; flexible work schedules including summer hours where applicable

*The University of New Haven is not a qualifying E-Verify employer and its use of E-Verify is limited to specific government projects. For that reason, candidates with STEM OPT authorization cannot be considered for employment.