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Assistant Director, Career Readiness - University of Chicago

Who: Career Services works with students, alumni, and potential employers to develop and implement programs and advising focused on students' career development.P2: Requires knowledge and experience in own discipline; still acquiring higher-level knowledge and skills. Builds knowledge of the organization, processes and customers. Solves a range of straightforward problems. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures. Receives a moderate level of guidance and direction.

What: Assistant Director of Career Readiness

The job assists in the design and implementation of advisory programs focused on students' career developments.

1) Advises and counsels students concerning employment opportunities and careers by acting as a liaison between students and prospective employers., 2) Conducts mock interviews, reviews resumes and cover letters, and coordinates other interview related programming in both individual and group settings., 3) Develops original content for career related publications and assists with the editing and distribution of Career Services communications materials., 4) Provides guidance and training to student career counselor interns., 5) Performs other related work as needed.

As a key member of the Harris School of Public Policy’s Career Development Office, the Assistant Director of Career Readiness will provide assistance to ensure that Harris graduate students have the necessary strategies to explore career options, as well as career decision-making skills to identify opportunities that align with their personal self-exploration and life-long career goals.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Career Readiness, the Assistant Director will deliver exceptional career advising/coaching and instruction to support Harris MPP students on long-term and immediate job search objectives for full-time positions and summer internships within specific industries or sectors. Sample areas of policy work and social impact include; Consulting, Public Finance, Finance, Energy and Environmental Policy, Healthcare Policy, Housing Policy, Education Policy, International Development, International Relations, Social Enterprise, Technology and Innovation, and Social Entrepreneurship.



1) In cooperation with the Associate Director of Career Readiness, develop the strategic direction for graduate student career and professional development. 2) Provide one-on-one career exploration coaching to Master in Public Policy students. 3) Provide group career coaching; evaluate career goals, interests and values, and identify services to enhance students' career objectives. 4) Administer educational resources, programs, and special events to support the various career sectors of the Harris School and create resources, programming, and presentations on career readiness. 5) In collaboration with the Associate Director of Career Readiness, develop career-coaching initiatives including conceptualizing and planning seminars, and workshops on various topics (e.g. proactive job searches, interviewing techniques, career assessment, resume writing, and salary negotiations) for students. 6) Actively participate and collaborate with the Employer Relations team in leading the employer outreach efforts and program planning within the private, nonprofit and government employment sectors. 7) Foster a strong sense of collaboration within the professional Harris community by developing key partnerships with Harris departments to enhance the overall career readiness goals for Harris (ex: Student Life, Events, Academic Affairs, etc.). 8) Work closely with a number of important internal and external groups including faculty, students, employers, and alumni to achieve the goals of Career Development. 9) Enhance the day-to-day operations of Career Development by establishing expertise and ownership of a major technical system or process (ex: Symplicity, Salesforce, internship funding, office supplies, etc.). 10) Contribute to content and execution of a number of important projects including the career readiness and employer relations programming, trek management, student organization career support, and a number of other student related programs. 11) Make appropriate referrals for counseling, disabilities support services, financial aid, campus resources, and other services.

Unit- Preferred Competencies:

  • Deep knowledge of the job search process and a clear understanding of the role of internships and full-time recruitment strategies of the nonprofit, government and private sectors related to public policy. 
  • Strong written and oral communication skills are essential. 
  • Superior workshop development, presentation, coaching, and networking skills. 
  • Understanding of student development needs 
  • The ability to build internal and external relationships with broad constituencies; a demonstrated commitment to customer service; and the ability to work both independently and in a team environment. 
  • Candidate must also demonstrate initiative as well as project or event management skills, possess an entrepreneurial orientation, and have a proven track record of results-oriented achievement.


Education, Experience, and Certifications
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

  • A Master’s degree
  • Two to three years of prior work experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience) in career counseling or coaching in Higher Education. 
  • High level of skill and experience in career assessments, coaching and advising, the job search process and career readiness skills. 
  • Demonstrated experience in career services in a team based and collaborative environment both in a Career Center and throughout higher education.


Required Documents 1) Resume 2) Cover letter 3) List of References

Apply at this link.