Career Advisor

Department: Medill - Administration
Salary/Grade: EXS/5

Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications is a leader in education and research. As the media industry experiences unprecedented change, Medill is at the forefront of innovation. Our expert teaching and thought leadership focus on enduring skills and values as well as new techniques and technologies that are changing the way stories are told and consumed in today's digital world. On the eve of our 100th year in 2021, our experience in leading the fields of journalism and IMC is unparalleled.

Medill offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in journalism, and an undergraduate certificate and graduate degree in integrated marketing communications. The Medill community is tight-knit and supportive. It consists of 100 (?) faculty, 50 staff, 1,200 students and 18,000 alumni. The diversity of the Medill community has been a source of innovation, excellence and leadership throughout our history. Today Medill continues its commitment to creating an inclusive environment and to providing equity in opportunities regarding research, teaching, administration and student services. We aim to welcome students, staff and faculty from diverse backgrounds and support them so they may thrive at Medill.

Job Summary:

The Medill Career Advisor advises and counsels Medill students empowering them to make decisions associated with their career goals and objectives. This position assesses individual situations and circumstances and creates, implements and monitors recommendations that meet student needs. The Career Advisor coordinates professional development programming and campus recruitment opportunities with employers for students. This role serves as project lead and content strategist for career management platform which includes job posting review and approvals as well as authoring and publishing bi-weekly newsletters. The Advisor performs other duties as assigned related to the strategic career development of Medill students that may be assigned. This position ensures compliance with all associated policies, rules, regulations, and inclusive and equitable practices to best serve our diverse student community.

Specific Responsibilities:

Administration

• Implements strategic plans and contributes to process by reviewing existing practices and recommending enhancements and improvements.
• Participates with area/unit senior staff in the conceptualization, development and presentation of materials used in operations.                                                     

Technology

• Identifies improvement opportunities in regard to technology that will better enable advising program to achieve its goals and objectives.
• Utilizes career management platform to support employers and create accessible opportunities for students.

Advising/Counseling

• Provides student centered, personalized counseling and advising that focuses on a student's career development or professional success and in compliance with all associated policies, rules and regulations.  
• Identifies service improvement opportunities that will enhance counseling and advising. 
• Career advising & counseling may include: career assessment; search strategies for internships, co-ops and/or jobs; networking; resume & cover letter development; social media footprint; interviewing; job offer negotiation, etc.

Relationships

• Partners internally with faculty to provide information regarding interfacing academic and career resources and services.
• Communicates with students' employers needs and processes.
• Participates in trade associations and professional organizations.
• Researches economic conditions in regard to the job market, employment trends, and career opportunities.
• Develops and cultivates relationships with targeted employers.
• Collaborates with colleagues across the school to help advance Medill’s strategic goals and improve the educational experience of our students.

Marketing/Public Relations

• Reviews market trends and best practices to recommend future plans to increase program resources, services, value, and participation.

Programs/Events

• Develops plans and arranges programs - meetings, workshops, trainings, events, company visits, information sessions, etc. designed to provide information, prepare students for meaningful careers, and support students in obtaining meaningful employment. 
• Utilizes career management platform to plan, develop, advertise, and implement events.
• Identifies & obtains external expertise as needed and works with content experts for current and new programs.
• Reviews programs and recommends changes to increase value, resources and participants.
• Ensures that program/event details including communication, venues, presenters, travel arrangements, materials, refreshments and technology are arranged and completed in an appropriate and timely manner.

Evaluation

• Assesses program sessions and interacts with participants for purpose of gaining insight, growing and strengthening program knowledge, and optimizing student learning.
• Analyzes evaluation data from internal/external participants (students, faculty, employers, etc.) to assist in program development and updates.  

Compliance

• Ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, local & NU laws, regulations, policies & procedures.  
• Prepares documentation as required.

Miscellaneous

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and 1 year career counseling/advising in higher education or 1 year of industry experience; or other relevant experience required; OR
• Successful completion of a full course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a master's or JD or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with career management platforms.
• Experience managing and implementing events.
• Experience in identifying equitable practices and policies to serve a diverse student population.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Effective experience with the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with Adobe Design programs.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.