Assistant Director of Career Programs and STEM Internships

Position Title:

Assistant Director of Career Programs and STEM Internships

Department:
Office of Career Programs and Employer Relations

Reports To:

Senior Director of Career Curriculum and Employer Relations

Location:

On campus, River Forest, IL

Position Summary:

The Assistant Director of Career Programs and STEM Internships will work in collaboration with the Senior Director of Career Programs and Employer Relations, the Career Programs team, and various campus offices to provide career and internship advising to undergraduate students and support career programs at Dominican University. This support requires regular monitoring and support of students' progress in meeting core curriculum career and vocation graduation requirements and supporting students in securing internship placements to meet the core curriculum career practicum graduation requirement as well as supporting students' successful post-graduation outcomes (employment, graduate school enrollment, full-time volunteer service).

The Assistant Director of Career Programs and STEM Internships will use a standardized system for internship management that involves creating student and employer internship agreements to support internship success and facilitate enrollment into required career practicum courses. Internships may be managed through on- or off-campus placement, including Non-Employment Based Opportunities (NEBO) and contract work. The Assistant Director of Career Programs and STEM Internships will monitor, communicate with, and manage students during their internships.

With the Career Programs team, the Assistant Director of Career Programs and STEM Internships will also support the marketing and management of Office of Career Programs and Employer Relations programming, including career fairs, employer visits on and off campus, job shadow visits, mock interview events, the senior showcase, on-campus employer recruiting efforts, and other programming that supports students' career and vocation exploration and success.

Note:

This position supports the implementation of the federally funded Title III-F project designed to enhance STEM career readiness and expand work-based learning opportunities for undergraduate students, especially those from Hispanic and first-generation/low-income backgrounds. Title III-F funds 80% of the position through September 30, 2026. After that date, the position will be fully funded by the institution.

Duties and Responsibilities:

* Monitor and advise students on the completion of STEM-focused core curriculum career requirements and vocation-based graduation milestones.

* Provide one-on-one coaching for STEM resumes, cover letters, personal statements, and job or graduate school search strategies.

* Assist students in locating and securing STEM internships, contract work (NEBOs), and career-building opportunities.

* Implement and manage a streamlined STEM internship registration process, including employer agreements and course enrollment.

* Ensure the completion of all necessary STEM internship documentation and paperwork within management systems.

* Track, maintain, and produce comprehensive reports on student participation in STEM programs, placements, and employer agreements.

* Oversee and manage funding and logistics for STEM-related NEBOs and contract work in collaboration with campus stakeholders.

* Identify, build, and maintain strategic relationships with STEM employers, alumni, and professional organizations to create job and internship pipelines.

* Lead and coordinate STEM career-focused events, including career fairs, employer visits, job shadow programs, and mock interviews.

* Utilize Handshake or 12

Twenty to approve STEM-related job postings and manage the student-facing job board.

* Collaborate with faculty and university departments to develop and deliver innovative STEM career development programming.

* Develop marketing communications and manage website content to promote STEM career programs, recruitment events, and opportunities.

* Identify and communicate targeted STEM career opportunities to students based on academic programs and professional interests.

* Manage event logistics, including timeline development, budget management, outreach, and feedback collection for STEM initiatives.

* Deliver internal and external presentations regarding STEM career programs and student preparation initiatives.

* Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

* Bachelor's degree in STEM field or related area

* Experience working with and creating programming for the professional and career development needs of Hispanic, low-income, first-generation, and/or other under-represented students.

* Strong cross-cultural communication skills preferred to support engagement with diverse populations

* Experience utilizing assistive technologies and digital resources to support diverse learning needs

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

* Advanced degree in STEM field, higher education, or equivalent professional experience

* Advanced knowledge…