What are the responsibilities and job description for the Temporary Assistant Director position at The College of New Jersey?
To enrich education through diversity, The College of New Jersey is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The College has a strong commitment to achieving diversity among faculty and staff, and strongly encourages women and members of underrepresented groups to apply.
The Career Center is seeking candidates for the Temporary Assistant Director role.
The Temporary Assistant Director, Career Center, will support TCNJ students and alumni by providing career development services, managing career-related programming, and fostering relationships with academic and external partners. This position is essential in coordinating career services for designated liaison areas, implementing career counseling strategies, and supporting campus-wide initiatives in alignment with Academic Affairs.
Main Responsibilities:
- Career Counseling & Preparation:
- Provide individualized career counseling to assist students and alumni in making informed decisions regarding their academic majors, career paths, and postgraduate plans.
- Conduct assessments using tools such as the Strong Interest Inventory, MBTI, Focus2, and other appropriate Career Assessments to help students gain self-awareness and clarity in their career exploration process.
- Guide students through resume and cover letter writing, job and internship search strategies, interview preparation, and networking techniques. Offer personalized feedback on application materials and interview skills to enhance their competitiveness.
- Develop and distribute handouts, digital resources, and marketing materials for workshops and services, ensuring accessibility and alignment with students’ needs at different stages of their career journey.
- Facilitate workshops and presentations for classrooms and student organizations on career exploration and preparation topics, building visibility and engagement with Career Center resources.
- Program Planning & Execution:
- Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of career development programs and events that address students’ career exploration, job search preparation, and graduate school exploration.
- Develop large-scale events such as career fairs and industry-specific networking events, managing logistical details, event promotion, and collaboration with employers and alumni.
- Assess program content and incorporate career competencies, including leadership, communication, problem-solving, and other skills relevant to today’s job market.
- Work with the Career Center team to define objectives, create assessment measures, and analyze data from programs to refine future events and support continuous improvement.
- Leverage relevant technology platforms to enhance program delivery, such as virtual event platforms, scheduling tools, and assessment software.
- Liaison & Relationship Management:
- Act as a liaison to one or more TCNJ schools or departments to develop career-related programs, strengthen communication, and align services.
- Conduct regular meetings with faculty, department heads, and school administrators to understand each program’s specific career-related needs and to communicate Career Center initiatives and resources.
- Engage with employers and alumni to identify job and internship opportunities aligned with liaison areas and facilitate connections between these external partners and students.
- Data Collection & Outcome Analysis:
- Coordinate the collection and analysis of career and event outcome data for assigned liaison areas, including managing data for the First Destination Survey.
- Report on program outcomes and assess the impact on student career development and engagement.
- Work with Career Center leadership to analyze survey results and identify trends in employment, continuing education, and post-graduation outcomes. Present data insights to relevant campus stakeholders to inform program development.
- Event Coordination & Project Management:
- Organize large-scale career events, such as career fairs and networking events, that connect students with employers and alumni.
- Develop a targeted outreach strategy for each event, including email communications, social media posts, and faculty announcements to maximize student participation and engagement.
- Assist in producing resources, including career handbooks and industry-specific guidance for students.
- Coordinate event logistics, such as scheduling, venue setup, employer registration, and volunteer management, to ensure smooth execution and a positive experience for all attendees.
- Academic Affairs & Campus Engagement:
- Participate in committees and campus-wide events, such as Open Houses and Orientations, to represent the Career Center and provide support as needed.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in higher education, counseling, or a related field.
- Minimum of 3 years in career development or counseling, with at least 4 years in higher education or student services.
- Knowledge of career development theories and tools, job market trends, and effective public relations and networking strategies.
- Previous experience in career counseling, advising, or related roles, with demonstrated experience in developing and facilitating career development workshops.
- Proficiency in event management, strong organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively across departments and engage with a broad range of stakeholders, including employers and diverse student populations.
- Advanced skills in MS Office Suite, database management, and social media marketing tools. Familiarity with Canva and other design software is a plus.
Employer Qualifications:
- Final offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of background check and reference checks.
About TCNJ
TCNJ is a highly selective institution that has earned national recognition for its commitment to excellence. Founded in 1855, TCNJ has become an exemplar of the best in public higher education and is consistently acknowledged as one of the top comprehensive colleges in the nation. TCNJ currently is ranked as one of the 75 "Most Competitive" schools in the nation by Barron's Profiles of American Colleges and is rated the No. 1 public institution in the northern region of the country by U.S. News & World Report. TCNJ was named the #10 value in public higher education by the Princeton review in 2009 and, in 2006, was awarded a Phi Beta Kappa chapter - an honor shared by less than 10 percent of colleges and universities nationally. A strong liberal arts core forms the foundation for programs offered through TCNJ's seven schools - Arts & Communication; Business; Education; Humanities and Social Sciences; Science; Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science; and Engineering. TCNJ faculty members are teacher-scholars who share a commitment to liberal learning. TCNJ is located within an hour, by train, of New York City and Philadelphia. The College's campus is set on 289 tree-lined acres in suburban Ewing Township and is known for its natural beauty and has 39 major buildings.
Contact Information
Qualified candidates should apply below and submit a letter of interest, resume (CV), as well as the names and contact information for three professional references. Applications will be considered until a viable finalist has been found.
In accordance with the New Jersey First Act P.L. 2011 c.70, effective September 1, 2011, new public employees in certain positions (faculty exempt) are required to obtain New Jersey residency within one (1) year of employment. Applicants must meet the requirements listed.