Career & Life Design Specialist - Cleary University : Job Details

Job DetailsLevelExperiencedJob LocationHowell Campus - Howell, MIPosition TypeFull TimeEducation Level4 Year DegreeDescriptionCareer and Life Design SpecialistPosition Summary:Cleary University seeks an energetic champion of career and life design for the role of Career and Life Design Specialist. This role is central to advancing the university's mission by developing and implementing a comprehensive Career and Life Design program in Cleary's community. Drawing on the principles of Stanford's Designing Your Life (DYL) program, the Specialist will be instrumental in equipping students of all ages with the skills, mindset, and resources needed to navigate their educational journey and career paths with purpose and resilience.The Specialist will serve as a catalyst for student success through program development, secondary school partnerships, and employer engagement. This role requires a collaborative leader who is a champion for student development and a proven track record of building and managing successful career services or life design programs based on the Designing Your Life framework.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:Strategic Leadership:

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for the career and life design, ensuring alignment with Cleary University's mission and goals.
• Design and implement a career and life design program with Cleary and/or our partners that integrates design thinking principles to prepare students for personal and professional success.
• Lead the integration of life design principles into the academic curriculum in collaboration with faculty and academic departments.

Program Development and Implementation:

• Develop and oversee the delivery of workshops, courses, and individualized coaching sessions aimed at helping students explore career paths, develop life plans, and achieve their goals.
• Utilize design thinking methodologies to create innovative programs that address the evolving needs of students, including ideation techniques, prototyping, and the creation of Odyssey Plans to guide students through their post-graduation lives.
• Collaborate with campus partners to create and sustain experiential learning opportunities, including internships, co-ops, and mentorship programs.

Student Support and Engagement:

• Provide direct coaching to students, helping them to identify their strengths, interests, and values, and to develop actionable plans for their academic and career development.

Employer and Alumni Engagement:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with employers, alumni, and community partners to create meaningful career opportunities for students.

Assessment and Continuous Improvement:

• Develop and implement metrics to assess the effectiveness of career and life design programs, using data to inform continuous improvement efforts.
• Prepare regular reports on program outcomes, student success, and impact, sharing insights with university leadership and stakeholders.

Team Leadership and Collaboration:

• Collaborate with university departments, including career services, academic affairs, student services, and alumni relations, to build a cohesive and integrated support system for students.

SUPERVISED BY: President & CEOEMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Full-TimeQualificationsMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Counseling, Career Development, or a related field.
• At least three years of experience in career services, student affairs, or a related field, with a minimum of two years in a leadership role.
• Deep understanding of career development theories and the principles of Stanford's Designing Your Life program, with experience in applying design thinking in educational settings.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with a proven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in career and life design services.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working with undergraduate students in a career services or life design capacity.
• Familiarity with the unique needs of small private colleges and universities.

DiversityCleary University is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. Cleary strongly believes that workforce diversity creates an environment in which its employees can thrive. Cleary understands and embraces the variety through which people gain experiences whether through professional, personal, educational, or volunteer opportunities. Cleary University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.Cleary encourages interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities.Why Work at Cleary University?Cleary University offers a collaborative and innovative work environment where employees are valued for their contributions. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.Our Core Values:

• Students First: We are personally invested in our students' lives, empathizing with their challenges and supporting their journey.
• Collaboratively Engaged: We work together to advance the university's mission and student success, breaking down barriers and supporting one another.
• Community-Centered: We actively represent the university in our communities, seeking mutual benefit and well-being.
• Always Find a Way: We are resourceful, creative, and persistent, looking for solutions in the face of challenges.

We welcome candidates who embody these core values and are committed to integrating them into their work.