Assistant Director, Career Advancement

Job Summary

UChicago Career Advancement’s programs build on the world‑class UChicago liberal arts foundation to give students a competitive edge in their professional development and recruiting in a wide range of roles. As a new role funded by philanthropy, the person in this role will utilize previous industry expertise to prepare students for professional success through employer outreach, one‑on‑one advising and coaching, planning and executing programs and workshops, and supporting program administration including reporting and analytics.

The role supports program management, including employer outreach, event planning, tactical coordination, and student engagement. The position requires a passion for building new relationships, serving as a strategic thought partner, and representing the University with a commitment to excellence, customer service, and a creative, problem‑solving mindset.

• Serve as career adviser for a cohort of 1st‑4th‑year undergraduate students.
• Engage in proactive communication and engagement to support career development and success in securing internships and full‑time jobs.
• Use industry and company knowledge to provide targeted, outcome‑driven guidance and support for students pursuing careers in business and related industries.
• Identify and source job and internship opportunities that match student career interests.
• Lead identification of and conduct outreach to employers in public, private, and non‑profit sectors for internships and full‑time opportunities.
• Communicate frequently with students to share opportunities and keep them on track.
• Proactively identify opportunities to ensure students are prepared for and receive career‑development opportunities.
• Reach out to employers and alumni to develop relationships and source opportunities ranging from job shadowing and site visits to internships for selective cohort programs.
• Create and implement an employer development plan, setting strategy of retention using data, feedback, research, and analysis, and relationship management.
• Plan, design, and execute workshops and events, virtual or on‑site, as relevant.
• Leverage virtual technology to provide innovative programs and foster student engagement and satisfaction.
• Support weekly communications by promoting workshops, events, and job opportunities.
• Support drafting strategic communications for high‑level donors, University leadership, and employer partners.
• Manage and maintain efficient methods to track student data, quantify student engagement, and report on student outcomes.
• Track student progress in securing a job or internship using Salesforce.
• Provide support for data management and analytics, correspondence, and reporting to senior leadership and other constituents.
• Advise and counsel students concerning employment opportunities by acting as a liaison between students and prospective employers.
• Conduct mock interviews, review resumes and cover letters, and coordinate other interview‑related programming in individual and group settings.
• Perform other related work as needed.

• College or university degree in a related field.
• 2‑5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Background working with college‑aged students and/or recent graduates.
• Experience developing and managing an internship program.
• Professional experience in a corporate setting.
• Background working across teams to drive outcomes efficiently.
• Expertise in program development or a related area.
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or other digital platforms for meetings and events.
• Expertise in counseling or coaching.
• Knowledge of career‑development theory and strong coaching or counseling skills.

• Outcome‑driven and action‑oriented attitude.
• Ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and work successfully in a fast‑paced environment.
• Adaptable and able to shift priorities to ensure student outcomes and leadership priorities.
• Self‑starter who proactively solves complex problems.
• Deep commitment to customer service, strong interpersonal skills, and high professionalism…