Career Advisor (4214)

Get to Know American University

At American University we value open and honest inquiry, servant leadership, and the affirmation of the human dignity of all. We envision a thriving AU community where individuals of all identities and experiences are understood, appreciated, and fully included, and where equitable treatment, opportunities, and outcomes prevail.

Our diverse community of students, faculty, and staff represent every state and more than 150 countries. Our internationally recognized faculty are today's thought leaders in the areas of public policy, law, the arts, communications, international development, and more. Our staff are innovative, service-oriented, and dedicated to moving the university towards achieving its strategic goals. We are committed to an excellent experience for all of our students, faculty and staff and share a passion for creating change through our knowledge and our work.

Learn more about American University by clicking here .

About the Department/Unit

The AU Career Center supports the career development of 8,000 students from five schools: the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), School of International Service (SIS), School of Communication (SOC), School of Education (SOE), and School of Public Affairs (SPA). Each year, our Office of Merit Awards prepares students from across the University for nationally competitive scholarships and fellowships. We work closely with employers, alumni, and university partners, and we are nationally recognized for our work. We are collaborative, collegial, flexible, and fun, and we work in a hybrid modality. We celebrate diversity and strive to make our work and workplace inclusive, equitable, and accessible, so that students and staff alike can experience success as their authentic selves.

Summary/Objective

An American University career advisor has a broad understanding of career advising techniques and experiential education and effectively coaches students from diverse backgrounds and identities while offering focused advising to students interested in specific career fields. The advisor develops high-quality workshops, topical panels, special career-related online resources, and orientations. The advisor collaborates with other Career Center staff members to sustain and grow a network of alumni and employers to enrich networking, internship, and job opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students.

Essential Functions

1. Coaches and advises undergraduate and graduate students on developing a career path that integrates academic learning with professional goals. Advises students on all aspects of career development and the job search, including self-assessment, internships, skills assessment, interviewing, networking, and crafting job search materials appropriate to the student’s academic level. Advises School of Communication students and recent alumni interested in communications, media, film, journalism, and public relations careers, as well as students from other schools and disciplines as needed.
2. Collaborates with colleagues to develop career resources and programs, utilizing student feedback and employment trends. Incorporates career competencies into resources and programming. Partners with academic administration, faculty, and student groups to enhance connection with student audiences. Creates and presents live and virtual career and experiential education workshops targeting attendees ranging from incoming students to alumni.
3. Analyzes internship and job market trends and contribute to alumni and employer networks appropriate to the primary student population. Incorporates this knowledge into career advising sessions. Refers employer contacts and information on potential job leads to colleagues.
4. Meets with teams for regular planning and evaluation. In collaboration with other team members, helps coordinate Career Center programs or services, such as: career industry events, alumni mentoring programs, and career-related site visits.

Supervisory Responsibility

• This position reports to the Director of Experiential Education.
• Within the School of Communication (SOC) team, the advisor works with one other advisor. Within the Career Center advising team, the advisor works with six other advisors and the alumni career advisor.

Work Environment

The AU Career Center supports the career development of about 8,000 students from five schools: the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), School of International Service (SIS), School of Communication (SOC), School of Education (SOE), and School of Public Affairs (SPA). Each year, our Office of Merit Awards prepares students from across the University for nationally competitive scholarships and fellowships. We work closely with employers, alumni, and university partners, and we are nationally recognized for our work. We are collaborative, collegial, flexible, and fun, and we work in a hybrid modality. We celebrate diversity and strive to make our work and workplace inclusive, equitable, and accessible, so that students and staff alike can experience success as their authentic selves.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Full-Time
• Exempt
• Coordinator/Analyst A
• This is a union-eligible position.

Required Education and Experience

• A Master's degree is required.
• 2 or more years of progressive experience in a professional setting or advising role.
• Knowledge of communication/film/journalism/public relations careers in public, private and non-profit sectors.
• Must have the ability to function in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Strong communication and listening skills.
• Computer literacy including skills with Internet research tools and social media.
• Excellent interpersonal, teamwork, critical thinking, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to interact with students, employers, faculty, alumni, and other constituents.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Previous experience advising college and/or university students.
• Previous experience in non-profit, government, legal, or public affairs settings.
• Previous experience in a communication/journalism/film/media/public relations setting.
• Familiarity with self-assessments such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or Strong Interest Inventory.

Others

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
• To ensure the health and safety of our community AU requires COVID-19 vaccinations for faculty and staff. Click here to learn more about our health and safety directive .
• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite.Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options .

Current American University Employees

If you are a current employee at American University, please log intoAsuccessfulU through themyAU portal . Once in AsuccessfulU, please select the Careers tile which will take you to our internal career page.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu .

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

Nearest Major Market: Washington DC