Career Advisor/Assistant Director of Career & Professional Development Center (Hybrid Opportunity)

University of Massachusetts Amherst•Amherst, MA

66d•Hybrid

About The Position

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued-and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world. Job Summary The 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.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
Excellent time management skills.
Excellent verbal, counseling, and written communication skills, including strong presentation skills incorporating current technology.
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 (e.g., 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 (e.g., Canva, PowerPoint).

Nice To Haves

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 (e.g., 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 (e.g., Canva, PowerPoint).
Experience with assessment methodologies and data analysis.
Three (3) years of college level career counseling, advising, field placement or other relevant work experience.

Responsibilities

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.
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
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.