Assistant Director-Career Services

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 20
• Salary Range: Commensurate with Experience

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of the Urban Planning program,  the Assistant Director is dedicated to assisting students in the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation’s (GSAPP) Urban Planning programs with professional development.

Responsibilities

1. 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.

2. Increase the visibility of GSAPP to the industry domestically and internationally by planning and implementing a wide range of outreach strategies, marketing and communications initiatives.

• a. 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 training, study abroad trips, etc.)
• b. Research and initiate contact with employers and alumni at high-end firms to build a stronger reputation for GSAPP, enhance recruitment, event creation, participation and attendance.
• c. Become involved with and attend professional organization and community events to network and become more familiar with specific industry needs.
• d. Develop "target" list of quality employers who have employment/experiential education opportunities that match graduates career goals.

3. Execute Graduate Placement Strategy

• a. Under the direction of the Director 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.
• b. Establish relationships with students beginning with their first term to introduce them to the services and support available to them.
• c. Collaborates with Central University to assist with the placement of students in permanent employment.
• d. 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.
• e. Provide consistent and frequent communication with students and potential employers during the job search period to influence a positive outcome.
• f. 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.
• g. Create, market, and disseminate as needed - GSAPP Resume Book for employers each academic year.

4. Plan, Organize and Execute Employer Recruitment Events

• a. In collaboration with the Program Manager, design and implement career development programs (e.g., training, workshops, etc.) to increase the success rate of graduate placement.
• b. In collaboration with the Program Manager, plan and promote career fairs, on-campus recruiting opportunities for employers and other career-related events.

5. Provide Career Coaching and Advisement

• a. Provide career coaching to help students set and reach their employment goals.
• b. Provide practical training and assistance in basic job search techniques (e.g., resume and cover letter preparation, interviewing skills, salary negotiations, etc.).
• c. Ensure students have access to a variety of employment resources (e.g., database of employment possibilities, career guidance references, employment literature, etc.).
• d. Works with students one-on-one to build a trusting relationship, facilitate mock interviews, create individualized employment strategies, and provide on-going assistance and support when needed.

6. Direct the Collection, Maintenance, and Reporting of Relevant Data on Placement

• a. Ensure that all placement-related data is accurately maintained in a database system.
• b. 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.).
• c. Conduct exit interview sessions for graduates and completes all required documentation to be maintained in student files.
• d. Survey employers and graduates to measure the effectiveness of programs offered.
• e. Leverage collected data (e.g., student retention, student satisfaction surveys, student graduation rates, graduate surveys, etc.) to improve recruitment and placement processes.

7. 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.

8. Other duties as assigned/requested.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or its equivalent required and 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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