Career Advisor/Assistant Director of Career

Job SummaryThe Career Advisor/Assistant Director of Career & Professional Development Center works under the general direction of the Director of Career & Professional Development Center in the College of Natural Sciences (CNS), to plan and organize career development and experiential learning activities for CNS undergraduates and recent alumni in cooperation with department heads and faculty. Tailored to the needs of departments, these activities may include individual counseling, career education programs, classes, workshops, career fairs, alumni mentoring and shadowing and career research. Works to provide a comprehensive student development program which serves all majors. Essential Functions Learns how to counsel and advise individual students and recent alumni; evaluates level of career preparedness using assessment techniques; advises students about career options related to their interests and qualifications, provides guidance on jobs/internships and other experiential learning search techniques including use of social media and relevant technology; identifies factors inhibiting career decision-making and makes appropriate referrals. Assists in enlisting faculty in supporting the career development of their majors; advises colleagues regarding employment and occupational trends and their implications for CNS graduates. Identifies access and barrier issues limiting the participation and success of students from underrepresented backgrounds in pursuing career advising and collaborates to design and implement steps to advance participation and career success of all students. Participates in regularly scheduled unit and college meetings; participates in ongoing professional development. Collaborates with Central Career Services and other UMass careers centers regarding campus fairs, and initiatives. Contributes to the collection and assessment of First Destination Survey data. Contributes to career newsletters and platforms for communication with students Works within Handshake (and other career platforms) to post career events. Assistant Director Additional Essential Functions Counsels and advises individual students and recent alumni; evaluates level of career preparedness using assessment techniques; advises students about career options related to their interests and qualifications, provides guidance on jobs/internships and other experiential learning search techniques including use of social media and relevant technology; identifies factors inhibiting career decision-making and makes appropriate referrals. Utilizes assessment strategies in program management and advising. Initiates, designs and implements strategies which maximize student participation in career development activities prior to graduation, this may include outreach and engagement strategies, courses and workshops, career fairs, presentations involving alumni and employers, mentoring and shadowing events.  Enlists faculty in supporting the career development of their majors; advises colleagues regarding employment and occupational trends and their implications for CNS graduates. Participates in establishing unit goals and objectives based on the needs of departments, students, recent alumni and employers. Assists in mentoring new Career Advisors Other Functions Works collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equity and inclusiveness.  Works in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support Dean’s strategic priorities. Performs other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences. Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure) Bachelor’s degree. Excellent time management skills. Excellent verbal, counseling, and written communication skills, including strong presentation skills incorporating current technology. Assistant Director Additional Minimum Qualifications Two (2) years of career counseling, advising, field placement or other relevant work experience. Current knowledge of the job market and occupational outcomes of a variety of disciplines, and knowledge of career guidance and job search tools (, LinkedIn, Handshake).  Experience in guiding and teaching the writing of resumes, cover letters, interview preparation and job search strategies. Experience with marketing programs, presentation and graphic design tools (, Canva, PowerPoint). Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure) Master’s degree. Experience in college level career counseling, advising, field placement or other relevant work experience.  Current knowledge of the job market and occupational outcomes of a variety of disciplines, and knowledge of career guidance and job search tools (, LinkedIn, Handshake).  Experience in guiding and teaching the writing of resumes and cover letters, interview preparation and job search strategies.  Experience with marketing programs and presentation and graphic design tools (, Canva, PowerPoint).  Experience with assessment methodologies and data analysis.  Assistant Director Additional Preferred Qualifications Three (3) years of college level career counseling, advising, field placement or other relevant work experience. Physical Demands/Working Conditions Typical office environment. Work Schedule Required to work some nights and weekends. This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement Salary Information Career Advisor: Level 25 Assistant Director: Level 26