Job Summary:

 The Assistant Director of Career Development supports the mission of the Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) by advancing student career readiness and success. This position is responsible for delivering a required, non-credit-bearing undergraduate career development course and providing comprehensive career advising to undergraduate students. The Assistant Director collaborates with campus partners to develop and deliver programs and resources that connect academic experiences with career outcomes.

Who we are:

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

RPI’s Division of Student Experience has been named one of the Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs by ACPA – College Student Educators International and EDU Ledger. This prestigious, research-driven honor is based on a comprehensive national survey evaluating workplace culture, organizational practices, and staff experiences. RPI is proud to be one of just 30 institutions nationwide selected for this distinction. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Higher Education Administration, Education, Counseling or a related field
• Three (3) or more years professional experience in fields related to student programming, with a preference for experience in a career center or human resources

Relevant combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration, Education, Counseling or related field
• Experience with course development and instruction for an undergraduate STEM population
• Project and event management experience
• Experience in career services or recruiting in a university setting and/or experience in human resources recruiting and/or human resources generalist knowledge in the private sector
• Experience with the identification of relevant and desirable student learning and development outcomes, as related to experiential learning programs, and the establishment of measures aimed at accomplishing them 

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage and advise a traditional college-age student population
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and achieve established goals
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, exercising sound judgment and a high level of initiative
• Strong customer service orientation, with a commitment to providing high-quality support to students and campus partners
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population and contribute to an inclusive environment
• Proficiency with computer systems and technology, including career management platforms and data systems
• Ability to collect, analyze, and report data related to student outcomes and program effectiveness, in alignment with industry standards
• Knowledge of industry hiring cycles, recruitment practices, and employment trends.
  Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends, as required

Representative Job Duties:

• Provide individual and group career advising to undergraduate students across disciplines. Assist students with career exploration, decision-making, and goal setting, including self-assessment and identification of career pathways. Support students in the development of application materials, including resumes and cover letters, as well as interview preparation, networking strategies, and job, internship, and graduate school search processes. Promote and support student engagement in experiential learning opportunities.
• Serve as instructor of the Experiential Learning Preparation Course during the fall, spring, and summer terms. In collaboration with the Director and Associate Director, develop and maintain an inclusive, outcomes-based curriculum grounded in career development theory and best practices. Assess student learning outcomes and engagement, and implement continuous improvements to course content and delivery.
• Develop and deliver workshops, programs, and presentations on career readiness topics. Assist with the planning and execution of large-scale events, including the CCPD Spring Career Fair, and provide operational support as needed.
• Collaborate with the CCPD Employer Relations team to identify and promote experiential, internship, and full-time employment opportunities aligned with Institute priorities. Maintain knowledge of industry trends and employment outcomes relevant to RPI students.
• Conduct program assessment and prepare reports on key performance indicators, including student participation, program effectiveness, and career outcomes. Utilize career management systems and data tools to support assessment and reporting efforts. Contribute to departmental strategic planning and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and maintain a monthly programming calendar and create promotional materials, including event announcements, flyers, and digital communications. Partner with campus stakeholders to promote career programs and services and to enhance student engagement.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director on the development and implementation of virtual career development services and resources.
• Support initiatives that advance equitable access to career development resources and services for all students.
• Other duties as assigned.

Shift:

Business Hours with weekends or evenings occasionally required

Travel:

Driving:

Incidental driving possible, but not required

Starting Salary/Rate:

Expected hiring range: $65,000 - $70,000

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions:

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information:

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).