Student Engagement and Career Development Lead

Position Title: Student Engagement and Career Development Lead

Department: Student Services / Career Services 

Reports To: Deputy Provost

Location: UK Management College – Manchester

Salary: £60K OTE

Position Overview:

The Student Engagement and Career Development Lead plays a key role in enhancing the student experience by fostering engagement opportunities and supporting career development initiatives. This position works collaboratively with students, academic departments, alumni, and employers to develop and deliver career-related programs and services aimed at preparing students for successful careers. The Officer will also work to promote student involvement in extracurricular activities, leadership opportunities, and the building of networks essential for career growth.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Career Development Support:

• Provide individual career counseling and coaching to students, assisting them in areas such as resume writing, interview preparation, job search strategies, and career planning.
• Provide Employer Forums for students
• Build a comprehensive CRM of employers for the College
• Attend Employer related events to represent the College
• Coordinate and lead workshops, webinars, and events related to career exploration, job application processes, and professional skill development.
• Build and maintain relationships with employers, alumni, and industry professionals to create internship and job opportunities for students.
• Develop and manage job fairs, networking events, and recruitment initiatives.
• Assist students in identifying career pathways and creating personalized career development plans.

2. Student Engagement & Extracurricular Activities:

• Collaborate with student organizations, clubs, and academic departments to promote student involvement and leadership development opportunities.
• Support student engagement initiatives such as volunteer programs, mentorship opportunities, and professional development workshops.
• Foster a sense of community on campus by organizing events that bring students together and enhance the overall student experience.
• Advise student leaders and groups on strategies to increase involvement, retention, and leadership development.

3. Employer & Alumni Relations:

• Build and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national employers to create internship, co-op, and job placement opportunities for students.
• Facilitate employer visits to campus, including information sessions, recruitment events, and company networking events.
• Coordinate and facilitate alumni engagement, leveraging the alumni network for mentorship, job shadowing, and networking opportunities for current students.  

4. Assessment & Reporting:

• Track student engagement and career development outcomes, including participation in programs, events, and employment placement.
• Regularly assess the effectiveness of career services and student engagement programs through surveys, feedback, and data analysis.
• Prepare reports and presentations on career development trends, student participation, and program success.

5. Marketing & Outreach:

• Develop and implement strategies for promoting career services and student engagement programs to the broader student body.
• Create and distribute marketing materials, including flyers, newsletters, and social media posts, to keep students informed about opportunities.
• Maintain an up-to-date and comprehensive database of career resources, events, and opportunities available to students.

6. Collaboration & Partnerships:

• Work closely with faculty, academic advisors, and other student support services to integrate career development into the curriculum and student support initiatives.
• Collaborate with external partners (e.g., local businesses, organizations, government bodies) to develop new opportunities for student engagement and career development.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Career Counseling, Higher Education, Human Resources, Psychology, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.

Experience: 

• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in career development, student services, or a related field, preferably in a higher education setting.
• Experience in organizing events, workshops, and career fairs.
• Strong understanding of employment trends, employer expectations, and job market dynamics.

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to engage and motivate students, faculty, employers, and alumni.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple programs and events simultaneously.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and experience with career management software and social media platforms.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment while also managing individual responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in recruitment, employer relations, or workforce development.
• Familiarity with career management software (e.g., Handshake, Symplicity).
• Knowledge of student development theory and best practices in student engagement.

Working Conditions:

Hours: Full-time position, may require some evening or weekend work to accommodate student schedules and events.

Work Environment: Office-based 

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references via [email protected]