Associate Director of Employer Partnerships and Business Advising

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

Complementing its focus on a classical, broad-based liberal education that requires deep inquiry, hones critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and encourages curiosity and lifelong learning, Colby now integrates a set of universally available experiences into the academic program. Several opportunities will allow students to connect their education to the world and the great challenges of the 21st century while preparing them for future success in graduate schools and careers. DavisConnects guarantees a global experience for all students, making Colby the first leading liberal arts college to provide funding for every student to spend time abroad. Ultimately, Colby will connect every student to a facilitated and funded set of internships and research experiences, establishing Colby as a leader in global education and offering all Colby students an exceptional and unique set of opportunities that will deepen their education and improve their life outcomes.

Colby College is seeking a new associate director of employer partnerships and business advising to join the DavisConnects team, participating in a variety of initiatives to support the department’s goals of improving employer awareness and experience of Colby College. The associate director will create opportunities in high growth business sectors with appealing entry-level roles and internships well suited to our students, and use technology to work smarter and measure our team’s effectiveness in achieving desired outcomes for students and employers alike. This position plays a key role in cultivating and stewarding commercial/business employer (including alumni and parents), preparing students to engage effectively with employers, and maximizing event participation and job applications through skillful marketing to students.

The associate director will participate in a comprehensive student advising model, primarily driven by the goal of integrating universal (research, internships and global) and co-curricular experiences into the student experience. The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic and visionary culture to advise students and graduates who express interest in exploring, preparing for, and pursuing higher education and careers in business, including financial services, consulting and business analytics, and the business side of healthcare and technology. They will engage and leverage the support of the vast alumni community in business to help students and graduates achieve their career ambitions. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Employer Partnership (50%)

• Stewardship--ensure that business employers receive impeccable customer service in the design, marketing, and execution of recruiting events, on and off campus (information sessions, interviews, job treks, etc.)
  • Design--consult with employers about campus recruiting best practices at Colby to help them plan activities that build awareness and maximize turnout of the students they hope to attract, through the lens of creating equity and access for all Colby students
  • Marketing--optimize event attendance and job applications through strategic marketing efforts
  • Execution--work with assistant director of employer partnerships to ensure the seamless implementation of all activities, services, and processes of the recruitment program
• Employer (often Alumni/Parent) Cultivation--nurture and grow existing employer relationships, including building and maintaining alumni recruiting teams
• Employer Outreach--assist with development of new employer relationships, as assigned, for in-semester, summer and January term internships and full-time employment
• Work with the Division of College Advancement colleagues to leverage contacts for the purpose of enhancing student programming and experiential opportunities

Advising (50%)

• Primary advisor to students and alumni interested in areas of business, helping them assess interests, explore opportunities, and refine a plan leading to post-graduate success
• Advise first-year students as a member of the DavisConnects advising team
• Facilitate workshops and manage programs for target populations to include industry focused alumni panels, off-campus job treks ( off-campus opportunities to explore career industries across the US) and topical workshops and industry forums
• Advise on and critique industry-specific resumes and cover letters, and provide behavioral and technical interview preparation and guidance
• Facilitate mock interviewing (esp. technical) and networking opportunities with more experienced peers, alumni, parents, and staff
• Advocate for underrepresented groups and diversity in business professions and help them take advantage of early identification programs designed to introduce them to these professions
• Advocate for and advise international students, many of whom are interested in pursuing careers in finance and consulting, and ensure that they have the research and internship (national and international) opportunities they need to successfully compete for employment after graduation (largely ex-US)
• Maintain existing and create new partnerships to help Colby students acquire essential knowledge and skills to succeed in technical interviews with leading firms (e.g., finance and consulting accelerator programs like ModernGuild, Wallstreet Prep, HBX CORe, and Tuck Business Bridge)
• Work with student pre-professional clubs such as Colby Student Investment Alliance, Mayflower Hill Capital, Economics Club, Women in Finance/Economics, Colby Consulting and Q: Data Science Club to deliver high quality programming and workshops to a highly engaged and mobilized audience
• Build and nurture relationships with academic departments, student groups, and other campus entities to ensure inclusion and access to business career preparation and recruiting at Colby
• Maintain current knowledge of key industry trends and identify areas of opportunity growth for students and young alumni (e.g., the importance of coding skills in finance, which is increasingly tech-driven)
• Serve as a representative for DavisConnects at various campus events including Admissions and Alumni events
• Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and experience; advanced coursework or MBA degree a plus
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in the business sector (financial services, professional services, etc.), experience recruiting in these industries, or general business experience strongly preferred
• Career advising and/or progressive responsibility in student advising in a liberal arts college setting preferred
• Working knowledge of behavioral techniques for student interview preparation and of the business sector landscape
• Ability to interact effectively with multiple constituents including students, faculty, alumni, parents, and employers
• Experience organizing, marketing, and executing events required
• Commitment to working with a diverse student population at a top liberal arts college
• Experience working with or advising diverse groups or students appreciated
• 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
• Proficiency in database systems as well as Google/Microsoft Office suites

• Valid driver’s license required and must meet the College’s Fleet Safety Policy requirements

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

Reporting to the director of employer partnerships and innovation, this position will actively engage with a variety of campus constituents including DavisConnects colleagues, Dean of the College Division staff, academic department faculty, and students, as well as the Colby Network to provide a best-in-class employer cultivation, advising experience, and student growth opportunities.

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.

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:

Associate Director of Employer Partnerships and Business Advising - Search Committee
Office of Human Resources
Colby College
5500 Mayflower Hill
Waterville, ME 04901-8855