University Director of Career Services and Alumni Relations

What's next for you is the first priority for us! With over 45 programs from associate to doctoral degrees, South University is a private institution dedicated to providing educational opportunities that spark the intellectual, social and professional development of a diverse student population.
Our 120-year story—past, present and future—is a history formed by the many individuals who have developed the education and spirit of community that have become our pledge to the students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters of South University. Online and at our 8 locations and 2 learning sites, we take pride in our welcoming environment; one-on-one support and personalized attention that helps students define goals and identify the means to pursue them. Our small classes feature hands-on experiences that not only shape students’ skills and excellence in their chosen fields but also shape their characters through encouraging community involvement, volunteerism and the pursuit of life-long learning.
Visit www.southuniversity.edu today to learn more about what makes us stand apart as a place to Belong, Believe and Become, a place where you can make a difference in the lives of students eager to learn and grow.
South University, the right direction for a brighter future.
Benefits:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision

FSA/HSA
Tuition Assistant Program
Long/Short Term Disability
Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
401K Match
Generous Paid Time Off
12 Paid Holidays

• includes domestic partner coverage

SUMMARY:
Responsible for developing strategy and optimizing operational effectiveness for South University Career Services and Alumni Relations in support of the promotion of student career preparedness, graduate employment and Alumni engagement. This is achieved through training and support of Career Services personnel, providing high impact career planning and preparation programs, managing graduate employment metrics, developing employer partnerships, and creating comprehensive engagement programs designed to provide meaningful opportunities to enhance the loyalty, dedication and sustaining lifelong relationships between alumni and their alma matter.
KEY JOB ELEMENTS:

• Oversee the Career Services departments across the University, and provide leadership in the development of programs that will improve academic program related job placement and career advancement of the South University students, recent graduates and Alumni
• Design and implement programs to encourage Alumni engagement growth through regional, virtual and on campus events, and facilitate opportunities for alumni participation in mentoring, volunteering, and giving.
• Develop and provide training to Career Services staff on effective marketing and outreach strategies; train and mentor all new Directors of Career Services and Deans of Student Affairs in all areas of operations, strategy, and marketing Career Services and Alumni community
• Plan, oversee and assist in delivering career programs, training materials and workshops designed to prepare students for the job market; maintain the University-wide Career Services programming calendar
• Integrate job readiness and career planning into the student journey from orientation to graduation through holistic coaching for individual students, events/workshops on campus and virtual, integration of the Career Services platforms in the co-curricular student experience, and provide job search skills for the student body such as (resume building, interview preparation)
• Conduct market research as required to identify corporations and associations to expand South University’s base of employers and identify trends relevant to South University’s program areas
• Oversee the collection of graduate job placement data in compliance with Career Services Policies and Procedures and participate with the development of new Policies and Processes; uphold systems to assure data integrity, including validation of documented placements and conducting comprehensive annual audits on a minimum of 75% of South University graduate employment records
• Collaborate with academic affairs, student affairs, alumni and employers, to identify and engage potential individual and corporate donors among the alumni community
• Partner with Admissions, Marketing, and Student Affairs to procure testimonials of graduate achievement, such as Alumni Success Stories, utilized for recruitment, retention and engagement strategies
• Serve as the primary relationship manager for Career Services platforms and the online alumni community and seek ways to continually enhance the end user experience
• Coordinate award and recognition programs for alumni and employers, including Alumni Achievement, Employer Recognition and Alumni Business Awards
• Stay abreast of industry trends, best practices and emerging technologies in career development and Alumni engagement, and incorporate innovative approaches into the University’s efforts
• Other duties as assigned

JOB REQUIREMENTS (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities):
Knowledge

• Master’s degree or equivalent desirable with an emphasis on Higher Education Administration, Student Personnel, Human Resources Management, Career Development, Business or Marketing
• Ten or more years of strong Career Services management experience and/or student guidance experience in a post-secondary education setting
• Knowledge of the career decision making and job seeking process
• Knowledge of strategies in effective marketing, outreach and advancement

Skills

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Strong interpersonal skills with student and staff populations
• Superior organization, prioritization and self-motivation skills
• Strong computer skills

Abilities

• Ability to interact effectively as either a leader or as a member of a team and work collaboratively with other departments
• Ability to listen to customers (staff, students, employers) and to understand and respond positively to their requests
• Ability to adapt to changing assignments and multiple priorities
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and successfully meet deadlines
• Ability and desire to travel to school sites or employer sites; travel 50% of the time

ENVIRONMENT:
The environment is dynamic and goal oriented requiring multi-tasking of responsibilities at all times. This position requires the ability to work effectively with a variety of personalities both within the school and with the public. A caring and self-directed nature is essential. Must possess a desire and ability to study, practice and obtain additional knowledge and skills on an ongoing basis to remain well versed in financial aid program offerings, policies and procedures. The operating environment requires strict adherence to all regulatory requirements and internal policies. The position works extensively with admissions and enrollment team department personnel. Outside contacts include prospective students and applicants, their families and guests, and others such as government agencies, public school systems and private businesses. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate professionally in person, over the telephone, through email and other electronic means, move about the office or school, handle various types of media and equipment, and visually or otherwise identify, observe and assess. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 10 pounds unless otherwise specified in the job description.
South University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity as a critical step in ensuring employee, student and graduate success. We are committed to building and developing a diverse environment where a variety of ideas, cultures and perspectives can thrive.

Health savings account, Partner benefits, Disability insurance, Health insurance, Dental insurance, Flexible spending account, Paid time off, Employee assistance program, Vision insurance, 401(k) matching, Life insurance