Executive Director, Career Services

A senior leadership position within the USC Career Center and university-wide career services, the Executive Director, Career Services reports to the Associate Vice Provost, Career Services and exercises significant autonomy in overseeing student and alumni career engagement, employer engagement, internship engagement, career services communications, and international student career services.

The Executive Director, Career Services is responsible for maintaining partnerships with USC’s school-based career centers in order to maximize opportunities and resources for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as to support the delivery of effective career services for alumni (in collaboration with the USC Alumni Association). The Executive Director, Career Services provides programmatic direction and supervision of approximately 18 professional staff and 16 graduate and undergraduate student workers and works closely with the Associate Vice Provost, Career Services to create and oversee the implementation of a strategic plan for the Career Center and generates national and international visibility on behalf of the university. The Executive Director, Career Services can perform and be responsible for all of the duties performed by the Associate Vice Provost, Career Services and be able to step into that role as required.

Summary of Key Job Duties

• Ensure sustained, quality delivery and improvement of career development and student employment services
• Work collaboratively across the university to ensure that career development services, programs, resources, and initiatives are effective, innovative, equitable, coordinated, and aligned with USC’s strategic plan and priorities
• Prepare and manage Career Center operating budgets and cultivate external funding sources
• Oversee Career Center strategic planning efforts, annual goal setting, development and articulation of learning/service outcomes, and coordination of assessment efforts; coordinate the preparation of departmental reports; articulate outcomes to internal and external constituents
• Strengthen and expand partnerships with school representatives and employers in business and industry, government, non-profit, education, and other professional sectors

• Foster alumni involvement in the career development of USC students and alumni by implementing recruiting, networking, and mentoring programs designed to meet the changing needs of a dynamic global economy
• Establish a strategic direction for the implementation of emerging technologies that enhance the accessibility of career development and student employment services, as well as the delivery of high-quality, innovative programming and resources
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws/guidelines; ensure business practices and services meet professional and inclusion standards
• Maintain currency with workforce development, economic, and related trends
• Represent USC to a wide stakeholder base including employers, students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni; maintain membership in appropriate professional associations
• Serve on Division of Student Affairs committees and other committees as appropriate
• Perform other duties as assigned or requested by the Associate Vice Provost, Career Services

Summary of Management Tasks

The Executive Director, Career Services works closely with the Associate Vice Provost, Career services in the areas of personnel and budget management, office policy, and annual program development and evaluation, including the creation of learning and service outcomes. The Executive Director, Career Services develops and approves purchase requests, provides and/or supports training for staff, and creates plans for staff development and growth. The Executive Director, Career Services serves as a key campus resource providing expert, reliable information concerning career planning and development trends, models, and best practices.

Knowledge and Skills Required

• Demonstrated skill, experience, and expertise in managing complex organizations with multifaceted job responsibilities related to career planning, international career services, employer relations, communications, and internships  
• History of building partnerships with corporate leaders and human resource professionals
• Experience partnering with faculty and academic units to create developmental, networking, and recruiting opportunities for students
• Proven leadership in managing and motivating teams
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
• Track record of creative approaches to accomplishing goals and a record of continually improving processes and service quality
• Ability to analyze processes/procedures and set priorities; demonstrated skill in the selection, supervision, and evaluation of staff and in budget creation, management, and oversight
• Superior presentation and written/verbal communication skills and the ability to represent the university with national and international constituencies
• Familiarity with, and sensitivity to, issues related to different cultures, nationalities, backgrounds, and orientations
• Ability to work evenings and weekends and travel (domestic and international), as needed, to support the work of USC and the Career Center

Qualifications and Educational Requirements

• Master’s degree, preferably in higher education administration, college student personnel, counseling, or related field; doctoral degree preferred
• Ten years of experience in progressively-responsible positions within career development services and/or student affairs, or comparable business experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of career development theory and practice, student employment, and applicable federal regulations
• Demonstrated skill in staff supervision, budget management, strategic planning, assessment and learning outcomes, and career services-related technologies

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree Minimum Experience: 10 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Bachelor’s degree in counseling, higher education, human resources, or related fields. Ten years’ experience in corporate and/or higher education institutions, with supervisory/managerial experience. Excellent leadership and guidance skills, with demonstrated ability to manage, balance, and prioritize different tasks and projects. In-depth knowledge of federal immigration regulations, interpreting and providing guidance as to their pertinence to international students. Advanced knowledge of employer recruiting strategies, job market trends, and occupational, career, and employment information sources. Mastery of Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite software. Demonstrated experience with office management communication software and tools (e.g., Google suite, Slack, Skype) and social media management. Demonstrated experience managing multi-platform communications and marketing plans involving publications, videos, websites, social media, and public speeches and presentations. Superior level of professionalism, exceptional attention to detail, and exemplary communication (oral and written), presentation, and public-speaking skills. Proven business savvy, interpersonal skills, and ability to deliver quality services, and passion as it relates to impact on outcomes. Demonstrated experience interacting with a diverse individuals and groups, exercising diplomacy, good judgment, and discretion.