Career Center

Department: Career Advancement
Salary/Grade: EXS/7

Job Summary:

The Assistant Director coordinates outreach to and serves as a career adviser and career counselor for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and First-Generation Low-Income FGLI undergraduate students at Northwestern. This position collaborates with Student Enrichment Services, Multicultural Student Affairs, the Northwestern Alumni Association, and other university departments to develop programming that advance the career development of BIPOC and FGLI undergraduates.  Refers students to career resources and Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA) staff members as necessary.  Collaborate with the NCA employer relations team to provide information that supports increasing recruiting opportunities for both BIPOC and FGLI by providing information to recruiters and alumni. 

The position advises and counsels students empowering them to make decisions associated with their career goals and objectives.  Assesses individual situations and circumstances, many complex in nature, and creates, implements and monitors recommendations, partnering with internal/external constituencies and resources that meet student needs.  Ensures compliance with all associated policies, rules and regulations.  Advising and counseling focuses on self-assessment, exploration, job and internship search strategies, reflection, and strategic decision making.

Please note: Some evening and weekend hours may be required.

Specific Responsibilities:

Administration

• Researches best practices and peer institutions and market/economic conditions and recommends changes and enhancements to improve administrative effectiveness, services and/or resources.

Advising/Counseling

• Implement/provide personalizing counseling and advising that focuses on self-assessment, research, job and internship search strategies, reflection, and strategic decision making.
• Researches, develops and implements programs and services that enhance the student experience.
• Connects students with alumni and professionals for employment opportunities. Maintains knowledge of job market trends and hiring practices in a range of fields

Relationships

• Collaborates with student affairs, academic departments, student organizations and administrative offices to develop programs and publicize opportunities spanning a broad range of industries and geographies.

Marketing/Public Relations

• Ensures that all advertising and marketing materials accurately represent programs.
• Implements consistent marketing and brand messages regarding resources and services.

Programs/Events

• Manages planning and arrangement of programs - meetings, workshops, trainings, events, etc. designed to provide information, promote resources and to build internal and external relationships.
• Researches best practices to enhance, improve, and innovate program topics and delivery to better meet goals & objectives.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and 3 years' career counseling/advising in higher education or 3 years' of industry experience; or other relevant experience required; OR
• Successful completion of a full course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a master's or JD or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and 2 years' career counseling/advising in higher education or 2 years' of industry experience; or other relevant experience required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience counseling or advising undergraduate and graduate students on career related issues
• Understanding of identity and its role in student career development
• Experience working with BIPOC and FGLI students
• Evidence of the ability to collaborate and build partnerships across institutions and professional organizations
• Ability to be flexible and function effectively in team settings as a leader and contributor

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern requires all staff and faculty to be vaccinated against COVID-19, subject to limited exceptions. For more information, please visit our COVID-19 and Campus Updates website.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.