Career Center

Department: MCC Office of Prof Education
Salary/Grade: EXS/7

About McCormick:

Northwestern University’s McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science is redefining engineering education and research through its pioneering “Whole-Brain Engineering” philosophy, integrating the elements of left-brain thinking — analysis, logic, synthesis, and math — with the kind of high-level right-brain thinking that fosters intuition, metaphorical thought, and creative problem solving. Augmenting the analytical core of engineering with substantial initiatives in design, entrepreneurship, leadership and personal development, and unusual collaborations that span disciplines, Northwestern Engineering students and faculty are prepared to take the world in a whole new direction.

Northwestern Engineering comprises more than 1,800 undergraduate students, 2,000 graduate students, 190 faculty members across nine academic departments and varied programs, centers, and institutes. Northwestern Engineering staff members support innovative academic programs, an intellectual footprint that deepens the frontiers of knowledge, partnerships that catalyze education and research, and a diverse culture that embraces different viewpoints and ideas.

Job Summary:

The Assistant Director, Industry and Alumni Relations oversees and manages the development and delivery of state-of-the-art, cutting-edge programs designed to build the Master’s Portfolio at McCormick School of Engineering reputation and prepare students for careers in engineering program related industries. This includes programs designed to engage alumni, industrial advisory board members, and other external partners of the programs. Responsible for the development and maintenance of relationships within and around the engineering sectors for the development of educational partnerships and work-integrated learning opportunities for students

May require some evening and weekend work.

Ability to work a hybrid schedule.

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.
  • Leads the strategic direction with regard to employer recruitment; identifies key stakeholders and influencers within employers and other organizations; creates and nurtures mutually beneficial relationships between MBP and employers that support programs and activities and meet student career objectives.
  • Stays current on industry trends.

Advising/Counseling

• Implement/provide personalized 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.
• Manages internship and co-op program connecting students with alumni and professionals.  Maintains knowledge of job market trends and hiring practices in a range of fields.
  • Identifies opportunities, solicits organizations, cultivates and stewards relationships that expand alternative sources of resources and services from University offerings (i.e., Career offices, field studies, other schools and programs)
  • Coordinates educational trips for students to sites of partner companies.

Relationships

• Builds and maintains a network of potential employers and alumni that can provide opportunities for mentoring, internships and/or jobs.
• Engages with associations, organizations, alumni, and employers to encourage experiential education and professional development.
  • Develops and maintains accurate database of corporate contacts
  • Reaches out to other programs at Northwestern with the goal of increasing participation, value, resources, etc. to support continued external program development & improvement.
  • Manages the Industrial Advisory Boards meetings and all communication with board members; works in collaboration with the Director to identify and recruit board members.

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. 
• Supervises creation of components, including curriculum development, lectures, conferences, and seminars.
  • Creates/delivers and evaluates workshops.

Evaluation

• Manages development and maintenance of evaluation processes including associated metrics and key performance indicators.
• Collaborates with internal/external partners to implement changes designed to improve/increase program goals/objectives. 
  • Analyzes evaluation data from internal/external participants (students, faculty, employers, etc.) to assist in program development and updates

Miscellaneous

• Performs other duties as assigned.

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

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Ability to foster positive relations with multiple, diverse constituencies in order to influence and shape change.
• Proven self-starter with team orientation.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication (written and oral), presentation, analytical, organizational and project management skills.
• Familiarity with diverse marketing outlets, including social media platforms.
• Demonstrated experience focusing on student learning and outcomes assessment.
• Experience in career development or corporate recruiting.
• Experience in coaching and/or training.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree, MBA, Science, Higher Education, HR or other relevant degree, preferred.
• Experience coaching and supporting the professional development of graduate students.
• Experience developing and managing alumni groups
• Experience identifying and managing volunteers
• Experience with business development.

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.