Director, Employer Relations
[email protected]Aaron Smith-Knight joined UNITE-LA in the fall of 2025 as the Director of Employer Relations. In this role, he leads efforts to build and strengthen partnerships with employers across key industries, working to expand sustainable careers and work-based learning opportunities for students and job seekers throughout Los Angeles. Employer Relations plays a critical role in UNITE-LA’s community impact by connecting talent with regional (Los Angeles County) workforce needs and helping employers develop specific talent pipelines that support economic mobility.
Working closely with UNITE-LA’s program teams, Smith-Knight focuses on cultivating meaningful employer partnerships that bridge the gap between education, workforce development and industry demand. Through these collaborations, he helps increase internship, apprenticeship and employment opportunities for program participants while supporting UNITE-LA’s broader mission of advancing equitable economic opportunity. The Employer Relations team also works in alignment with UNITE-LA’s Systems and Policy teams to help elevate employer voices and insights that inform systems change, workforce strategy and policy discussions.
Prior to joining UNITE-LA, Smith-Knight spent nearly 25 years in advertising services, serving as senior vice president developing distribution operations and business partnerships. During his career, he partnered with national and regional brands to develop strategic collaborations that improved operational efficiency, expanded market opportunities and drove revenue insights. His experience in partnership development, workflow optimization and strategic planning has led to the successful management of more than 500 business and agency partnerships. Smith-Knight is also certified in DEI management through Cornell University’s program.
Outside of work, Smith-Knight enjoys biking and hiking around town. He also maintains a creative passion for the performing arts and is an avid painter.