Executive Director of the Mignone Center for Career Success

17-Oct-2024

Executive Director of the Mignone Center for Career Success

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

67163BR

Position Description

Reporting to the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education for Academic Engagement, the Executive Director leads and manages all aspects of the Mignone Center for Career Success (MCS), with the primary mission of empowering and supporting learners as they identify, explore, and achieve their career and professional goals and aspirations, wherever they may lead.  MCS serves students at Harvard College, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Harvard Extension School degree programs. The Director will develop and implement long-term strategies for the delivery and assessment of programs and services that increase the visibility, accessibility, and impact of the Mignone Center for Career Success. The position will also provide overall strategic management of the office in the areas of policy development, program management, data reporting, evaluation, staffing, delivery of services, and relations with internal and external constituents.  

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Serve as the primary liaison between Harvard College, GSAS, and Harvard Extension School, its students and alumni, and potential employers on a state, regional, national, and global scale.  

• Responsible for fiscal planning and management, including all operations and staffing matters. Oversee a staff of 27 FTEs (full-time equivalents) and supervise the heads of the office units. Oversee staff professional development activities and training.  

• Oversee a budget of over $7 million, including earned revenue and over 90 restricted endowed and gift funds, in collaboration with the Assistant Director of Administration. 

• Closely coordinate communication with deans, department chairs, and other faculty to ensure that MCS is meeting the needs of the academic departments. Represent MCS in Dean and Director level meetings and coordinate strategy with the senior leadership of the College, Harvard Extension School, GSAS, FAS (Faculty of Arts and Sciences) and the University.  

• Monitor, analyze, and evaluate current scope of services offered by MCS and plan, implement, and direct innovative programs under the supervision of the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education and in coordination with other directors of student services and co-curricular efforts.  

• Serve as adviser and interface with representatives of industrial, governmental, and educational employers to assist in the most effective use of the Mignone Center for Career Success’ services and programs. 

• Develop new contacts with external organizations for the purpose of expanding employment opportunities for students and alumni.  

• Review and supervise the on-campus recruitment and interviewing processes as well as job and internship database and resources for current students as well as alumni.  

• Serve in a leadership role in various professional organizations including, but not limited to, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) and affiliates which provide broad opportunities for career development activities.  

• Provide leadership for the MCS recruiting and advising programs, ensuring delivery of services to the 13,000 students served along with alumni, employers, donors, and other constituents.  

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 10 years’ relevant work experience
• Supervisory experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Masters degree preferred.  

• A minimum of 10 years of combined academic career services and/or corporate recruitment management experience.  

• Effective organizational and management skills.  

• Experience in collaborative work, including across units and expertise areas.  

• Experience managing staff and budgets, and experience managing organizational change.  

• Experience working with a diverse student body and needs of individual populations.¿  

• Experience with data analytics and program assessment.  

• Knowledge and understanding of best practices in university career services, student career and professional development, and career opportunities for students in diverse programs and concentrations. Nationwide professional contacts in both educational and employment sectors.  

• Experience in fundraising or working with Development and Alumni Relations preferred.  

• Effective communication skills in both speaking and writing, and strong interpersonal skills.  

• Technical proficiency in career management systems, Microsoft Office and database systems.  

• Demonstrated ability to work well with students, faculty, administrators, and employers; sensitivity to, and experience with, the needs of students from a broad range of backgrounds.  

• Demonstrated public relations/marketing abilities to be used on behalf of Harvard College, GSAS and Harvard Extension School as a whole and the Mignone Center for Career Success specifically. 

Additional Information

In order to be considered for this role, a cover letter is required.

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

Faculty & Student Services

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

S0460M FSS Career Services Mgt VI

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

College

Salary Grade

060

Department

Mignone Center for Career Success

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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