Position Summary
Overview
This Associate Director of Career Development role offers a unique opportunity to lead the Michigander Scholar Program, fostering strong employer relationships, delivering impactful career services, and supporting students in achieving their professional aspirations. The Associate Director provides strategic leadership in career development, building employer partnerships, offering tailored career advising, and enhancing the academic and professional growth of Michigander Scholars. Additionally, this role oversees event planning, marketing, and administrative operations to ensure the program’s success.
This is a 12-month, full-time position with a 100% appointment, renewable based on continued funding, positive performance reviews, and mutual agreement. The position reports to the Director of Employer Engagement within The Center – Experience Engineering Careers, College of Engineering.
The Michigander Scholar Program connects engineering students with career opportunities and scholarships. It also helps universities understand the skills employers seek in graduates. Meanwhile, key employers across the state gain early, direct access to a pipeline of talent for internships and post-graduation positions.
Key Responsibilities
1. Student Engagement & Career Advising (40%)
- Provide individual and group career advising to Michigander Scholars, offering guidance on career exploration, job search strategies, and professional development.
- Design and facilitate career preparation workshops, including resume reviews, mock interviews, and networking events.
- Lead specialized programming to support underrepresented students within the Michigander Scholar Program.
- Partner with faculty and academic staff to integrate career readiness into the curriculum.
- Act as the primary contact for Michigander Scholars, addressing questions related to career and academic development.
- Promote the Michigander Scholar Program to students across the university to increase participation and awareness of available career resources.
2. Employer Engagement & Event Management (45%)
- Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with employers across private, public, and nonprofit sectors to expand career opportunities for Michigander Scholars.
- Serve as the primary university representative for employer engagement within the Michigander Scholar Program.
- Plan and execute career-focused events, including recruitment fairs, alumni networking sessions, and employer-led workshops.
- Develop and implement marketing strategies targeting regional and national employers to promote the Michigander Scholar Program.
- Advise employers on campus branding and recruitment strategies aligned with program goals.
- Collaborate with employers to enhance diversity and inclusion in recruitment efforts.
- Manage partnerships with professional organizations and participate in employer development committees.
- Continuously assess employer needs and refine engagement strategies to keep the program competitive and impactful.
3. Program Administration & Reporting (15%)
- Oversee the program budget, ensuring effective resource allocation, financial management, and revenue generation through grants and sponsorships.
- Develop and maintain data-driven reports on program activities and outcomes to measure success and inform strategic improvements.
- Supervise and mentor part-time staff and interns, ensuring alignment with program objectives.
- Manage a customer relationship management (CRM) system to track employer, alumni, and student engagement.
- Represent the Michigander Scholar Program and the university at meetings, committees, and professional organizations.
- Contribute to administrative operations within The Center as needed.
Core Competencies
- Strategic mindset, aligning employer engagement and student advising with institutional goals.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with a focus on long-term planning and implementation.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring all Michigander Scholars have access to professional opportunities.
- Independent decision-maker capable of managing complex projects effectively.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Masters
Minimum Requirements
- Master’s degree in a relevant field.
- Minimum of five years of experience in career services, academic advising, or employer relations, with a track record of program development and employer engagement.
- Strong communication skills, including written, oral, and presentation abilities.
- Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with employers, students, and faculty.
- Experience with career services platforms (e.g., Handshake, CRM systems, virtual career tools).
- Proficiency in data analysis tools, including Excel and PowerBI, for reporting and decision-making.
- Willingness to travel and work non-traditional hours as required.
Desired Qualifications
- Degree in higher education, business administration, student affairs, or a related field.
- Experience managing programs similar to the Michigander Scholar Program, including financial and personnel responsibilities.
- Familiarity with curriculum development, experiential education, and student recruitment initiatives.
- Technical expertise in database management, social media, and event promotion.
Required Application Materials
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Names and contact information of 3 professional references
Special Instructions
Applications will be reviewed on a continuing basis until the position is filled. The search committee reserves the right to review applications early at their discretion.
For more information about the Michigander Scholars Program, visit The Michigander Scholarship Program | Michigan Business
Review of Applications Begins On
03/24/2025
Website
https://www.careers.egr.msu.edu/
Department Statement
About The College of Engineering
Advancing, disseminating, and applying engineering knowledge has been the focus of the MSU College of Engineering for more than 130 years. The mission of the MSU College of Engineering is to deliver the highest-quality engineering graduates, cutting-edge research, and innovative technology to benefit society locally and globally. The college carries out its mission through educational and research programs over eight departments tackling interdisciplinary themes such as computational sciences, energy, health, manufacturing, materials, mobility, security, and sustainability.
The College of Engineering is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the rich diversity of our global society while upholding the high standards of Michigan State University. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and perspectives, including but not limited to women, underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, protected veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and others who bring unique experiences. Your diverse insights and contributions are essential to our college's ongoing growth and pursuit of excellence.
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
