Director, Center for Career Excellence

Howard University

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission. We are seeking a Director of the Center for Career Excellence (CCE) that provides visionary and strategic leadership for the center. They serve as the liaison between the Office of the Dean and various departments within the School of Business, corporate partners, faculty, and students. In this role, the Director will develop the Center's strategic vision, including overseeing the implementation of career-readiness events for students, establishing and cultivating partnerships with corporations to enable successful recruitment activities that build relationships with students seeking opportunities. The Director is also responsible for creating center goals, timelines, processes, and performing other strategic duties that contribute to the Center's success. Additionally, the Director will gather quantitative data and statistical evidence to evaluate the Center for Career Excellence's effectiveness. This includes tracking student success and suggesting ways to improve and sustain the Center’s ongoing success. Reporting to the Assistant Dean of Impact and Engagement at the School of Business, the Director is responsible for the management and implementation of a school-wide career development program that is aligned with institutional goals and the strategic plan. The Director maintains and cultivates relationships with internal and external contacts, including deans, university faculty, staff, students, potential employers, corporations, organizations, and agencies. This position operates under a Hybrid work arrangement with a mandatory minimum of three on-campus workdays each week. Telework for up to two days per week may be permitted with supervisory recommendation and approval from the Office of the Dean, and the designation may be subject to change during the summer session as indicated by the Office of the Dean or the University.

Requirements

Master’s degree in administration, business, organizational leadership, or related area (terminal degree preferred).
A minimum of seven to ten years of progressive leadership experience in career services, workforce development, a corporate or university setting.
Skilled in planning work, able to analyze, retain knowledge, show initiative, and be resourceful in finding information pertaining to the job.
Experience with career outcomes tracking and career management technologies
Proven leadership skills in managing teams that serve internal and external stakeholders
Strong technical skills required (Data analytic tools, Microsoft Office Suite, Office 365 Applications Suite, spreadsheets and formulas, Google Drive, Adobe Professional, etc.).
Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious work relations with faculty, staff, students, and sponsors.
Ability to multitask efficiently.
Comprehensive understanding of and commitment to the goals and responsibilities of centralized and decentralized career development offerings within university settings.
Thorough understanding of the benefits of workplace diversity and the career-related developmental needs of Black, first-generation, and underrepresented populations.
Knowledge of high-impact face-to-face career-related programming.
Experienced data-informed decision-maker
Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and managing organizational change
Effective organizational and management skills.
Demonstrated public relations and marketing competencies that will enhance the University’s career development programming.
Knowledge of administrative and supervisory principles and practices.
Maintains a professional and welcoming work environment, is a team player, and is an independent thinker.
Superior oral and written communication skills, superior organization skills, and attention to detail.
Ability to problem-solve and make decisions promptly.
The ability to work effectively with people from a variety of culturally diverse backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

terminal degree preferred

Responsibilities

Supervises CCE staff, including but not limited to coordinators, and student employees. Formally plans, assigns, directs, and coordinates the work of the Center employees. Responsible for performing some non-supervisory duties in addition to supervisory responsibilities.
Creates, manages, and executes the Center's strategic plan.
Leads the implementation of a comprehensive, school-wide career development program, to include career coaching, career development, employer relations, and recruitment.
Develops a high-quality employer relations program that will attract corporate partners committed to providing career opportunities for School of Business students.
Oversees the execution of career development events, including career fairs, workshops, and student sessions.
Effectively manages the CCE calendar that promotes employer/student engagement.
Performs specialized administrative and academic functions, including research and analyses, program coordination and monitoring, data collection, counseling, surveys, reports, and recommend program changes.
Prepares reports, financial statements, and records of program activities, progress, and status, as well as related special reports, for the director.
Ensures that the goals and objectives specified for the center are accomplished in accordance with priorities, time, and funding limitations, as well as any other specifications.
Develops collaborative relationships with deans, faculty, and other professionals across the University to support career development initiatives.
Identifies and pursues sponsorships and other external funding opportunities that support career-related goals and objectives.
Develops, maintains, and grows professional relationships with corporate, government, and nonprofit representatives to support career development and placement of School of Business students.
Collaborate with campus partners to address barriers to participation and equitable placement.
Establishes outcome benchmarks and performance indicators aligned with institutional and accreditation expectations.
Collects, analyzes, and communicates data on student engagement, career outcomes, and post-graduate success.
Serves as an institutional resource for identifying high-impact practices in career development by actively participating in professional organizations and presenting at professional conferences.
Manages operating budget (generated and allocated) and day-to-day financial activities, including purchasing and vendor negotiations.
Develops annual and impact reports.
Perform other related duties as assigned.