Assistant Director of Career Development/Common Good and Pre-Law Adviser

Department Statement

Colgate University, a premiere liberal arts university of approximately 3,100 students, seeks an energetic, student-focused adviser to coach students primarily excited about Careers in the Common Good (i.e.: law, public policy, public service, non-profit, advocacy, education, etc.). This professional will also engage in generalist career advising as a member of our career development team. Utilizing a human-centric, growth mindset approach and leveraging Colgate’s new four-year career development plan, our team guides deciding and exploring students through understanding what career options best fit a students’ interests, strengths, values, and identities. They then work directly with students on search strategies, applications, and decision-making related to internship, entry-level job, and graduate/professional school searches. It is imperative that all members of the Career Services team build partnerships and relationships with faculty, staff, alumni, parents, employers, and professional colleagues outside of Colgate to ensure we are ensuring the most current and contemporary support for our students. The assistant director reports to the associate director of career development.

It is an exciting time for the University as Colgate enters its third century. President Brian W. Casey is leading the campus through a comprehensive Third-Century Plan to raise the institution’s profile as a distinctive and strong undergraduate liberal arts institution to even-higher levels of achievement. Of particular relevance to this role is the Colgate Commitment, the launch of the Mind Brain and Behavior Initiative, and the establishment of Global Public and Environmental Health minor (now Colgate’s largest enrolled minor). Under the leadership of Vice President and Dean of the College Paul J. McLoughlin II, there has been tremendous growth. The energy on campus is palpable as four Residential Commons living-learning communities have been developed over the last six years, and long-term goals have been established for further developing the residential college system through creation of an upper-level residential system and an integrated wellness model.

Career Services benefits from strong institutional support, reinforced by a clear commitment from Dr. McLoughlin. The assistant director would join this highly-motivated team of 15 professionals at a particularly exciting moment. Under Colgate’s Third Century Plan, Career Services is committed to achieving best-in-class preparation to launch liberal arts graduates into a global, ever-changing workplace. By carefully harnessing Colgate’s assets and providing extraordinary opportunities, the Career Services’ team launched a comprehensive four-year plan in fall 2021 that ensures that all students have access to build core, practical skills and gain competitive experiences that prepare them for a lifetime of success.

Learn more about Colgate University and the Dean of the College Division by reviewing A Candidate’s Guide to Colgate . In 2021 and 2022, the Dean of the College Division was acknowledged byDiverse Issues in Higher Educationand Inside Higher Ed as one of the Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs.

Accountabilities

• Independently guide students and young alumni in 1:1 and small group advising to gain self-awareness, an understanding of the world of work, and to pursue opportunities to test and advance their career interests.
• Facilitate effective skill-based programming and workshops related to job, internship, and graduate/professional school application processes (e.g. composing targeted applications, networking, interview preparation, offer evaluation). Develop and maintain digital and print resources to advance students’ career development.
• Responsible for program management of career development initiatives (i.e. Golden Fellowship). In collaboration with office leadership, devise the strategy, manage students’ progress through planned initiatives, and report on the program’s impact.
• Establish and maintain connections with student organization leaders, faculty, alumni and parents, and professional associations for the purpose of professional development, building networks of support for students, and instigating opportunities for channeling volunteerism for the benefit of students.

Professional Experience/ Qualifications

• A minimum of two years of work experience in a relevant discipline is required. Internships or related practicums will be considered as experience.
• Must be able to build rapport with students and student groups and guide them through an advising process.
• Must be capable of being a strong advocate for inclusion with a proven ability to work with diverse populations.
• Must have the capability to understand and communicate the value of a liberal arts education.
• Requires exceptional written and oral communication skills with a strong attention detail.
• Extraordinary interpersonal skills, and strong problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to create, develop and deliver presentations and/or workshops.
• Demonstrated strength in collaboration, organizational skills, detail orientation, and ability to independently follow through on assignments.
• Ability to balance multiple tasks simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience in law, public service, non-profit, advocacy, or education preferred.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree is required.

A Master’s degree or JD is preferred.

Graduate-level courses in student development, counseling, or a similar field are highly desirable.

Job Open Date
10/09/2023

Job Close Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

Special Instructions Summary

EEO Statement

It is the policy of Colgate University not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of their race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, disability, protected Veteran Status, sexual orientation and gender identity and expression, genetic information, victims of domestic violence and stalking, familial status, and all other categories covered by law. This policy shall apply to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, upgrading, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, recall, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation and selection for training at all levels of employment. Colgate University will not discharge or discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their own compensation or the compensation of another employee or applicant. Colgate University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities/Females/Persons with Disabilities/Protected Veterans are encouraged to apply.

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