About Alvernia University
Alvernia University was founded in 1958 by the Bernardine Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis. Through its main campus in Reading and locations in Philadelphia and Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, the university serves 3,000 students of diverse backgrounds from around the country.
Alvernia offers a unique blend of rigorous liberal arts core education for the development of the mind, strong technical training in many high-demand majors, experiential learning through study abroad and internship experiences, and engagement with the community through our Franciscan-based community service model. We call our model of transformational education the Alvernia Advantage, and we believe this style of education transforms students into ethical leaders with moral courage.
Alvernia University ranks in the top 100 among 2021 Best Regional Universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report, and we are recognized as a College of Distinction for our commitment to engaged experiential education.
Job Summary:
The Director of Career Services is responsible for advising, managing, and supporting students throughout their job search process. This individual partners with others to develop and implement programs and services, such as employer recruitment, information sessions, and group presentations, designed to foster purposeful connections between students, alumni, and employees.
Essential Functions:
1. Promote Franciscan ideals and adherence to the Mission of the University as demonstrated by the University Ideal Characteristics. As we are an equal opportunity employer committed to Franciscan values, all employees share responsibility for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the performance of their roles while demonstrating: service orientation, respect for all, intellectual curiosity, solution focus and innovation, and mutual accountability.
2. Prepare, coach, and advise students regarding all phases of internship and job preparation, including assistance with internship and job search, resume/cover letter writing and interview preparation, and career coaching.
3. Develop, manage, and deliver Career Development-sponsored events for students and alumni such as networking events, recruitment events, career fairs, roundtable events, and speakers; Conduct assessments to evaluate program(s) effectiveness; apply findings for program improvement.
4. Assist in the creation of documents, procedures, and policies that align with industry standards and internship best practices, complete administrative functions of internship logistics.
5. Develop and maintain relationships with faculty/academic advisors to coordinate internships for students; communicate with faculty/academic advisors to verify academic requirements associated with experiences.
6. Develop and maintain relationships with campus stakeholders by presenting to classes, student groups, athletic teams, alumni & parent groups etc. to promote internships and provide professional development opportunities.
7. In partnership with the Director, develop relationships with employers to cultivate high-impact experiences, including internships, shadowing, externships, and employment opportunities.
8. Maintain effective communication with employers, faculty, staff, and students; create effective marketing strategies/materials to increase participation in Career Services events.
9. Maintain appropriate communication with employers utilizing a tiered response system.
10. Teach UNIV 200 Career and Internship Preparation.
Technology
11. Manage online career management platform - Handshake: oversee all new and existing employer accounts, job and internship postings; approve and post career events; post and manage career fairs and employer registrations; maintain and update employer contact information; etc.
12. Assist in the collection and analysis of outcomes and recruitment data, develop reports utilizing Handshake and other.
13. Assist with social media and develop relevant content to promote office services, events, and career-related topics.
Qualifications/Education:
1. Commitment to the mission statement, core values, and goals of Alvernia University.
2. 12-month full-time administrative position with master’s degree preferred and Driver’s License required.
3. Ability to work some evening and weekend hours to support University events and initiatives.
4. Experience in higher education or demonstrated experience working with students, faculty and community partners and diverse populations. Knowledge of higher education and vocational education is desired.
5. Working knowledge of best practices in career development.
6. Excellent writing, public speaking, and proven PC skills, including web development and social media.
7. Ability to complete multiple tasks simultaneously, independently and as part of a team, while maintaining positive relationships with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners.
Physical Requirements:
1. Attendance is required in order to perform the duties of this job.
2. Ability to lift 20 pounds or more.