Career and Industry Program Director

Welcome to the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) !

The College of Engineering and Applied Science invites applications for a full-time Career and Industry Outreach Program Director. The primary roles for this position include: develop and foster community and industry relationships and engagement, expand and manage the EAS career program, ensure that EAS students and EAS alumni are prepared to transition to the workforce or advance in their professional positions by offering professional development opportunities, networking events, internships, and career placement assistance, and develop and foster community and industry relationships and engagement. The Program Director also represents the Dean/Associate Dean for External Relations to both internal and external stakeholders at both on- and off-campus meetings and events. Other duties as assigned. 

Who We Are:

The College of Engineering and Applied Science (EAS) at the UCCS is an innovative, exciting, and dedicated collection of faculty, staff, and students focused on the science and application of engineering and computer science. The College spans twenty separate degrees with 1,700 students. We award multiple Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral degrees in the broad areas of mechanical, computer, electrical engineering, and computer science. In addition, we have online Master’s degrees for professionals already in the workforce. The College strives to enable a diverse group of students to graduate with a modern up-to-date education and the ability to pursue a career in the technical workforce or continue their education with a graduate degree. We have nearly 70 faculty and staff whose primary purpose is to enable student success and discover the technologies of tomorrow.
We are so fortunate to be located amongst dozens of engineering and computer related companies. Our partnerships with industry keep us grounded in the workforce needs of the region and open doors for our students to pursue internships or begin careers. We understand that education is a partnership that relies on formal education from the University, but also the learning environment that industry provides as graduates pursue careers. To learn more, visit: https://eas.uccs.edu/

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is one of four campuses in the University of Colorado system and is home to over 9,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students. We have a strong focus in fueling student success by creating, using, and maintaining a multitude of different offices and programs. Overall, UCCS is constantly focused of preparing our students to have success in the future, and we understand that every single employee on our campus has a significant effect on that focus. Find more information about working at UCCS here: https://hr.uccs.edu/work-at-uccs .

The city, which was recently ranked as the number nine Best Places to Live by U.S. News & World Report in 2023, known as Olympic City USA, rests at the base of Pikes Peak, the inspiration for the song “America the Beautiful” and a must-see for residents and visitors alike. With a mild climate and 247 days of sunshine each year, the Springs boasts some of the state’s best recreation opportunities. Find out more about living in Colorado Springs through the Visit Colorado Springs page: https://www.visitcos.com/ .

Job Duties:

The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

 CAREER

• Oversee EAS Career Program. Track internship opportunities, advertise opportunities to EAS students, and connect students with employers, research opportunities, and specialty program opportunities.
• Assist students in employment-seeking skills development, post-graduate preparation, resume writing, and interview skills.
• Create career resources relevant to the College’s students and degrees, including technical resumes, technical interviews, use of tools and technologies, use of career software, etc.
• Research new technologies, hiring trends, and tools that will be helpful to students.
• Create or utilize an existing student data survey to collate internship data from existing sources.
• Collect and analyze data from both student interns and employers. 
• Provide internship reports to Dean on an annual basis.
• Represent the College and work across the campus on career-related programming, events, and speakers.
• Maintain good working relationships and collaborations with UCCS career-focused entities and employees, including the UCCS Career Center and other college career offices and personnel.
• Host events to create employment and engagement opportunities between employers and students. Includes in-person and virtual College career fairs, networking, panels, SMEs, and more.
• Serve as lead career office for all employment events for the College, plus closely-related degrees and programs in other colleges.
• Plans and executes fall and spring career fairs for students and alumni.
• Provide valuable and continued support of the College's diversity initiatives.

INDUSTRY

• Develop and maintain relationships with local industries, government, community leaders, and employers to further the mission of the College.
• Interface with industry to expand engagement. Conduct periodic meetings with industry representatives to bolster EAS initiatives.
• Find opportunities to engage industry, employers, and individuals as donors, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, visitors, attendees, ambassadors, supporters, and ELC members.
• Serve as focal point for communications between EAS Leadership Council and College.  Responsible for the planning, scheduling, and execution of EAS Leadership Council meetings.
• Plan and execute one-week professional event booth at annual Space Symposium.

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.

Job Competencies:

• Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects and programs
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain relationships with businesses and individuals in the community

Work Location: 100% on-site

This position has been determined to be exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

What We Offer:

Salary Range: Generally starting at $51,525 - $71,069 per year

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs offers excellent benefits , some of which include:

• Medical insurance, with the lowest cost option being $0 to the employee
• Dental, Vision, Life and Disability insurance
• Generous paid vacation and sick time accruals (14.67 hours of vacation and 10 hours of sick accrued per month, prorated if part-time)
• Mandatory retirement plans. Employees contribute 5% of their annual compensation. CU doubles that and contributes 10%
• Tuition Assistant Benefit available to you or a dependent
• Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of employment
• Off Campus Housing Resources

Tentative Search Timeline:

• Priority will be given to applications submitted by March 24, 2024. However, this posting will remain open until filled.
• The potential dates for interviews with the search committee will be the week of April 8, 2024.
• The potential dates for interviews with the supervisor and appointing authority will be the week of April 15, 2024.
• The potential employee start date is May 1, 2024.

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs is committed to providing a safe and productive learning, living and working community. To assist in achieving this goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history check. 

UCCS is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, the University of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation or political philosophy in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. Alternative formats of this ad can be provided upon request for individuals with disabilities by contacting the Office of Human Resources at (719) 255-3372.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work.

Please note that while the position details both required qualifications as well as preferred qualifications below, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications, have passion for the work, along with experience in a related field, you are encouraged to apply. We encourage on-the-job training for any additional skills or knowledge that become relevant to the position.

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Experience: Four or more years of relevant work experience in student affairs, community outreach, and/or program management – OR – four or more years of work experience in engineering or computer science

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Student Affairs, Administration, Career Services, Higher Education, Engineering, or Computer Science
• Advanced degree relevant to the position or industry.
• 1-2 years of experience evaluating applicants or hiring employees

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, stand and move. Tasks may involve using a computer screen continuously for long periods of time. Tasks will involve travel, mostly within the city of Colorado Springs, but occasionally to other locations within the state. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the established essential functions and meet the physical and environment demands described satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, physical and environmental conditions required of the employee on the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, physical and environmental demands.

Applicants with disabilities: If you have a mental or physical impairment, which limits one of your major life activities (e.g. walking, hearing, seeing, speaking, breathing, or learning) and require special accommodations for testing or interviewing, it is your responsibility to notify the office scheduling the interview or test at least 3 working days before the interview or test date.  If you need special accommodations at the work site, you must notify the appointing authority or Human Resources.