Assistant Director of Career Coaching and Education - PhDs & Postdocs

JOB PURPOSE:

In support of Stanford University’s over 9,000 PhD students and postdoctoral scholars, Stanford Career Education (CareerEd) seeks a talented and committed professional to serve as the Assistant Director of Career Coaching and Education for PhDs and Postdocs, whose experiences and strengths demonstrate the ability to engage on career-focused topics with PhD students and postdocs from all disciplinary backgrounds. 

A core commitment of the mission of Stanford Career Education is to empower students to cultivate personalized networks and engage in career education that shapes their professional journeys. Our center connects undergraduates, master’s students, PhD students, postdocs, and alumni to the communities, people, career education resources, and opportunities that strengthen their abilities to define and pursue purposeful careers and meaningful work.

Within Stanford Career Education, Career Coaching and Education (CCE) is a team of career coaches who engage purposefully to provide students, postdocs, and alumni with wide-ranging support and opportunities that allow them to advance their careers. CCE works to engage students, postdocs, and alumni in their path towards work that is meaningful and has purpose, and that is best explored and defined by students and postdocs in the context of their educational experiences.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Career Coaching and Education for PhDs & Postdocs, the Assistant Director of Career Coaching and Education is responsible for engaging Stanford PhD students and postdocs in career programs and resources, cultivating meaningful connections with campus partners to support the career and professional development of PhD students and postdocs, and providing career-focused coaching in one-on-one coaching sessions. The Assistant Director of Career Coaching and Education assists PhD students and postdocs in identifying and pursuing diverse professional pathways as they advance their career journeys at Stanford and beyond.

For full consideration, please submit your application by Tuesday, May 28, 2024
CORE DUTIES:

Career Coaching:

• Provide both in-person and virtual career coaching to PhD students, postdocs, and recent alumni of all disciplinary backgrounds in one-on-one and group settings; provide career coaching to students of all levels and programs to support the needs of the office.
• Coach PhD students, postdocs, and alums on career education topics, including but not limited to career exploration, networking and informational interviewing, the job/internship search beyond academia, the faculty job search, navigating uncertainty and transitions, assessments, job search documents (e.g., resumes, CVs, cover letters), interviewing, and negotiating offers.
• Integrate student development models, coaching models, and career and identity development theories into coaching PhD students, postdocs, and recent alumni.
• Integrate an approach to student engagement rooted in career coaching that cultivates the self-efficacy of PhD students, postdocs, and alumni to engage with their career development.
• Incorporate knowledge and understanding of intersecting personal, professional, and social identities within the context of career exploration and preparation into career coaching interactions.
• Effectively interface with and support PhD students and postdoctoral scholars from a range of backgrounds, including but not limited to international students/postdocs, first-generation/low-income students/postdocs, students and postdocs for whom English is not their first language, and more.
• Actively engage in research and learning to strengthen understanding of industry trends and career-related issues facing PhD students and postdocs.
• Pursue professional development to strengthen use of core theories and practices regarding diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and student/postdoc career development.
• Interpret and implement CareerEd and Stanford University policies as they relate to career education and coaching

Program and Resource Development and Delivery:

• Develop and deliver a range of inclusive programs, events, and classes of varying scales that address the career needs of PhD students and postdocs, both individually and in collaboration with CareerEd staff.
• Collaborate with CareerEd staff to develop and facilitate in-person and virtual programming for Stanford undergraduates, master’s students, and alumni, in addition to PhD students and postdocs.
• Contribute to existing and/or develop and lead major, highly-visible career development programs and events for PhD students and postdocs like PhD Pathways, Humanists at Large, and Navigating Career Uncertainty.
• Create relevant and accessible resources (e.g., presentations, videos, webinars, static and interactive learning materials) to effectively and efficiently meet the needs of PhD students and postdocs, increase engagement, and align with department and division priorities.
• Contribute to learning about, developing, scrutinizing, and publicizing digital resources, including the Stanford Alumni Mentoring (SAM) Program, Handshake, Interstride, and Forage.
• Analyze registration and participation data to make informed decisions about program changes and enhancements.
• Build affiliation with CareerEd among PhD students and postdocs through various communications and media, including drafting accessible communications and descriptions for programming and resources
  

Teamwork and Collaboration:

• In collaboration with CareerEd colleagues, engage in strategic planning that is rooted in an analysis of coaching and program participation data, student and postdoc feedback and trends, economic trends, and other variables.
• Proactively collaborate and establish relationships with the wider community of graduate career and professional development at Stanford (including academic units, student services departments, other campus career offices, and key personnel) to support the career development of PhD students and postdocs .
• Actively develop and contribute thought leadership, especially in relation to effective career development for PhD students and postdocs and career education broadly defined, and contribute to team expertise through ongoing professional development.
• Participate in internal CareerEd committees, workgroups, and task forces to maintain the positive work environment of the of Stanford Career Education and to advance the center’s mission and vision.
• Collaborate on and contribute to CareerEd-wide initiatives and large-scale programming that advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; integrative learning; and the well-being of all Stanford undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, and alumni.
• Actively participate in regular team and all-staff meetings.
• Train and supervise, either individually or in collaboration with PhD/Postdoc team, student assistants to support the team’s core functions.
• Interface with external stakeholders, including campus units, employers, and other parties, to ensure that they are knowledgeable of CareerEd and Stanford University policies
• Note: Not all unique aspects of this position are covered by his job description.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated experience in providing coaching, advising, counseling, or teaching in educational settings to diverse communities.
• Ability to cultivate and maintain effective working relationships with various internal and external constituents in a large, complex organization.
• Experience developing and executing programs and facilitating group engagements and learning experiences.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to keep track of multiple projects and exhibit sound judgment independently.
• Entrepreneurial, creative, and innovative spirit; comfortable with change, ambiguity, and risk in fast-paced environment.
• Advanced communication skills, both written and oral, to clearly and effectively communicate information to diverse audiences.
• Multicultural awareness and competence; ability to work in a diverse environment and serve constituents from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Experience and comfort with technology, social media, online career platforms, and digital communication.
• Familiarity with student identity development theories, career development theories, and racial/cultural/gender identity development theories. Willingness to learn these skills.
• Knowledge of trends, issues, and opportunities in student development, career development, higher education, and the economy

Certification and Licenses:

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Graduate degree (Doctorate, or Master’s/Professional) preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Understanding of key career issues, trends, and opportunities that PhD students and postdocs of all disciplines face.
• Experience working with doctoral students and/or postdocs .
• Experience utilizing key career services software, including Handshake and PeopleGrove.
• Familiarity, experience, or certification in providing career assessment tools, such as CliftonStrengths, MBTI, and the Strong Interest Inventory

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Frequently sit, perform desk-based computer tasks.
• Occasionally stand, walk, twist, use fine manipulation, grasp, use a telephone, write by hand, sort and file paperwork, lift, carry, push, and pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This is a hybrid position requiring 2 days of onsite work per week and more as needed to meet student and departmental need.
• Able to work on evenings and weekends, as needed

WORK STANDARDS:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu .

The expected pay range for this position is $43.26 per hour to $50.62 per hour.
Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards ) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

HOW TO APPLY

We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button. To be considered, please submit your resume and a cover letter with your online application.

Why Stanford is for You
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or course auditing. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources at [email protected] . For all other inquiries, please submit a contact form .

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.