St. John’s established in 1870, has three New York City campuses; international locations in Rome, Italy; Limerick, Ireland; and Paris, France; and study abroad locations around the world. The Princeton Review and other top rankings consistently recognize the University’s outstanding academics, diverse student body, dynamic internship and volunteer opportunities, focus on student life, and diverse study abroad offerings. St. John’s University offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in its six colleges and schools, with a growing number of programs offered online. The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and 12 other major academic and professional associations. 

A dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion is at the heart of our mission.  As a Catholic and Vincentian university, St. John’s is committed to institutionalizing practices of inclusive excellence to ensure that we welcome and celebrate the intrinsic worth of all members of our community.  We will become an even stronger university as we enhance equity at every level of our institution.  Our graduates will excel in the competencies and values required for leadership and service in a rapidly evolving world.    

DEPARTMENT:  Division of Student Success

TITLE:  Assistant Director of First-Year Career Advising

CAMPUS:  Queens

JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Associate Director of First-Year Career Advising within the Center for Student Success, the Assistant Director of First-Year Career Advising will provide individualized professional career coaching with a specialized focus on first-year students. The Assistant Director will partner closely with the advisors, case managers, and academic achievement professionals within the Center for Student Success to create programming for students throughout the University as well as to create asset-based individualized plans based on the needs of populations of students.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide career coaching to first-year students with a focus on developing competencies essential to academic and career success.
• Administer and interpret career-related assessments to identify abilities, interests, and values and how they align to related degree programs and career pathway options.
• Assist students in the exploration of career options across industries. Expose students to student mentoring opportunities, faculty, alumni, and employers within areas of career interest.
• Advise students on resume/cover letter writing, application techniques, networking, professional branding, interviewing, etiquette, salary research, and campus to career transition.
• Assist in the management, support, and advisement of first-year students with a focus on student retention.
• Partner with multiple sections of First Year Seminar (first-year student success course); develop curriculum for and facilitate career readiness related content and modules.
• Proactively monitor student success; address, respond to, and work to resolve student concerns, questions, or issues. Identify complex student issues that require immediate action or follow-up with appropriate leadership or campus partners.
• Develop strong working relationships with faculty to identify students in need of career coaching or exploration, collaborate with the Center for Student Success, the faculty, and other campus partners to ensure that students are on-track to successfully complete their first year.
• Develop knowledge of campus resources available including, but not limited to academic advising, tutoring services, counseling services, career services, peer coaching options, extracurricular activities, study abroad program(s), research opportunities and internships and refer students as needed.
• Represent and facilitate presentations to groups of students, including at New Student Orientation, and other events for students and families throughout the year.
• Develop and coordinate inclusive programs and services to serve a diverse population of students and alumni.
• Assist in assessing usage and effectiveness of office programs and services through measurable data collection.

COMPETENCIES

• Ability to interact effectively with students, faculty/staff, parents.
• Knowledge of career readiness and academic achievement promising practices and philosophy.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Ability to employ the highest level of confidentiality and discretion in working on complex and highly confidential issues that arise in student success
• The ability to juggle multiple responsibilities and deadlines on an ongoing basis
• A commitment to being part of an inclusive and anti-racist University community
• A strong work ethic and commitment to excellent service
• Strong organizational and planning skills
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively, both independently and collaboratively, within a collegial environment
• Adept in the use of Microsoft Office Suite and other software platforms simultaneously (such as student record databases, customer relationship management systems, degree progress tools, appointment systems, analytics software/tools).
• Ability to work with students through in-person and virtual modalities including 1:1, small group, and larger event environments.
• Ability to combine the pursuit of excellence with a spirit of kindness and collaboration

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position operates in a professional office environment, using standard office equipment such as a personal computer, printer, and other office technology.

St. John’s values your work/life balance and offers this full-time opportunity with potential for partial remote work after six months of employment. (Typically, in the office 4-5 days per week during the semester with increased flexibility on breaks and during the summer.)   

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; move about; sit; to carry work and use controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; communicate. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 20 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by the employee include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

This is a full-time position that requires typical business hours Monday through Friday. Office Hours are 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am – 3 pm on Friday.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Minimum of three to five years of work experience preferably in higher education.
• Willingness and desire to serve students from diverse backgrounds.
• Possess strong customer service focus for internal and external constituents and success working both independently and in cross-functional teams.
• Proficient in the use of computer technology required.
• Some evening and weekend work required.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree
• Knowledge of Banner
• Familiarity with faith-based organizations
• Experience working in higher education in career services or advising

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please submit a current resume and cover letter that addresses how your experience aligns with the position requirements and responsibilities.

In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, the annual salary range for this position is $58,500 - $65,000.  St. John’s University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.   

This position may be relocated to any of St. John’s University’s physical locations at any time. 

St. John’s offers a competitive compensation program which is commensurate with your qualifications, experience, and contingent upon the departmental budget. We also offer an extremely comprehensive benefits program to meet the diverse needs of our workforce. Along with exceptional benefits such as medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability insurance, tuition remission, generous 403(b) employer contribution, employee assistance program, and liberal paid time off policies, faculty and staff can also enjoy St. John’s performing arts, libraries, bookstores, dining facilities, campus recreation and sporting events 

Any offer of employment is subject to receipt by St. John’s University of satisfactory references, verification of employment and education. 

St. John’s University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from women and minorities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Required Skills Required Experience