Director of Industry Relations and Communications

Columbia College Chicago • Chicago, IL

138d • $67,500 - $81,000

About The Position

Columbia College Chicago is an acclaimed undergraduate and graduate institution that provides a comprehensive education in the arts, communications, and public relations. We constantly aim to reach our full potential as an educational innovator, incubator of new creative practice and generator of real-world success for young creatives. We are in the heart of Chicago, across the street from historic Grant Park, and housed in some of the most iconic buildings in the South Loop. Columbia College Chicago, a private urban institution of over 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students, is currently searching for a DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY RELATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS. Under the general direction of the Associate Dean of Career Development and Industry Relations, the Director of Industry Relations and Communication is responsible for overseeing the comprehensive and responsive industry relations and recruiting program for students and alumni. The Director will lead the Industry Relations team in coordinating direct outreach to targeted industry professionals, on-campus recruiting events, and marketing and communications for industry events. This position will develop relationships with employers and professionals to build Columbia's reputation as the first destination for hiring creative talent while ensuring alignment with both College’s strategic plan and higher education standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in higher education, arts administration, or other relevant degree in a creative industry. MA/MFA preferred.
• 5 years of demonstrated experience in recruiting, arts, and media industries, and/or higher education.
• Previous work experience in an art or media industry.
• Understanding of higher education, student affairs, career development and employment trends.
• Knowledge of hiring needs for range of arts and media industries.
• Proven ability to plan and execute career fairs or similar large events.
• Familiarity with creative resumes, portfolios, professionalism, and online presence best practices.
• Strong grasp of data management and analysis for program assessment.
• Demonstrated ability to relate to students from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with all constituencies of the College.
• Ability to understand and utilize computer technology, including database management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Basic understanding of Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Strong organization and time management skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of/familiarity with social media tools.
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate, manage, and sustain relationships with creative arts-, media-, and technology-related industries and other stakeholders to support and grow experiential learning programs.
• Work closely with employers, alumni, and Career Center staff to plan and implement programming and initiatives for connecting employers and students to on-site and virtual employer experiences.
• Develop innovative, responsive industry and recruitment events and touchpoints.
• Manage employer-related issues and concerns from both student and employer perspectives.
• Manage job/internship section of career management system.
• Oversee and review a high volume of employer and job requests in career management system.
• Build and maintain interdepartmental relationships with faculty and staff.
• Develop inclusive programming to facilitate interactions between professionals and students from a range of underserved communities.
• Foster relationships with alumni and industry professionals for recruitment, portfolio review, and educational opportunities.
• Lead efforts to educate employers on hiring strategies, internship programs, and talent development.
• Present to a variety of contingencies on industry hiring practices, networking, portfolio/resume development, and Career Center services.
• Create, maintain, and track strategic employer contact lists.
• Interact with college leadership to advise on industry outreach, recruitment, and strategy.
• Disseminate programming calendar and relevant events to academic departments and campus partners.
• Generate event communications and digital/print marketing materials.
• Track event analytics to assess areas for improvement.
• Supervise student graphic designers and assign design projects.
• Maintain social media promotion calendar and oversee student worker distribution of event posters.
• Ensure all events are publicized across the College.
• Train, supervise, and conduct performance reviews for assigned direct reports and student employees.
• Stay abreast of current employment and recruiting trends in the creative industries.
• Represent Career Center at college-wide internal and external events.

Benefits

• Affordable health, dental and vision coverage
• Flexible spending accounts
• Commuter benefit program
• Life and accidental death & dismemberment coverage
• Paid and unpaid leave options
• Work/life benefits
• Educational assistance programs
• Retirement and financial planning benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree