DavisConnects Advisor for Education and Community Engagement

Job Description
Department:
Career Advising
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Employee Type:
Job Summary:DavisConnects
Full-Time, Exempt, Salaried, Administrative Staff Appointment

Complementing Colby’s focus on a classical, broad-based liberal education, the College’s innovative DavisConnects program redefines the traditional career development center. We deliver transformative experiences, we provide specialized advising, and we foster world-class connections. Together, our threefold commitment both enriches students’ enjoyment of their time at the College and enhances the value of their liberal arts educations. Since Colby launched DavisConnects in 2017, the College has distributed more than $4 million to students in support of internships, student research, and global projects, removing economic barriers so that participation is truly open to all.

By integrating internships, student research, off-campus study, expert advising, global connections, and generous funding, DavisConnects has created a remarkable campus hub that allows students to test and refine their interests while they participate in exciting experiences. The ultimate outcome of the DavisConnects program is not only students’ successful launch into their first post-graduate opportunity, but the lifelong capacity to define their own distinctive paths to success.

Colby College is seeking a new advisor for education and community engagement to join the DavisConnects team, the advisor will participate in a comprehensive student advising model focused on the integration of global, curricular, and co-curricular experiences. The successful candidate will specialize in preparing students for careers in education (K-20) and community engagement. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of the College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Advising & Experiences (55%)

• Serve as the primary advisor to students and alumni interested in areas of education and community engagement, helping them assess interests, explore opportunities, and refine plans leading to post-graduate success
• Provide guidance on industry-specific resumes, cover letters, networking, and interview techniques
• Guide students to pursue individualized pathways that include participation in DavisConnects’ portfolio of “universal experiences”: internships, research, and global projects
• Advise additional students who are committed to exploration and have not yet defined their areas of career interest
• Facilitate workshops and manage programs for target populations, including industry-focused alumni panels, off-campus job treks (off-campus opportunities to explore career industries across the US), and topical workshops and industry forums
• Advocate for underrepresented groups and diversity in education and community engagement professions
• Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice

Connections (25%)

• In consultation with the director of advising and the director of alumni and employer connections:
  • Build and nurture relationships with academic departments, student groups, and other campus entities to ensure inclusion and access to education and community-engagement career preparation and recruiting at Colby
  • Develop and sustain relationships with working professionals in Colby’s global community who are committed to students’ career development in education and community engagement
  • Establish an advisory group of 8-12 working professionals in Colby’s global community to provide guidance about current trends and future opportunities associated with careers in education and community engagement

Operations and Administration (20%)

• Conduct quantitative and qualitative research to assess program effectiveness in pursuit of continuous improvement
• Attend division, department, and team meetings; serve on College committees as needed
• Manage case files and other essential records

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and experience in a related field; advanced coursework or Master’s degree a plus
• Knowledge of liberal arts model required
• Commitment to working with a diverse, global student population at a top liberal arts college required
• Experience in advising and/or mentorship strongly preferred
• Ability to interact effectively with multiple constituents including students, faculty, alumni, parents, and employers
• Experience organizing, marketing, and executing events
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills combined with a professional demeanor
• Highly organized with extreme attentiveness to detail related to managing multiple tasks and projects simultaneously
• Strong creative, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Constructive, and positive approach to work
• Self-motivated, flexible and responsive work ethic
• Ability to manage multiple tasks among competing priorities and meet deadlines
• Attention to detail and accuracy are critical
• Proficiency in database systems as well as Google/Microsoft Office suites
• Valid driver’s license required and must meet Colby’s Fleet Safety Policy requirements

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

Reporting to the director of advising, this position will actively engage with a variety of campus constituents including the dean of student and global advancement, colleagues in DavisConnects, colleagues in college advancement, staff in the division of the dean of the college, academic faculty, as well as members of the global Colby Network.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

General open office and campus environment. Position involves sitting, although frequent movement is necessary. Computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion is also necessary. Weekend and evening hours required. Some travel is required.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT :

Successful and satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check). All students, faculty, and staff who are present on campus must be vaccinated and boostered against COVID-19, unless granted an exemption or accommodation by the College.

TO APPLY :

Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the "Apply" button on the Colby Careers website. Please submit a letter of interest including salary requirements, resume, and the contact information of three professional references. Materials should be addressed to:

DavisConnects Advisor for Education and Community Engagement - Search Committee
Office of Human Resources
Colby College
5500 Mayflower Hill
Waterville, ME 04901-8855

A review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.