Director Educational Partnerships
Taken at the midpoint of its range, $110,000/yr, this role pays less than the middle Partner, Channel & Alliances opening on the board today ($185k/yr); the usual band for that kind of seat is $140k–$319k/yr.
The posting
Company Description
Sonic Automotive is a Fortune 500 automotive retailer with a commitment to delivering a superior guest experience through its network of franchised dealerships and its rapidly growing EchoPark Automotive segment. Sonic is focused on innovation, operational excellence, and developing future leaders who can drive performance across a dynamic, customer-centric retail environment.
Job Description
TheDirector of Educational Partnerships will design and build long-term talent pipelines through partnerships with colleges, universities, and technical schools. This role will be instrumental in developing future leaders.
This leader will serve as a strategic connector between educational institutions and retail operations, ensuring Sonic is consistently attracting, developing, and converting top emerging talent into dealership roles.
Educational Partnership Strategy
- Build strong relationships with academic leadership, career services, and faculty to embed Sonic into curriculum, programs, and career pathways.
- Position Sonic Automotive, Sonic Powersports and EchoPark as leading destinations for business, sales, and automotive career growth.
Campus & Early Career Recruitment
- Work with Talent Acquisition to develop campus recruiting strategies across priority markets, including hiring events, classroom engagement, and branded activities.
- Equip Talent Acquisition team with tools and messaging to effectively attract and convert early-career talent.
- Work with Talent Acquisition to build innovative recruitment approaches that resonate with Gen Z talent, highlighting earnings potential, career pathing, and entrepreneurial opportunities within Sonic.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Coordinate with brand and dealership leadership to participate in campus events
- Coordinate with talent acquisition team in recruiting efforts to fill Internships and Leadership Development Programs.
Performance Measurement & Optimization
- Define and track key success metrics, including pipeline volume, conversion rates, retention, and time-to-productivity.
- Analyze program effectiveness and continuously optimize partnership ROI.
Deliver regular insights and recommendations to executive leadership.
Required
- 3+ years of experience in either talent acquisition, workforce strategy, campus recruiting, or external partnerships.
- Strong business acumen with the ability to translate talent strategy into operational impact.
- Experience influencing senior leaders in a multi-location or decentralized environment.
- Willingness to travel (40–50%) to campuses and other locations.
Preferred
- Experience in automotive retail operations, hospitality, or multi-unit service environments.
- Familiarity with technical, vocational, or dealership training pathways.
Core Competencies
- External partnership development and influence
- Data-driven execution and continuous improvement
- Strong storytelling and employer branding
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, performance-driven culture
Why This Role Matters at Sonic
Sonic Automotive’s continued growth depends on a strong, ready-now bench of leaders who can drive sales performance, deliver exceptional guest experiences, and lead high-performing teams. This role directly fuels that future by creating predictable, scalable pathways for early-career talent to enter and grow within the organization.
Additional Information
Experience the best the automotive industry has to offer and apply today. We look forward to sharing our success with the brightest talent out there!
Taken from Sonic Automotive's own posting, last seen live on 2 Nov 2026.
About Sonic Automotive
New and used cars, trucks and motorcycles, with financing, protection products, parts and service, sold to retail buyers through its franchised new-car dealerships, its EchoPark used-car stores and its Harley-Davidson and powersports stores.
Pay schedule: Floor sellers earn uncapped commission on top of a guaranteed base or a draw, e-sales agents hourly pay plus commission and managers a pay plan with a production bonus, and the postings name medical, dental and vision cover, a 401(k) match (4% at EchoPark), paid time off and employee pricing on vehicles.
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