Director of Career Services
Position Purpose
The Director of Career Services (hereafter referred to as Director) is responsible for the leadership and delivery of all career- and community-related programs and services to students. The Director provides services for traditional students, partnership students, online students, and alumni. The Director may provide supervisory guidance to a Graduate Assistant, student workers, and interns (when applicable). The Assistant Director reports to the Vice President of Academic Affairs and is expected to keep the VPAA appraised of activities and progress within the office's portfolio.
This position is a 12-month professional staff position.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist students with career and life development planning processes, including obtaining information on companies, current opportunities for employment and hiring practices, and making the transition from school to career.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with corporations and organizations that provide quality pre-professional (e.g. co-ops, internships, practicums) and professional employment opportunities for students and alumni.
- Serve on college-wide committees and work closely with upper administration to bring college-wide goals to fruition.
- Establish department goals, objectives, and strategies; develop and implement programs and services to accomplish goals, improve the image of the College, and attract and retain students.
- Provide career guidance to students and alumni on topics related to career and major exploration including part-time job search, full-time career search, graduate/professional school search, salary negotiation techniques, interviewing techniques, resume reviews, cover letter writing, and more.
- Hire, train, and supervise student office employees and interns, as well as a graduate assistant when applicable.
- Serve as the Hiram Connect Internship Coordinator: track and approve Hiram Connect learning agreements through Handshake, aid in adding students to the CNXT course, and designate passing grades or incompletes as applicable upon course completion.
- Plan, monitor, and maintain department budget and approve operating expenses. Maintain 5 temporary restricted funds allocated for student professional development and internship funding, exclusively funded through Alumni & Development partnerships.
- Establish partnerships with key faculty, staff, and departments to ensure the delivery of career and community education and access to pre-professional and professional employment opportunities.
- Conduct research through the development and distribution of surveys and collection of engagement and employment data; prepare research documents and reports based on the data such as the First Destination Report. Leverage collected data to improve career services processes and provide insights for senior leadership regarding job market landscape, employment trends impacting degree programs, etc.
- Oversee implementation and maintenance of engagement and employment related technology systems such as O*Net and Handshake.
- Assist with experiential learning events on campus including Sugar Day and the Celebration of Experiential Learning.
- Represent Hiram College on the Portage Development Board of Directors.
- Ensure compliance with federal and state laws, policies, and procedures including but not limited to FERPA.
- Serve as a member of local, regional, and national committees, organizations, and boards related to office services. Align operating standards with those of the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
- Act as intermediary between academic and student service offices to integrate career and experiential learning in a multitude of student experiences, from graduation requirements to extracurricular involvement.
- Collaborate with faculty regularly to market certain internship and job postings, market events, organize classroom presentations, workshops, and more.
- Plan and promote multiple engagement opportunities for students and employers through networking events, on-campus recruiting opportunities and other career-related events.
- Promote office to students, alumni, and employers through a variety of marketing efforts.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Position Requirements
Skills & Knowledge:
- Demonstrated ability to relate to students first and foremost; skill at engaging and cultivating employers and graduate school programs; ability to collaborate with faculty, alumni, and staff in support of student interests.
- Demonstrated ability to build an innovative, data-confirmed program that results in tangible student outcomes.
- Talent at conveying the demands of employers and graduate schools to contemporary students.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality in accordance with FERPA.
- Experience using and maintaining Handshake account for entire college.
Experience
- Knowledge of techniques to engage students in steps necessary for placement success.
- Knowledge of career development topics including resume writing, cover letter writing, interviewing techniques, etc.
- Minimum of 3 years progressively expanded responsibility for career development services with preference given to candidates with prior hands-on leadership experience.
- Experience working with students in a multicultural college community setting.
- Experience working with students and individuals from diverse backgrounds and identity groups.
Education
- Master's degree in higher education or related field required.
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
Application Process
Qualified candidates are encouraged to send a letter of application, resume, and names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references to HR@hiram.edu or apply through the provided link. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Hiram College is an equal opportunity employer committed to excellence through diversity. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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