Assistant Director, Career & Life Design

Position Information

Title
Assistant Director, Career & Life Design

Department
Center for Student Success and Career Development

Regular or Temporary
Regular

Hours Per Week
37.5

FLSA Determination
Exempt

Weeks Per Year

52

Open Date
08/01/2022

Full or Part Time
Full Time

Position Summary

Trinity College seeks a staff that reflects the changing demographics of our student body. Our student body is diverse, representing 41 states and 70 countries, with 21 percent U.S. students of color and 50 percent who identify as women. More than 90 percent of students live on campus. Trinity is a highly selective, independent, nonsectarian liberal arts institution located in the capital city of Hartford, Conn. With more than 2,100 full-time undergraduate students and 91 graduate students, the college maintains a rigorous academic profile complemented by a vibrant and diverse co-curricular program. We consider our location in a culturally and socioeconomically diverse capital city to be among Trinity’s most distinctive assets, and we cultivate strong connections with our surrounding neighbors and with institutions and organizations throughout Hartford and the region. As a preeminent liberal arts college in an urban setting, Trinity College prepares students to be bold, independent thinkers who lead transformative lives.

The Career & Life Design Center seeks a high energy, passionate professional, who takes initiative in problem solving and delivering extraordinary service to students, alumni, parents/families, and faculty/staff to fill the position of Assistant Director of Career & Life Design. Reporting to the Associate Director of Career & Life Design, the Assistant Director of Career & Life Design will uphold the Center’s vision of empowering students and graduates to be active agents in designing their careers and to use their liberal arts education to adapt to and transform the future of work. Developing community resources and educating students on industry-specific skill development, the Assistant Director will implement a comprehensive pre-health advising program and lead the Science, Engineering and Technology Career Community.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Career & Life Design Coaching

• Conduct individual and group coaching sessions per week; facilitate conversations with students and recent graduates on topics related to campus involvement, major exploration, goal setting, learning strategies, internships, jobs, graduate school, interviewing and negotiating. Support students in developing written career materials and professional profiles.
• Participate in regular professional development to integrate career & life design best practices and activities into coaching; participate in internal and external trainings centered on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion to enhance cultural competency skills in coaching.
• Oversee weekly shift of Career & Life Design Studio drop-ins and supervise assigned student interns on projects.
• Document advising sessions (e.g., appointments, email, Zoom, and telephone consultations) in content management system to enable reporting.

Science, Engineering, Technology and Pre-Health Advising

• Co-lead advising and programming for students interested in the health sector including personal statements, letters of recommendation, MCATs, etc.
• Science, Engineering and Technology programming and outreach by partnering with student clubs, alumni, and employers to provide exposure to careers in the sector.
• Host community events, panels, employer treks, develop and manage virtual student resources, and facilitate connections with alumni community.
• Assess effectiveness of community programs and resources and evaluate changing needs of student population to encourage successful experiential learning and post graduate outcomes.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of, and educate students, faculty, and staff on industry trends, qualities employers seek in candidates, employer culture, and the hiring process.

Signature Programs & Center Initiatives

• Design and support career and life design programs for students transitioning into college, engaging in active and experiential learning, and preparing for life after graduation; Events may include career panels, networking events, mentoring programs, orientation sessions, student conferences, career boot camps, or conference-style events.
• Assess effectiveness of signature programs and evaluate changing needs of student population to encourage student exploration, growth, successful experiential learning and post graduate outcomes.
• Support team-wide initiatives to increase Center utilization by BIPOC, international, and first-generation student populations.

Campus Partnerships

• Serve as the liaison to designated campus partners including faculty, staff, and students to develop strategies for communication and collaborative programming and to increase utilization of the Center.
• Hold regular meetings and maintain communication with internal campus partners.
• Adopt strategy to meet mutually established goals with partners to co-host programs and co-lead initiatives.

General

• Attend recurring supervisory and department meetings and communicate with colleagues and constituents.
• Represent Trinity College to prospective students, families, organizations and educational institutions.
• Ability to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends, required.
• Support and attend Career & Life Design Center events as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of three years relevant professional work experience in higher education, career development, student success, counseling, or related industry.
• Experience working with diverse student and alumni populations including first generation students, international students, and adult learners.
• Demonstrated experience working in a fast-paced office setting.
• Demonstrated experience with program management and event planning.
• Strong empathy, communication, teamwork, and organizational skills required.
• Experience administering career assessments.
• Familiarity with career management platforms (Handshake).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Personnel, Counseling or related field.
• Familiarity with Design Thinking and Life Design Methodology.
• Experience with virtual career coaching delivery methods (Teams, Zoom).

Special Instructions to Applicants

All applicants must apply online by submitting their resume, cover letter and 3 references.

Review of applications will begin three weeks after the role posting date.

Trinity College requires proof of COVID19 vaccination and booster or an approved exemption prior to beginning employment .

Quick Link
https://trincoll.peopleadmin.com/postings/2734

Trinity College is an independent, nonsectarian liberal arts college for men and women, with approximately 2,200 undergraduate students and 200 faculty members, located in Hartford, Connecticut. Our Mission is “Engage. Connect. Transform.” As the preeminent liberal arts college in an urban setting, Trinity College prepares students to be bold, independent thinkers who lead transformative lives. Trinity is an actively engaged community of students, faculty and staff who work together to develop and sustain the intellectual and creative opportunities central to a first-class liberal arts education. Hartford, the state capital, provides many opportunities for cultural and social engagement.

The College is committed to building a representative and diverse faculty, administrative staff, and student body. Trinity is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Applicants with disabilities should request, in advance, any needed accommodation in order to participate in the application process.

For all faculty positions, completion of the Ph.D. or appropriate equivalent is expected. Candidates should have a strong commitment to undergraduate and interdisciplinary teaching in a liberal arts context, and a well-articulated plan for sustained research. Trinity is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through their research, teaching, and service.