Business Career Services Manager

Details•San Diego, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Business Career Services Manager is responsible for delivering a comprehensive and industry-aligned student experience for undergraduate and graduate students in the Knauss School of Business. This position leads efforts to enhance career preparedness and development, foster professional development, and strengthen co/extracurricular student engagement. In close collaboration with academic department chairs, the Office of Industry and Employer Relations, and/or Center(s) of Distinction, the Manager designs and delivers impactful programs that support students’ career readiness and network-building within specific industries or verticals. The position collaborates with other Knauss School of Business employees, across academic program suites and with other support units at USD to improve student retention and support overall retention goals. The Manager may advise student organization or club leadership as well as periodically provide on-site support for student events related to their applicable program suite. Some evening and weekend work is required to accommodate student schedules and deliver high-quality programming.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with preference given to business or related field
3 years of experience in programming, student services, career services, recruiting or other related work
Computer literacy (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Suite, Zoom) and experience with career services-related software (i.e., Handshake, 12Twenty, Mentor Collective)
Ability to work with senior level industry executives as well as broad range of undergraduate and graduate students
Career coaching principles and strategies
Career services trends and best practices
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Experience with program planning/administration
Self-starter, strong sense of initiative and accountability.
Positive attitude and professional demeanor; comfortable engaging with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and industry executives at all levels
Excellent interpersonal, emotional intelligence and organizational skills
Public speaking, workshop facilitation, and delivering engaging presentations to diverse audiences
Report and presentation writing
Strong verbal/writing/computer skills especially in web-based technology.
Time management and organization in balancing multiple priorities and deadlines
Collaborating effectively across cultures, disciplines, and departments to achieve shared goals
Working independently, using good judgment, initiative and creativity
Flexibility and adaptability in navigating evolving priorities, organizational changes, and student needs
Taking ownership of responsibilities and effectively resolving problems with a solutions-oriented approach
Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with preference given to business or related field
3+ year of experience in program management, student services and/or career services in higher education

Responsibilities

Deliver programs to support students in building career readiness and provide guidance on topics such as tailoring career coaching using insights, and professional standards to ensure timely, relevant support.
Identify and promote internship and job opportunities while guiding students in building meaningful professional networks.
Support students through challenges that impact academic and career progress by providing referrals to campus wellness and advising services.
Develop scalable programming (e.g., panels, workshops, mentoring) that enhances career competencies and connects students with alumni and employer networks.
Partner with Centers of Distinction, faculty, and other campus partners to deliver integrated programs, including orientations, career days, and skill-building workshops.
Assist with high-impact activities such as mentorship programs, case competitions, project-based learning opportunities, industry panels, and career readiness workshops.
Promote recruiting events.
Collaborate with Marketing to ensure compelling, targeted outreach in alignment with Knauss branding guidelines that drives engagement.
Provide day-of leadership at key events to ensure smooth logistics and professional execution.
Support student leaders in planning and executing high-impact professional development events that align with organizational goals and industry trends.
Guide executive boards in setting strategic goals, creating semester plans, and delegating responsibilities across teams.
Ensure continuity and compliance by coaching outgoing boards on recruitment, elections, and adherence to organizational bylaws.
Facilitate connections between student leaders, alumni, and industry professionals to enhance club programming and event relevance.
Track and analyze student participation in coaching, events, and student organization activities to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities.
Collect, maintain, and assess detailed engagement records, and coaching notes.
Use student engagement data to guide program design, outreach strategies, and resourcing decisions.
Benchmark peer institutions and monitor evolving industry and career services trends to ensure programming remains relevant and competitive.
For graduate-facing roles, provide coaching, tracking, and coordination for degree-related co-curricular requirements and assist.
Participate in conferences and professional development organizations to network with employers, alumni and industry through leaders.
Maintain partnerships with alumni, employers, and industry contacts to enhance student access to career opportunities.
Other duties as assigned.