Assistant Director, Career Services
The University of Chicago

Department

SSD M. A. Programs Administration - Staff and Temporary Employees - Robinson

About the Department

SSD MA Career Services provides career-related support and professional development to our three rapidly expanding MA programs in the Social Sciences Division. Specifically, we serve the Master of Arts Programs in the Social Sciences (MAPSS - 1 year program), the Committee on International Relations (CIR- 1 year program), and the Master's in Computational Social Science (MACSS - 2 year program), totaling approximately 525 students.

Job Summary

The job assists in the design and implementation of advisory programs focused on students' career developments.

The Assistant Director, Career Services will be part of a small, but high-functioning team of career professionals serving the MA programs in the Social Sciences (525 students). As an advisor, coach and educator, the role provides one-on-one and small group support for all phases of the career and job search lifecycle, creates and facilitates innovative career management programming including large classroom workshops, experiential learning opportunities, and special events (i.e., panels, webinars, conferences) while sourcing expert alumni and corporate volunteers. The role will also be responsible for a variety of other high-level responsibilities, for which they will exercise leadership, collaborate with other offices as needed, contribute to the ongoing development of a strategic vision, innovate improvements, and take ownership of an essential part of our Career Services operation including employer and alumni relations, resource development, MA leadership initiatives and support, and general communications. The SSD MA Career Services team draws on the best contemporary practices to address the employment needs and hiring protocols of small businesses, large corporations, government, and nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and abroad.

Responsibilities

• Participate fully in Career Services advising, programming, and outreach activities.
  
• Coach and advise MA students and recent alumni from the Social Sciences Division on topics including career exploration within the social sciences and related fields, job search strategies, resumes and cover letters, networking and professional development, job search techniques, interviewing, and salary negotiation. Conduct mock interviews, reviews resumes and cover letters, and coordinates other interview related programming in both individual and group settings.
  
• Design, develop, and facilitate large career workshops / lectures and other professional development opportunities appropriate for SSD MA students (as influenced by student feedback, emerging trends, and strategizing with SSD MA Career Services team).
  
• Identify, build, and maintain relationships with a diverse set of employers and alumni, on and off campus, domestically and internationally; Network with various local, state, regional, and national organizations, chambers of commerce, societies of human resource management, state and federal agencies, and other professional associations.
  
• Provide planning, logistical support, and promotions for alumni and employer events, workshops, and annual conferences.
  
• Participate as a team member in program goals and activities; Collect evaluations, solicit recommendations, and assist with the improvement of program events and services; Update appropriate administrative systems as needed.
  
• Analyze markets and trends as they relate to job searches. Assess student feedback and evaluations and collaborate with other career services staff members, student organizations, program leadership, or other instructional staff to determine program offerings and innovations.
  
• Lead special programs and initiatives based on skills and experience in coordination with Director.
  
• Contribute to general administrative and support functions.
  
• Serve as liaison to various career development teams; Contribute to large-scale collaborative events (i.e., UChicago GRAD).
  
• Provide administrative and program support including research, data management, program assistance, and training in MA Connect and on special projects (e.g., web updates, counseling notes, generating reports, listing events, posting job/internship opportunities, employer engagement, alumni outreach, and placement).
  
• Develop relationships with faculty and staff in support of MA student career development initiatives.
  
• Create or contribute to bi-weekly digest and other communications that inform students of relevant opportunities and events. Develop original content for career related publications and assists with the editing and distribution of Career Services communications materials.
  
• Contribute to survey development and distribution related to student outcomes; Assist with data collection and analysis.
  
• Represent the programs at special events (may include an occasional evening or weekend work / flex time is available).
  

• Develop and maintain resources that help social science MA students navigate their career at UChicago and beyond.
  
• Advises and counsels students concerning employment opportunities and careers by acting as a liaison between students and prospective employers.
  
• Provides guidance and training to student career counselor interns.
  
• Performs other related work as needed.
  

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree.
  
• Master's degree in social science (i.e., anthropology, economics, history, political science, psychology, sociology) or related field strongly preferred.
  

Experience

• Experience advising diverse groups of graduate students and alumni.
  
• 2-5 years of experience providing career services or leading career development programs for graduate students or working in higher education administration, talent acquisition/recruiting in a corporate or nonprofit setting, client management, sales, or marketing.
  

Preferred Competencies

• Strong customer service orientation and general collaborative spirit. Professional, effective communication skills including proper email and phone etiquette (oral, written, and interpersonal).
  
• Excellent event and project management skills.
  
• Excellent collaborator with experience working in a team environment.
  
• Familiarity with some of the industry, government, and nonprofit career options that are common for MA students in the social sciences, including recruitment and application processes.
  
• Ability to gain proficiency in MS Office365 and career services management tools; Technical knowledge sufficient to learn Mailchimp, Box, WordPress/Drupal, SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, CMS, College Central, etc.
  
• Excellent cultural competency and ability to interact successfully with a diverse student body.
  

Required Documents

• Resume (required)
  
• Cover letter (required)
  
• Writing sample: 1-3 pages of original writing, promo, blog, seminar paper (required)
  
• 3 Professional references (required)
  

When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Student Affairs & Services

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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