Job Details

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

School of Information Sciences

Assistant/Associate Director of Career Services

The School of Information Sciences (iSchool) at the University of Illinois invites applications from qualified individuals for a 100% full-time Assistant or Associate Director of Career Services.

The iSchool at Illinois makes a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals through teaching, research, and public engagement. Our mission is to lead the way in understanding the use of information in science, culture, society, commerce, and the diverse activities of our daily lives. We engage in inclusive community partnerships, working beyond geographic boundaries to benefit the social good. We believe in the power of information to change the world. For more information about iSchool, visit https://ischool.illinois.edu/.

Become an Illinois professional at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and be part of a dynamic and diverse community dedicated to making a positive impact on both local and global scales, advancing knowledge, and fostering creativity. Learn more about why YOU should join us at UIUC.

JOB SUMMARY

The Assistant Director or Associate Director of Career Services delivers career support to undergraduate and graduate students in the iSchool. Responsibilities include delivering career coaching through one-on-one appointments, group presentations, and student programming. The successful candidate will support student-to-career integration by incorporating career education into course work, student organizations, and college-wide events. Additionally, they facilitate communication with recruiters and employers interested in hiring iSchool students, providing recruiting strategies and opportunities.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF CAREER SERVICES

Career Coaching & Education

• Provide one-on-one advising for students on their career development and job search strategies. This includes understanding students' career aspirations and assisting each student to develop and continually refine a job search strategy/marketing plan for full-time employment.
• Coach students on career-driven topics such as career preparation/readiness skills, search strategies, resumes/cover letters, interviewing, social media and networking optimization, job offers, and negotiations.
• Conduct resume critiques and practice interviews.
• Research key industry trends and opportunities affecting hiring, consult with employers, and provide accurate and up-to-date information to all stakeholders
• Mentor students on identifying and developing their professional skills through course projects, student organizations, and leadership roles.
• Utilize and support career-related technologies and tools.
• Create and deliver career classes/workshops/seminars for constituents.

Operational Support & Projects

• Collaborate with other units to identify employer needs and facilitate introductions to appropriate student groups, departments, corporate relations contacts, and campus partners.
• Organize and participate in career events such as career fairs, networking events, employer information sessions, receptions, and speaker programs.
• Collaborate with faculty and other departments to integrate career services into the academic experience.
• Maintain resources such as publications for students and employers, coordinating with stakeholders as needed.
• Participate in special events such as Convocation, orientation, student services events, professional development events, and office-hosted events to support all school students
• Collect and maintain student records, including but not limited to meetings, student progress, and internship/practicum data.

Administrative

• Serve as the primary iSchool connection to resources on campus that intersect with student careers and placements
• Represent the iSchool on campus groups and committees such as the Career Services Council and other appropriate campus groups and committees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF CAREER SERVICES

Career Coaching & Education

• Provide one-on-one advising for students on their career development and job search strategies. This includes understanding students' career aspirations and assisting each student to develop and continually refine a job search strategy/marketing plan for full-time employment.
• Coach students on career-driven topics such as career preparation/readiness skills, search strategies, resumes/cover letters, interviewing, social media and networking optimization, job offers, and negotiations.
• Conduct resume critiques and practice interviews.
• Research key industry trends and opportunities affecting hiring, consult with employers, and provide accurate and up-to-date information to all stakeholders
• Develop and manage relationships with student organizations and collaborate to develop partnerships that further enhance career services and programming.
• Mentor students on identifying and developing their professional skills through course projects, student organizations, and leadership roles.
• Utilize and support career-related technologies and tools.
• Research and implement new tools to increase advising efficiency.
• Create and deliver career classes/workshops/seminars for constituents.

Operational Support & Projects

• Collaborate with other units to identify employer needs and facilitate introductions to appropriate student groups, departments, corporate relations contacts, and campus partners.
• Support the expansion of iSchool Career Services reach and foster ongoing academic and career collaboration with faculty, key departmental liaisons, and advisors.
• Organize and participate in career events such as career fairs, networking events, employer information sessions, receptions, and speaker programs.
• Lead the integration of career services into the iSchool academic experience by researching areas of opportunity and benchmarking services with other units.
• Maintain resources such as publications for students and employers, coordinating with stakeholders as needed.
• In collaboration with team, provide leadership and direct logistics for special events such as Convocation, orientation, student services events, professional development events, and office-hosted events to support all school students
• Collect and maintain student records, including but not limited to meetings, student progress, and internship/practicum data.
• Prepare, analyze, and present reports on career services utilization, outcomes, and effectiveness, providing actionable insights for program enhancement.
• Develop a strategic plan for career services, establish short- and long-term goals, and ensure that operations align with those goals.
• Establish and implement strategic marketing and outreach initiatives to enhance visibility and awareness of career services offerings among stakeholders.

Administrative

• Serve as the primary iSchool connection to resources on campus that intersect with student careers and placements
• Represent the iSchool on campus groups and committees such as the Career Services Council and other appropriate campus groups and committees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to move, transfer and/or transport items that may occasionally weigh up to twenty (20) pounds, and twisting, pushing and pulling movements.
• Some work will be required during evenings and/or weekends.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Assistant Director Title

• Bachelor's degree
• A total of three (3) years (36 months) in education, training, or work experience in recruiting, Human Resources, career services, or academic advising that included a career focus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience advising students in a university career services office.
• Demonstrated experience working with students, including international students.
• Experience with collecting and analyzing data for decision making, particularly industry trends and student patterns.
• Work experience in information sciences outside of a university setting.

Associate Director Title

• Bachelor's degree
• A minimum of five (5) years (60 months) in education, training, or work experience in recruiting, Human Resources, career services, or academic advising that included a career focus.
• Experience teaching or presenting to large groups including college students.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree
• Demonstrated experience advising students in a university career services office.
• Demonstrated experience working with students, including international students.
• Experience with collecting and analyzing data for decision making, particularly industry trends and student patterns.
• Work experience in information sciences outside of a university setting.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Organization and time management.
• Presentation, professionalism, and project management skills.
• Knowledge of the job market for college students.
• Knowledge of career assessment tools, such as Handshake.
• Proficiency with web-based resources, software, and social media (i.e. LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.)
• Ability to interact effectively with students, faculty, and staff of various diverse competencies and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to address and resolve difficult and complex issues/problems while exercising independent judgment and discretion.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the search close date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $63,000 to $70,000 at the Assistant Director level and $70,000 to $78,000 at the Associate Director level. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Hybrid work options may be available for this position after an initial training period, but with the requirement that onsite availability may be needed at any time with short notice.

Out-of-state candidates must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of the start date for this position. Illinois residency requires proof of a valid Illinois Driver's License or state of Illinois ID Card. Failure to produce the required documentation within 180 calendar days will result in immediate termination of employment.

Work authorization is not available for this position.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES & DEADLINE INFORMATION

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on January 17, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting, and upload your cover letter, resume (months and years of employment must be included), and names and contact information for three professional references. Please remember to include specific information on how you meet the qualifications of the position in your application materials, including all relevant experiences. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment.

For further information regarding this specific position, please email ischool-hr@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application system, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.