Senior Career Services Specialist - Internal Only

This position is open to internal candidates only. External candidates will not be reviewed or considered.

Salary/Position Classification

• $55,700 annual, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• This position will work onsite the Grand Forks, ND campus.

Purpose of Position

The Senior Career Services Specialist plays a critical leadership role in advancing the Director for Career Engagement’s strategic vision for expanding career readiness across the campus community. This position provides direct supervision and day-to-day management of career services team members, offering guidance, coordination, and accountability for staff performance and program delivery. The role maintains comprehensive oversight of all career services programming, with a strong emphasis on large-scale outreach initiatives, presentations, and signature events such as career fairs, industry panels, and networking opportunities. Prioritizing broad student impact over 1:1 advising, the Senior Career Services Specialist leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of innovative programming designed to increase student engagement and equitable access. In addition, this role drives program assessment efforts, identifies emerging trends in career development, and pilots new initiatives that align with institutional priorities and enhance the overall effectiveness and visibility of career services.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Strategic Programming & Outreach Oversight
  • Lead the development, coordination, and execution of all career services programming initiatives
  • Oversee large-scale outreach efforts including career fairs, industry panels, networking events, and presentations
  • Ensure programming aligns with the Director for Career Engagement’s strategic vision and institutional priorities
  • Utilize Handshake to promote events, and track student engagement
  • Integrate other ELC platforms into programming to expand access to experiential learning opportunities and connect students with applied experiences
  • Identify opportunities to expand student participation and increase visibility of career services across campus
  • Build and maintain partnerships with campus stakeholders and external employers to enhance programming 
• Career Services Supervision and Team Management
  • Provide direct supervision, coaching, and performance management for career services staff members as well as student employees
  • Set clear expectations and guide team members in delivering high-quality programming and services
  • Guide team members in effectively leveraging platforms such as Handshake and other ELC systems to support programming and student engagement
  • Facilitate regular team meetings, training, and professional development opportunities
  • Foster a collaborative, inclusive team environment aligned with departmental goals
  • Support staff in prioritizing work that maximizes student reach and institutional impact 
• Innovation, Assessment & Continuous Program Improvement
  • Design and pilot innovative programs that enhance career readiness and student engagement
  • Evaluate program effectiveness through data collection, assessment, and feedback analysis
  • Identify emerging trends in career development and adapt programming accordingly
  • Develop strategies to improve equitable access to career services and resources
  • Provide recommendations to leadership on program enhancements and future initiatives 
• Professional Development and Other Duties as Assigned
  • Assist with campus-based programs, activities and functions planned and facilitated within the Experiential Learning Center, and other areas in the unit as applicable
  • Assist with the maintenance and employer outreach on Handshake
  • Perform special projects assigned by the Director for Career Engagement and the Vice Provost for Student Success, and the Provost
  • Continue to grow professionally through participation in conferences, organizations and other professional development opportunities

Required Competencies

• Strong interpersonal communication skills (written and oral)
• Strong organization skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to pay close attention to detail
• Demonstrate and model professionalism working with students, all levels of university leadership and faculty
• Strong analytical and judgement/problem solving skills
• Ability to multi-task
• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Ability to identify inefficiencies and work to improve processes
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to be receptive to new ideas, cultures, concepts, and technologies
• Demonstrated acceptance and respect for others’ diversity, abilities, and gifts
• Experience working with a team/committee
• Ability to work autonomously and demonstrate self-initiative

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in any field
• 5 years of experience in student services, higher education, career development or related field
• Experience supervising or leading professional staff, with the ability to provide effective coaching, feedback and performance management
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in any field
• Experience working with students, faculty and staff and alumni in the career development process
• Experience with management software systems (e.g., Handshake, PeopleGrove, etc.)