Assistant Director, Career Development (HR Title: Career Counselor)

Southern Methodist University - Dallas, TX

Full-time - Mid Level

Dallas, TX

10,001+ employees

Educational Services

About the position

This role is an on-campus, in-person position. The Assistant Director provides career and professional development education for SMU students and alumni through counseling appointments, workshops, and presentations. They manage individual appointments through various mediums to advise, counsel, and prepare students in areas of career and professional development. They host career development workshops and presentations for a variety of student populations. They are expected to possess a working knowledge of student and/or career development theories and be able to collaborate and foster a cooperative work environment with colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Counsel and advise students in individual appointments through various mediums (in-person, virtual, phone, or email) on topics to prepare students in areas of career and professional development; Topics may include career and major exploration, job and internship search, resume/cover letter reviews, and interview preparation; Appointments will include both scheduled and drop-in appointments.
• Effectively coordinate and lead career and professional development workshops, presentations, and informational sessions for the SMU campus community; These may be hosted at various locations on campus and/or virtually; This also includes the creation or management of any print and/or digital resources and event marketing material.
• Act as liaison to university academic colleges, departments, or student groups, as well as offices through the Division of Student Affairs to expand student access to the career center, and maintain collaborative relationships to create effective programming for students.
• Assist with supervision, mentorship, training, and development of Hegi undergraduate and graduate student employees and student leaders involved with Hegi office programs; Opportunities to directly supervise staff may be available.
• Create career development programming as well a mentor and advise international students with their job search, resume building, and experiential learning opportunities. Collaborate with other departments and offices to learn about resource and opportunities for international students.
• Serve as support or coordinator for Hegi departmental events (i.e. career fair, Hegi Career Leaders meetings, Homecoming events, etc.) which may include on-site career counseling, set up and take down assistance.
• Additional duties as assigned or as needed to reach the overall department goals, which may include (1) evaluation and assessment, (2) involvement in partner office events and activities, (3) and enhancement of services.
• Occasional evening/weekend hours may be required.

Requirements

• A Master's degree is required. A degree in Counseling, Higher Education Administration or other related degree is preferred.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in a student facing setting in higher education is required.
• Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies.
• Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions.
• Candidate must have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.
• Candidate knowledge of current employment and career planning materials, as well as career development theories, is a plus.
• Candidate must be able to create and lead presentations and psycho-educational workshops to large and small groups.
• Candidate ability to assess student learning objectives and job placement outcomes is preferred.
• Candidate knowledge of career counseling, to assist individuals with career decision and development concerns, is also preferred.
• Candidate familiarity with addressing issues of diversity in counseling, including but not limited to, people with disabilities, LGBT students, and international students is preferred.
• Candidate must be able to utilize various technologies for presentations, webinars, and virtual events for students and staff. Ability to work with online resources including career exploration tools and registration/recruiting systems is a plus.
• Candidate must have proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Zoom webinar software. Knowledge of Career Services technology tools (12Twenty, Focus2, Career Shift, Big Interview, etc.) and database management is preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of career counseling, to assist individuals with career decision and development concerns is preferred.
• Familiarity with addressing issues of diversity in counseling, including but not limited to, people with disabilities, LGBT students, and international students is preferred.

Benefits

• SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits.
• In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees.
• SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.
• Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.