Senior Director, Career Center

Reports to: Dean of Students

Purpose: The job holder is responsible to develop The American University in Cairo’s (AUC) Career Center vision, and provide strategic leadership, guidance and direction in the planning, implementation and evaluation of a centralized, comprehensive career services program that enhances career education and student employability; generate career, experiential learning and professional development opportunities for students and alumni; and support employers’ recruiting efforts. He/she will build and enrich a collaborative network of employer partners, internal stakeholders and academic institutions. Also, lead capacity building initiatives and provide technical expertise in the area of career guidance that result in productive partnerships between AUC and educational institutions, organizations, and the society at large.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Management

• Set vision and direction of growth for the Career Center operation. Develop the long-range strategic plan for comprehensive career services on campus jointly with heads of operations, career advising services, experiential learning and recruitment/employer relations programs
• Formulate the office’s operational strategy and ensure the achievement of annual goals that address students/alumni career development needs and help them secure internship and satisfactory employment
• Build a strong and cohesive career services team that is dedicated to the mission of career education in alignment with AUC’s mission
• Supervise the performance and ensure professional development of the leaders/staff of the key career center functional areas: operations and assessment, career advising, career services, experiential learning, recruitment and employer relations, and career communications
• Oversee career center’s fiscal planning, and pursue revenue-generating opportunities
• Ensure that the center’s publications, website and promotional material are in line with AUC branding strategy and effectively places its programs among employers and the AUC community
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of office services through ensuring the availability of an efficient tracking system, up-to-date office records, employment surveys and focus groups

Career Services and Employer/University Outreach

• Oversee the development and implementation of a full-fledged career advising program that entails individual career coaching, self-assessment tools, weekly career development workshops as well as in-class modules to effectively equip students/alumni with the career planning strategies and job search skills
• Supervise the planning and implementation of on-campus engagement career programs as per the center’s strategic plan
• Ensure the breadth and effectiveness of the career exploration and experiential learning services portfolio, which includes job shadowing and internship programs, career days, challenges and competitions, and an engaging work study program
• Oversee the delivery, marketing and content of an effective recruitment program, including semi-annual employment fairs, online job postings and on-campus corporate recruiting visits
• Facilitate seniors’ transition to world of work or graduate study through ensuring development of targeted programs
• Identify and share job market trends with university administration and ensure quality career services that address the changing needs of students, alumni and employers
• Benchmark and maintain relationships with career service professionals to keep abreast of recent development and best practices in career planning and recruitment services
• Build communication channels with AUC community to encourage early career planning among students and collaborate in joint career awareness programs
• Work closely with the academic schools to identify their students’ career/experiential learning needs and develop/implement programs that address those needs
• Develop and enhance an effective local and international corporate relations network through building employer partnerships to generate career and experiential learning opportunities
• Solicit feedback from employers/alumni about employment trends and share data with academic departments for planning purposes as well as program accreditation
• Represent the University at local and international professional associations meetings and conferences to identify and cultivate relationships with corporate and career professionals
• Serve on University committees and taskforces as requested and contribute to the institution’s long-range planning and self-assessment initiatives

Community Capacity Building Initiatives

• Identify community, capacity building initiatives in the area of career guidance, and build productive partnerships between AUC, Egyptian universities, and the corporate community
• Perform any other related duties as assigned

Requirements:

Minimum Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree is required; preferably in a related field
• Master's degree in career education or other relevant field is an asset

Experience:

• A minimum of 15 years’ prior professional experience in career guidance, university career services and/or corporate recruitment management; five of which should be in a higher education institute at a supervisory level
• Good understanding of career guidance and career services concept
• Good knowledge of job market trends and corporate networking practices
• Familiarity with the American system of higher education

Skills:

• Effective leadership, strategic planning, management and supervisory skills
• High level of written and oral communication, and organizational skills
• Outstanding interpersonal and presentation skills
• Ability to take initiative and work independently without direct supervision
• Ability to anticipate problem areas and implement effective solutions
• Ability to work effectively with employers, alumni, students, administrators, faculty, donors and staff.
• Excellent analytical ability and sound judgment in setting priorities
• Skilled in staff selection, supervision, training, evaluation and development
• Demonstrated relationship building skills
• Multi-task oriented
• Ability to coach students and alumni in career and job-related issues
• Avid computer and internet user
• Excellent command of spoken and written English (editorial level)
• Fluency in spoken Arabic

This position is open until April 19, 2023

Placement is based on the candidate’s experience and skills. Only candidates who make it to the short list will be contacted.

"The American University in Cairo is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply."

“We thank all individuals who have expressed interest in working at The American University in Cairo.”