Through our efforts to build a robust and inclusive culture of engagement and philanthropy, University Advancement strengthens connections between William & Mary and our vibrant community to ensure that the university and its people thrive for all time coming. By fostering lifelong relationships and creating meaningful opportunities, the team enriches the quality of the William & Mary experience and propels the university forward to address the most pressing needs of our time.
The Office of Career Development & Professional Engagement empowers students and alumni to explore professional possibilities and navigate lifelong career development.
Position Summary
The Director of Affinity Career Development (Director) is an important member of the Office of Career Development & Professional Engagement team, which is housed in the Office of University Advancement at William & Mary.
The Director works closely with undergraduate and graduate students who self-align to a particular affinity group to support their career development. The Director serves as the point of contact with graduate program leads in Arts & Sciences, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, the School of Education, as well as the Office of Student Veteran Engagement, Center for Student Diversity, Student Transition and Engagement Programs, and the Reves Center. In addition, the Director will provide career programs, services and resources for the general student and alumni populations.
Reporting to the Executive Director of the Office of Career Development & Professional Engagement, the Director develops programs and services to meet the needs of affinity career development. In addition, the Director will collaborate with a high performing team to coordinate efforts to support W&M students.
Please review and download the full position description for this job on the Career Development & Professional Engagement team under the “Featured Job Opportunities” on the University Advancement recruitment website: https://advancement.wm.edu/come-work-with-us/open-positions/index.php
Required Qualifications
Advanced degree in higher education or a related field.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness, including, but not limited to, collaboration, staffing and programming.
Experience in a higher education, or similarly organized environment. (Typically, 5+ years)
Significant experience in career advising and/or coaching and assessment; or equivalent professional practice. (Typically, 7+ years)
Knowledge of student development and career development theory and practice.
Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills.
Experience working with a graduate student cohort, graduate school faculty and Deans and affinity aligned students. (Typically, 5+ years)
Experience assisting graduate and undergraduate affinity students in using effective career development resources (typically 3+ years)
Experience in delivering career content and advising in a hybrid format. (Typically, 3 years)
Experience with career management platforms (e.g. Symplicity, Handshake, 12Twenty?learning management tools and basic Microsoft Office tools, specifically Excel (Typically, 5+ years)
Job Duties
Career Advising & Programming, 60%
Serve as a subject matter expert in affinity career development. Knowledge and understanding of career development practices and awareness of the National Association of Colleges and Employers policies and procedures.
Creates and presents workshops and programs appropriate to the development of career-related skills and information both generally and specifically for affinity-aligned students.
Supports students and alumni on self-assessment, career decision-making, career exploration, resume writing, interviewing, networking and other career-related skills.
Conduct individual/group career advising regarding job-search strategies, career management, and industry trends to facilitate career success and readiness.
Strategic Development & Administration, 35%
Executes the development and implementation of special events.
Serves as the liaison, representing the Office of Career Development & Professional Engagement, in working with the Office of Student Diversity, Student Veteran Services, and Student Transition and Engagement Programs working collaboratively with faculty and administrative leads, professional staff, and student organizations, to support students and alumni seeking both traditional and alternative careers.
Develop and implement a strategic plan for the team of professional staff members in the Office of Career Development & Professional Engagement.
Identify long-term programs and strategies to positively impact retention and enrollment efforts with all student populations. This includes internal departmental objectives, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, Advancement collaborations and intentional programming.
Performance Management, 5%
Establish clear, well communicated expectations to all team members that are related to the goals and objectives of the department or unit.
Communicate frequent, constructive feedback, to staff, including interim evaluations as appropriate.
Ensure that staff have the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to accomplish goals.
Ensure that the requirements of the performance planning and evaluation system are met, and evaluations are completed by established deadlines with proper documentation.
Ensure that all performance issues are addressed and documented as they occur.
Review and communicate all safety issues to ensure a safe and healthy workplace.
The Director supervises a team of one professional.
EEO Statement
William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
Background Check Statement
William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
Benefits Summary Statement
William & Mary offers our employees a full array of benefits including retirement, health insurance with options for expanded dental and vision along with group and optional life insurance with coverage for spouse and children, flexible spending accounts, and an EAP (Employee Assistance Program). Our employees enjoy additional university benefits such as educational assistance, professional development, wellness benefits, and a robust holiday schedule. All employees have access to fitness facilities on campus. Staff members also have access to the university libraries, and much more. To learn more, go to: https://www.wm.edu/offices/uhr/benefits/index.php?type=none.
Required Qualifications
Advanced degree in higher education or a related field.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness, including, but not limited to, collaboration, staffing and programming.
Experience in a higher education, or similarly organized environment. (Typically, 5+ years)
Significant experience in career advising and/or coaching and assessment; or equivalent professional practice. (Typically, 7+ years)
Knowledge of student development and career development theory and practice.
Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills.
Experience working with a graduate student cohort, graduate school faculty and Deans and affinity aligned students. (Typically, 5+ years)
Experience assisting graduate and undergraduate affinity students in using effective career development resources (typically 3+ years)
Experience in delivering career content and advising in a hybrid format. (Typically, 3 years)
Experience with career management platforms (e.g. Symplicity, Handshake, 12Twenty?learning management tools and basic Microsoft Office tools, specifically Excel (Typically, 5+ years)
We're the second-oldest institution of higher learning in the country, and a cutting-edge research university.
Building on more than 300 years of innovation and excellence, William & Mary transcends the boundaries between research and teaching, teaching and learning, learning and living. As a "Public Ivy" — one of only eight in the nation — we offer a world-class education at an exceptional value.
Our students are not only some of the smartest in the world, but passionate about serving others and serious about having fun. Our professors are teachers, scholars and research mentors, the cornerstone of a thriving intellectual community that produces experienced, engaged, successful graduates.
Through their strengths, passions and knowledge, our faculty, students and staff are creating a new model of sustainability for higher education.
We love our hometown of Williamsburg and the amazing Commonwealth of Virginia and we’re proud to be one of the reasons for their economic success.
William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal O...pportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.