Career Advisor Manager at Miva Open University

OVERALL FUNCTION

• The Manager of Career Advisory Services is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing and providing strategic direction to the university's career guidance and development initiatives.
• This position entails leading a team of career advisors, developing and implementing comprehensive career programs, and fostering strong partnerships with academic departments, employers, and alumni to enhance student career opportunities.
• The Manager is responsible for staying abreast of industry trends, labor market demands, and evolving career paths to ensure students receive relevant and forward-thinking career guidance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Leadership: Provide visionary leadership for the Career Advisory Services team, aligning departmental goals with the university's overall mission and vision. Develop and implement strategic plans to enhance career services and student outcomes.
• Team Management: Lead and manage a team of career advisors, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities to foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Career Program Development: Design, implement, and assess comprehensive career programs and initiatives that cater to the diverse needs of students, including career exploration, internship opportunities, job placements, and alumni engagement.
• Student Engagement: Engage directly with students through individual career counseling, workshops, and seminars, providing expert career guidance and fostering student empowerment in career decision-making.
• Industry Partnerships: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with employers, industry leaders, alumni, and external stakeholders to create meaningful internship opportunities, networking events, and recruitment activities for students.
• Data-Driven Approach: Utilize data and labor market trends to inform career development strategies, ensuring that services are tailored to meet the evolving demands of the job market.
• Career Education Integration: Collaborate with academic departments to integrate career education into the curriculum, assisting faculty in incorporating career development opportunities within their programs.
• Professional Development: Keep abreast of career counseling best practices, industry advancements, and emerging technologies to continuously enhance the quality and effectiveness of career advisory services.
• Quality Assurance: Establish and maintain quality assurance processes to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of career advisory services, making data-driven decisions for continuous improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

• Master's degree in Counseling, Education, Human Resources, or a related field. Relevant certifications in career counseling or coaching are advantageous.
• Several years of experience in career counseling or advising, with a proven track record of providing effective career guidance to students.
• Leadership Experience: Previous experience in a managerial or leadership role, with a demonstrated ability to lead and mentor a team of professionals.
• Strategic Vision: A visionary mindset with the ability to develop and implement innovative career development strategies that align with the university's goals.
• Networking and Relationship Building: Strong networking skills and the ability to foster partnerships with employers, alumni, and industry stakeholders.
• Data Analysis and Technology Proficiency: Proficiency in data analysis tools and technology to inform decision-making and enhance career services.
• Effective Communication: Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills to engage with diverse audiences, including students, faculty, employers, and university leadership.
• Organizational Skills: Exceptional organizational and project management skills to handle multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Student-Centered Approach: A commitment to student success and a student-centered approach to career guidance and development.