Assistant Director of Career Services

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Associate Dean of Development and Alumni Relations, the Assistant Director is dedicated to assisting students in the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation's (GSAPP) Architecture programs with professional development in partnership with the Associate Director of Career Services, Architecture.

Responsibilities

Foster meaningful connections between industry and the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation that will lead to collaborative education links and graduate recruitment opportunities. (25%)

• Increase the visibility of GSAPP to the industry domestically and internationally by planning and implementing a wide range of outreach strategies and marketing and communications initiatives in partnership with the Associate Director.
• Maintain strong relationships with local, regional, national, and international employers to develop partnering opportunities (e.g., events, industry panels, seminars, conferences, internships, employee training, employer-sponsored degree study training, study abroad trips, etc.).
• Research and initiate contact with employers and alumni at high-end firms to build a stronger reputation for the GSAPP and enhance recruitment, event creation, participation, and attendance.
• Become involved with and attend professional organizations and community events to network and become more familiar with specific industry needs.
• Develop a "target" list of quality employers who have employment / experiential education opportunities that match graduates' career goals.
• Under the Direction of the Associate Dean of Admissions and Outreach (and in collaboration with the Communications Office) will increase the visibility of the School within the Architecture community.
• In collaboration with the Director of Development, develops and implements strategies to acquire and retain corporate sponsors for program events and conferences for students.

Execute Graduate Placement Strategy (20%)

• Under the direction of the Associate Director and the Associate Dean of Development and Alumni Relations, will develop and implement an ongoing strategy for the identification, prospecting, and stewardship of external partners that will lead to high-profile industry placement for students.
• Establish relationships with students beginning with their first term to introduce them to the services and support available to them.
• Collaborates with Central University to assist with the placement of students in permanent employment.
• Develop and maintain systems and processes used to identify employment opportunities for students and maintain an active lead generation process to ensure targeted, quality job opportunities are available for students and graduates.
• At the direction of the Associate Director, provide consistent and frequent communication with students and potential employers during the job search period to influence a positive outcome.
• Keep students informed of employment activities and opportunities (e.g., career fairs, industry conferences, employer recruitment events, current open positions, etc.) by launching an electronic job search system for them to access, learn, and apply for opportunities and register for events.
• Assist in creating, marketing, and disseminating as needed - GSAPP Resume Book for employers each academic year.
• Plan, organize and execute employer recruitment events.
• Assist in the design and implementation of career development programs (e.g., training, workshops, etc.) to increase the success rate of graduate placement.
• With the Associate Director, plan and promote career fairs, on-campus recruiting opportunities for employers, and other career-related events.

Provide Career Coaching and Advisement (20%)

• Provide career coaching to help students set and reach their employment goals.
• Provide practical training and assistance in basic job search techniques (e.g., resume and cover letter preparation, interviewing skills, salary negotiation, etc.).
• Ensure students have access to a variety of employment resources (e.g., database of employment possibilities, career guidance references, employment literature, etc.).
• Works with students one-on-one to build a trusting relationship, facilitate mock interviews, create individualized employment strategies, and provide ongoing assistance and support when needed.
• Along with the Associate Director, administers the Alumni Mentorship Program (currently 50 mentors) in coordination with the Alumni Board and the 1.5pt Elective Internship course for the AAD, UD, MARCH, and CCCP Programs.

Collect and maintain relevant data on placement (20%)

• Ensure that all placement-related data is accurately maintained in a database system.
• Prepare and present reports for senior leadership to share key insights and opportunities (e.g., job market landscape, employment trends impacting GSAPP programs, placement statistics, etc.).
• Conduct exit interview sessions for graduates and complete all required documentation to be maintained in student files.
• Survey employers and graduates to measure the effectiveness of programs offered.
• Leverage collected data (e.g., student retention, student satisfaction surveys, student graduation rates, graduate surveys, etc.) to improve recruitment and placement processes.
• Represent Columbia University in the most positive manner with prospective, former, and current students and the community it serves. Interacts effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and other customers of its services; learns and uses operating best practices of the departments and Columbia University.

Works with a faculty representative or academic program administrator representative to organize information sessions and workshops on the required steps for professional licensing. (10%)

• Other duties as assigned / requested. (5%)

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent related experience is required. 3-5 years of related experience.
• Must have excellent graphic, presentation, and entrepreneurial skills.
• Strong background in information technology, including social media, strong organizational skills, and excellent written and spoken skills.
• Must work well with diverse groups : students, faculty, alumni, and other professionals.
• Must be available evenings and weekends as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Symplicity database preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.