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POSITION SPECIFICS
Penn State is currently seeking a Director of Alumni Career Services in supporting the Penn State Alumni Association (PSAA)leads the development and execution of a comprehensive, data-informed alumni career engagement strategy designed to provide lifelong value to alumni while strengthening their connection to the University and the Alumni Association. This role advances alumni engagement, participation, volunteer involvement, and philanthropic investment by creating meaningful career development, mentoring, and networking opportunities across the full student-to-alumni lifecycle.As a member of the Division of Development and Alumni Relations, you can play an integral role in Penn State's future and contribute to one of the most successful fundraising and alumni relations operations in the country.
Reporting to the Executive Director of Engagement, and as a key member of theEngagement Team's leadership group within the PSAA, the Director works closely with colleagues across the University to identify needs, recommend solutions, and deliver high-impact career services strategies that support alumni at every stage of their professional journey.
The Director of Alumni Career Services will articulate Penn State's needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications as well as:
Leadership
Lead and manage the Alumni Career Services team, setting priorities,developing portfolio assignments,overseeing performance, and supporting staff development.
Develop, implement, and continuously refine a comprehensive alumni career services plan thatis in-line with the PSAA's strategic plan,supports alumni across all phases of career development.
Manage the Alumni Career Services budget andallocateresources to support strategic priorities and program delivery.
Establish and track key performance metrics for alumni career services initiatives; analyze outcomes and provide regular reporting to inform decision-making anddemonstrateimpact.
Represent the Alumni Association on internal and external committees,work groups, and professional organizations.
Strategy and Programming
Develop and implement strategies thatleveragePenn State's global alumni network to advancealumnicareer growth through virtual and in-person programs, services, events, and networking opportunities.
Directexpansion, diversification, execution, and assessment of professional development and mentoring initiatives, including resource creation, content delivery, promotional planning, and marketing support.
Direct, develop, andprovidetheability for the PSAA to offer andexecute onscalableindividual career support through one-on-one career assessments andvirtualcoaching sessions.
Determineand lead the strategy for integrating technology, digital engagement tools, and AI-enabled platforms into alumni career services, including assessing current systems andidentifyingnew solutionsto enhance reach and effectiveness.
Increase alumni participation in career-focused programming by designing accessible, relevant, and scalable offerings that meet the needs of diverse alumni audiences.
Oversee the development,refinementand future iterations of the Young Alumni Ambassador Program.
Partnerships
Establish and strengthen strategic partnerships withuniversityoffices, including University Career Services, to create collaborative opportunities that support alumni career development.
Leverage existing career services platforms and University resources to enhance alumni careeradvancementand increase access to professional opportunities.
Represent alumni engagement at career-related events, including relevant University-sponsored programs.
Coordinate with the Director of Volunteer Engagement toidentifyareas where the extensive PSAA affiliate group network can beleveragedto expand and strengthen career programmingand networking and develop necessary resources and plans to allow for local execution, scaling the PSAA's reach.
Collaborate with campus colleagues toidentify, cultivate, and steward prominent alumni, donors, prospects, and volunteers through meaningful career development engagement opportunities.
Lead alumni engagement strategy and execution for the Alumni Association's workplace alumni program through partnering with campus colleagues and industry network volunteers toidentifyand engage C-suite alumni and other workplace leaders in building employer-based alumni programs; leverage and promote current Alumni Career Services offerings to expand networking and career-related opportunities within partner organizations and alumni networks; collaborate with schools, colleges, and strategic campus offices to coordinate professional development programs, faculty speaker events, and other initiatives that deepen engagement with corporate networks and evaluate opportunities toestablishnew employer-based alumni networks based on interest, organizational alignment, available resources, and concentration of alumni within a company.
Promote internship, mentoring, and professional opportunities for both alumni and students, including opportunities connected to alumni-owned businesses and employer partners.
The successful candidate will have:
Master'sdegree, 8+years of relevant, progressively responsible experience,including3+ years ofsupervisoryexperience orequivalencywithadultcareerservices backgroundpreferredalongsideexperience inprogram development, alumni engagement, donor relations, volunteer management, or a related field.
Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills.
The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues.
Directexperiencewithpost-secondarygraduatecareer coaching, counseling, and advising.
Demonstrated experience leading teams and developing staff.
Strong strategic planning, organizational, and project management skills.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Experience using CRM systems and career-focused platforms.
