Director of Center for Career and Vocation

Director of Center for Career and Vocation

Full time/12 months

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

POSITION SUMMARY:
The director is responsible for the overall operation and management of the Center for Career and Vocation. The center provides career and vocational advising and resources to Bluffton students and a centralized place of contact for outside organizations interested in working with our students and alumni. The director provides leadership and vision for the center, is responsible for implementing the center's programming. The director works closely with faculty and staff members to integrate career development, internships, and experiential learning outcomes into the academic program. The director also works closely with organizations in the surrounding community to connect students and alumni with experiential learning and employment opportunities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The director will:

Direct and coordinate activities related to vocational exploration and career development for all students:

1. Determine and track goals and learning objectives for the center for career and vocation.
2. Provide professional and up-to-date career advising vocational discernment opportunities for students and alumni.
3. Direct academic advisors for exploring/deciding students and provide back-up advising for others as requested by the registrar's office.
4. Conduct an annual career and vocation outcomes surveys with recent alumni.
5. Coordinate a recruiting process with prospective employers, including posting jobs on-line for students and alumni, initiating network contacts, and facilitating on-campus recruitment.
6. Coordinate on-campus and off-campus job, internship, and graduate school fairs for students, including work with regional and state partners.

B. Direct and develop internal and external relationships relevant to career and vocation outcomes:

1. Work closely with academic affairs staff and other on-campus departments to develop integrated programming and resources.
2. Serve as a resource for faculty and staff around key professional development strategies, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Strong Interest Inventory, StrengthsFinder.
3. Serve as liaison between Bluffton University and external employers (which includes facilitating opportunities for internships, employment, volunteering, and general networking opportunities for students).
4. Coordinate with Advancement Department when working with external campus partners (i.e. Corporate and Education partners) and alumni, which includes facilitating opportunities for internships, employment, volunteering and general networking opportunities for students.
5. Network with area colleges and consortia to enhance and maximize opportunities for students.
6. Other duties as assigned.

OCCASIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The director will on occasion:

1. Host evening and weekend hours as needed for students and alumni access.
2. Meet with prospective students and parents as requested.
3. Create, implement, and evaluate a communication plan, in consultation with the PR/Communications office.
4. Pursue grants and other sources of funding to increase the resources available to students and alumni.
5. Teach as needed and avaiable.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties of this job.

Minimum:

• Education/Certification: Bachelor’s degree
• Experience: 2 years' experience in career development and vocational services
• Special Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong computer skills, ability to manage several tasks simultaneously, must stay up to date with new fields and career information.

Preferred:

• Education/Certification: Master’s Degree in relevant field.
• Experience: 5 years’ previous experience in career development and vocational
  services.
  
• Skill/Abilities: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong computer skills,
  ability to manage several tasks simultaneously, must stay up to date with new fields
  and career information.
  
• Exceptional relationship development and management skills, including proven ability
  to develop and maintain strong professional relationships and demonstrated
  excellence in relationship-building and stakeholder engagement

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands and/or work environment described here are representative of those that must be met or will be encountered by the employee while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Mobility around campus
• Driving off campus
• Valid driver's license

COMPENSATION:
Commensurate with education and experience within the university pay scale.

APPOINTMENT:
Position is available for immediate appointment.

DEADLINE:
Review of applications begins immediately and continues until an appointment is made.

APPLICATION MATERIALS:
Applications are considered complete when the following materials are received at the office indicated below:

• Letter of interest
• Resume
• Completed Bluffton

Send application materials to:
[email protected]

Employment decisions are based on merit and university needs, and not on race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other status protected by law. As a religious institution, Bluffton University expressly reserves its rights to appoint faculty and staff who share a commitment to the Christian faith which is consistent with the Mennonite/Anabaptist beliefs of the university’s founding and supporting church. EOE.