Career Center

The University of Virginia's College at Wise invites applications for a Director of Career Discovery and Planning. As part of the Office of Administration, Government Relations, and Strategic Initiatives, the director of Career Discovery and Planning provides leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for a comprehensive career planning program with a mission to support UVA Wise students and alumni in making informed decisions about undergraduate and post-graduate plans. This position collaborates actively and proactively with Academic Affairs, Economic Development, Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, Alumni Engagement, and Marketing and Communications.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Financial

• Prepare the annual operating budget. Balances budget monthly.
• Monitor monthly activity in all career services' accounts, which can include E&G funds, grant awards, and local accounts.
• Research funding opportunities, and when feasible, writes grant proposals to obtain funds to support ongoing programs and for the development of new projects.
• Provide financial reports to Vice Chancellor and other senior team members.

Management and Administration

• Ensure that the Career Discovery and Planning processes, policies, and procedures align with the NACE Professional Standards for College and University Career Services
• Operating within the context of the UVA Wise strategic plan, determine annual and ongoing priorities for office, working diligently to bring these priorities to fruition.
• Supervise professional and support staff. Encourage professional development of direct reports.
• Evaluate program effectiveness through surveys, interviews, and self-analysis.

Advising

• Conduct in-person and virtual career advising with students and alumni, individually and in groups.
• Interpret assessment results, including those related to PathwayU technology platform.
• Provide digital and hard-copy resources related to major choices, career paths, job search strategies, labor statistics, graduate and professional schools, community and civic service, military careers, and entrepreneurship.
• Review documents, including resumes/CVs, cover letters, thank you letters, personal statements, etc.
• Conduct mock interviews and provide feedback.
• Encourage students to use career-related technology platforms, including Handshake, PathwayU, and VMock.

Programming and Events

• Develop and deliver presentations and workshops related to career development.
• Conduct dining etiquette events.
• Co-manage Smiddy’s Closet with the director of the Wesley Foundation.
• Collaborate with Apple rep and Academic Affairs on existing and future iPad projects.
• Promote mentoring opportunities with Global Mentorship Initiative, and serve as the primary contact and campus administrator for GMI.
• Promote Career Discovery and Planning through resident advisor programs, orientations, open houses, faculty and staff trainings, and other presentation activities.
• Use Modern Campus Presence app and social media to market and promote Career Discovery and Planning.
• Stand in for faculty in classroom for “Don’t Cancel Class” programming.

Experiential Learning

• Manage the Wise Works program.
• Serve as primary contact and campus administrator for the Parker Dewey micro-internship program.
• Collaborate with other departments within the Experiential Learning Hub.
• Coordinate and administer GROW Wise, the workplace readiness program for work-study and special-payroll jobs on campus.
• Participate in SCHEV/VTOP initiatives related to experiential learning and internships.

Employer Relations/Recruiting

• Serve as primary campus contact for employers and graduate/professional schools interested in recruiting UVA Wise students and alumni.
• Coordinate and manage on-campus and virtual recruiting events and information sessions.
• Post jobs and internships on social media, bulletin board, and in student newsletter.
• Inform employers about and assist them with Handshake.

Data Collection

• Collect and interpret data related to student graduate outcomes (First Destinations), internships, student engagement, and other pertinent information.

Professional Associations and Representation

• Maintain membership in professional organizations, including NACE and VACE, and possibly CEIA.
• Participate in Interstate Career Council consortium.
• Participate in monthly meetings of UVA Employer Relations Group.
• Represent UVA Wise on external boards, committees, and task forces.
• Serve as a spokesperson for UVA Wise Career Discovery and Planning.

Complete other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Education

Bachelor’s degree required; Master's degree preferred, in a discipline suitable for this position.

Experience

Required: Five or more years of experience in career development, human resources, and/or employment advising or the equivalent. At least three years of professional experience in university/college setting, nonprofit organization, or in business in an HR, recruiting, or training and development function.

Highly Desired: Full-time experience on a college/university career advising staff. Skills in career advising techniques, knowledge of job trends and career development skills, effective public relations and networking abilities, and excellent verbal and written communication skills. Certification such as NACE Coaching or NCDA Global Career Development Facilitator.

Preferred: An understanding of the principles of college student development and the policies and structure of a typical four-year, public university.

Technology Experience

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) - required
• Monday.com or other project management software
• Canva
• Zoom
• Box
• Handshake
• PathwayU
• VMock
• Modern Campus Presence
• Workday
• Moodle
• Podcasting

Other Skills and Qualities

• Supervisory, management, and relationship-building skills.
• Strategic planning/visioning aptitude.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong commitment to working with a diverse student population.
• Understanding and appreciation of liberal arts.
• Budget management background/fundraising.