Assistant Director of Career Strategy & Student Engagement

About the role

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) is a historically Black university located in Durham, North Carolina, with a legacy of excellence since 1910. The Assistant Director of Career Strategy & Student Engagement supports the delivery of a comprehensive career services program for students and alumni of the NCCU School of Law. Working closely with the Assistant Dean, this role strengthens and expands employer relationships, enhances employer engagement, develops targeted marketing and outreach strategies, provides professional career development counseling through individual advising and group programming, plans and implements career-related programs, develops content for the office's monthly newsletter, and assists with employment data collection and reporting for ABA, NALP, and institutional requirements. The position collaborates with the Director and Career Services Manager to advance the School of Law's career services goals.

Position details: Position Number 617118 | FLSA Exempt | Full-time (40 hours/week, 12 months) | EEO-1 Category: Professionals | SOC Code: 21-1012 (Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors) | Work location: Fully on-site (dedicated office at duty station)

Responsibilities

Campus Collaboration, Outreach & Recruitment

• Develop and implement creative initiatives to market and promote the School of Law to employers, students, and alumni
• Identify and cultivate relationships with prospective employers in designated strategic geographic areas
• Develop and implement strategies to encourage employers to recruit and hire School of Law students and alumni
• Conduct employer outreach visits locally, regionally, statewide, and nationally to establish and strengthen employer relationships
• Solicit and coordinate participation from additional employers and interviewers for on-campus recruitment and interview programs
• Assist with collection and compilation of employment data for annual ABA and NALP surveys
• Collect, validate, and compile employment data including law clerk, internship, and summer associate placements for internal and external reporting
• Expand, maintain, and update the School of Law's employer database to support recruitment, outreach, and employment initiatives

Planning and Organizing

• Provide career development instruction, orientation, and professional counseling to law students and alumni to support career exploration, planning, and professional growth
• Review resumes and cover letters, providing individualized feedback and guidance to enhance employment opportunities
• Advise and coach students and alumni in developing effective short- and long-term job search strategies and individualized career development plans
• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate group workshops, seminars, and programs focused on strategic career planning, professional development, job search techniques, and career readiness topics
• Monitor student participation to identify under-served populations, drive outreach initiatives, and manage the office communication calendar
• Gather and analyze data on student summer and semester internships/externships to support annual reporting and track institutional outcomes

Survey & Communications

• Regularly contribute career-related tips, resources, and information to the department's monthly newsletter
• Develop and coordinate newsletter content and solicit relevant materials from faculty, staff, students, alumni, and other stakeholders
• Survey employers, students, and alumni and review professional publications and current trends to identify timely topics for newsletter and other office publications
• Develop, prepare, and distribute flyers, digital communications, and other promotional materials to advertise career programs and events

Student Services & Advising

• Assist with development and enhancement of the career services curriculum to address evolving career and professional development needs
• Design, coordinate, and implement career and professional development programs and initiatives for students and alumni
• Plan and develop practice-specific programs and activities addressing career opportunities, industry trends, and professional development needs within various areas of legal practice
• Assist with evaluation of career services programs and initiatives

Requirements

Minimum Education & Experience

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Educational Administration, Counseling, College Student Personnel, or a related field required
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in career planning and employment services, preferably within a centralized operation
• Demonstrated experience in program development, supervision and evaluation, budgeting, and effective use of computer systems and technology
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with ability to interact effectively with students, faculty, staff, employers, and other stakeholders
• Demonstrated leadership ability and capacity to lead programs, initiatives, and teams effectively
• Demonstrated commitment to principles and practices of career planning, employment, and recruitment established by NALP, ABA, and NACE
• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree preferred

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Working knowledge of university academic structures, programs, and administrative processes
• Knowledge of career services programs, practices, and student records management
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, Word, Publisher, PowerPoint)
• Ability to quickly learn and effectively utilize databases, technology platforms, and other software applications
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver training materials, presentations, workshops, and other educational resources
• Strong organizational, communication, interpersonal, and technology skills with ability to effectively support students, alumni, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders

Licenses or Certifications

None required by statute or regulation.

Benefits

Benefits available to NCCU permanent employees include:

• Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave
• Community Service Leave
• NC State Health Benefits
• NCFlex – Vision, Dental, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance and more
• 11-12 Paid Holidays
• Teachers and State Employees Retirement System (TSERS)
• Optional Supplemental Plans – 401k, 403b, 457b and 457
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Campus Recreation Center Discount
• University Bookstore Discount