Associate Director, BBA Career Coach (HR title: Career Coach II)

Southern Methodist University - Dallas, TX

Full-time - Mid Level

Dallas, TX

10,001+ employees

Educational Services

About the position

The Associate Director, BBA Career Coach (HR title: Career Coach II) at Southern Methodist University (SMU) is a pivotal role within the Cox Career Management Center, dedicated to enhancing the career readiness of BBA and MS students. This position involves direct engagement with students and alumni to provide comprehensive coaching, advising, and training aimed at effective job search activities, which include interviews, networking events, job fairs, and information sessions. The Career Coach will administer and interpret various career-related assessment tools, guiding students in their career decision-making processes and helping them secure competitive business jobs and internships across diverse fields such as finance, consulting, marketing, real estate, and accounting. In addition to individual coaching, the Associate Director will be responsible for planning and implementing targeted career development events, collaborating with industry professionals, and fostering relationships with local, regional, and national organizations. The role requires managing a caseload of over 2300 students, documenting coaching sessions, and preparing reports on student outcomes and program effectiveness. The Career Coach will also represent the Cox Career Management Center in admissions activities and develop marketing content for the department's website and publications. This position requires flexibility, as it may involve evening events and some travel to conferences and workshops. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills, a customer service orientation, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment. A strong business acumen and knowledge of hiring processes across various business functions are essential for success in this role.

Responsibilities

• Meet with Cox students and alumni to drive career readiness through coaching, advising, and training for effective job search activities.
• Administer and interpret career-related assessment tools.
• Teach career decision-making methods and application of principles for securing business jobs and internships.
• Provide career development expertise in fields such as finance, consulting, marketing, real estate, and accounting.
• Plan and implement targeted career development events and other duties as assigned by the Director.
• Manage coaching of primarily BBA and MS students in career planning, personal branding, job search, and career transition.
• Document coaching sessions in the department coaching system including notes, outcomes, and follow-up assignments.
• Perform outreach functions with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and employer recruiters to engage in career-related activities.
• Participate in industry/function-specific events for professional development and department visibility.
• Plan and manage career-related presentations and lead group coaching sessions for targeted populations.
• Design, develop, and execute specific career development seminars/workshops.
• Plan and execute industry/function-specific events to connect employers/alumni with students.
• Assess effectiveness of each program or event in a timely manner and track attendance and outcomes for reporting.
• Prepare required reports on placement, program, and student learning outcomes as directed.
• Represent the CMC in admissions activities and conduct yield-focused conversations with prospective applicants.
• Develop career-related marketing content for the website and publications.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree is required, preferably in Business; a Master's degree is preferred.
• A minimum of three years of professional work experience in a business-related field or career-coaching function is required.
• Experience with interviewing or hiring candidates, coaching, or recruiting is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, coaching, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build and manage relationships with a diverse range of constituencies and students.
• Effective written communication skills.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Strong business acumen to discuss business terminology from a hiring perspective.
• Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with attention to detail.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems and devise solutions.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and internet/email communication systems.
• Working knowledge of social media tools is preferred.
• Knowledge or experience with case or technical interviews is preferred.
• Insights into undergraduate or early experience hiring and interview processes across multiple business functions are desired.
• Understanding of diverse cultural backgrounds is desired.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of social media tools for career development.
• Experience in case or technical interviews.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Access to wellness programs
• Tuition benefits
• Retirement programs that benefit and protect employees and their families.