Associate Dean, Professional And Career Development

Department

University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy

About the Department

Why Policy? For a better world. Why Harris Public Policy? Because when it comes to better policymaking, evidence matters. We work at the frontiers of data collection and analysis, using the latest technology and social science methods to design policies that work for society. We conduct rigorous inquiry in an environment of innovation and risk taking. We collaborate across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, adopting new methodologies to drive better solutions. We engage with our city, our world, and our leaders every day to evaluate and test our ideas. And we lead with our passion for driving social change, knowing that passion alone does not equal impact.

Job Summary

The Associate Dean for Professional and Career Services is primarily responsible for strategic direction, leadership, and day‐to‐day management of career services activities for students in the full‐time and evening programs, as well as alumni. These responsibilities include oversight of career readiness, employer relations, career management, and operations functions for this team. In collaboration with the dean and other senior administrative leaders, the Associate Dean for Professional and Career Services also participates in managing and setting the direction of the Harris School.

Responsibilities

• Leads Professional and Career Services team to create a collaborative, entrepreneurial, and results-oriented culture, ensuring that all constituents receive extraordinary support.

• Develops a strategy that serves the career readiness and job search needs of a diverse and demanding population of domestic and international students with a variety of career goals across the private, public, and non-profit sectors; complements efforts to build a connected and engaged alumni community; and meaningfully contributes to efforts to recruit and retain outstanding students.

• Directly manages two directors-Career Readiness and Employer Partnerships-and oversee both teams.

• Advises the Harris School Dean on key strategic initiatives and decisions related to career development.

• As a member of the Administrative Leadership Group, work closely and collaboratively with colleagues across departments.

• Collaborates and coordinates with the University on initiatives designed to further careers of students and alumni across the University, especially where there is employer overlap.

• Develops and maintain strategic relationships with employers. Drives and participates in team's relationship‐ building initiatives.

• Maintains fluency in employer and employment trends and oversee analysis of data on student career interests; aligns employer relationship development with emerging students aspirations.

• Ensures consistent brand messaging and coordination to employers and prospective employers.

• Cultivates, engages, and steward executive‐level sponsors and alumni champions. Provides ongoing customer service and stewardship to companies related to overall strategic plan; coordinate and communicate internally.

• Oversees staff recruitment and budget management for the Professional and Career Services unit.

• Manages managers and professional staff within Career Services. Establishes performance goals, allocates resources and assesses policies for direct subordinates.

• Expands and enhances the University's corporate network through marketing and outreach strategies and meetings with employers and alumni to increase resources and employment opportunities to students.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree.

• Master's degree in business or related field strongly preferred.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in the policy, business, non-profit, or higher education sectors. Experience in executive search, career management, recruiting, training, or student services.

• Demonstrated experience leading a team and driving result through the work of others.

• Proven ability to collaborate and coordinate with a diverse set of colleagues in a variety of functional areas.

• Staff managerial and skip‐level experience. Strong track record of developing team members, building an entrepreneurial and collaborative team environment, and engaging and inspiring staff members to reach or exceed goals and build relationships. Strong track record of developing trust among staff members and successfully delegating key responsibilities.

• Demonstrated ability at defining and refining program strategies that are closely linked to organization goals.

• Experience with, knowledge of, or demonstrated interest in policy careers. Demonstrated ability to adjust goals and plans to adapt to ever‐changing market conditions.

• Understanding of and appreciation for the needs and concerns of a diverse public policy student body.

• Strong communication (platform, verbal, and written) skills.

• Demonstrated ability to work successfully under pressure and produce excellent work under tight deadlines while ensuring an engaged and collaborative work environment.

• Deep commitment to customer service and the ability to multi-task, meet deadlines, and work successfully in a fast‐paced environment.

Working Conditions

• Ability to work on evenings and weekends regularly required.

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally required.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

• Cover Letter (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Student Affairs & Services

Role Impact

People Manager

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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