Midwest ACE Job Posting
Executive Director of Career Development
Gustavus Adolphus College
Saint Peter, MN

April 18, 2019

Job Description:

Gustavus Adolphus College is a private liberal arts college in Saint Peter, Minnesota, that prepares 2,200 undergraduates for lives of leadership, service, and lifelong learning. The oldest Lutheran college in Minnesota, Gustavus was founded in 1862 by Swedish immigrants and named for Swedish King Gustav II Adolf.

At Gustavus, students receive personal attention in small-sized classes and engage in collaborative and interdisciplinary research with their professors. Fully accredited and known for its strong science, writing, music, athletics, study-away, and service-learning programs, Gustavus hosts a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa and is internationally recognized for its annual Nobel Conference.In line with the Gustavus Adolphus College strategic plan and propelled by a $10 million endowment, the executive director of career development is a recently created leadership position designed to provide vision and momentum to an expanding Center for Career Development.

The executive director provides leadership and strategic direction through the design, delivery, and ongoing assessment of a comprehensive and integrated program of career services. Responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the Center for Career Development, the executive director will develop and leverage the talents of a growing team (eight staff members, beginning fall 2019) dedicated to helping students discover their vocation and expand their career readiness through a coordinated four-year model that engages students in advising/coaching, mentoring/networking, internship, skill development, and employment opportunities; facilitates connections between academic and experiential learning; and promotes both passion and purpose among students.

The executive director is the center’s chief ambassador and collaborates with a variety of stakeholders both on- and off-campus in order to nurture and expand partnerships, programs, and opportunities that will serve students from their first year to postgraduate careers. Stakeholders include faculty and staff associated with academic affairs, advancement and alumni/parent engagement, athletics, fine arts, the diversity center, enrollment management, marketing and communication, and student affairs, as well as students, alumni, parents, and employer representatives.

The executive director is responsible for leading change and continuous improvement, managing fiscal and facility resources, developing and deploying available technology, data management, and reporting of outcomes. As an integral member of the Student Affairs leadership team, the executive director of career development supports the division’s strategic goals, collaborates with colleagues, and actively participates in meetings, programs, committees, and assignments as directed.

Job Requirements:

Minimum qualifications include:

Bachelor’s degree and at least three years of demonstrated supervisory experience with full-time professional staff, coupled with a demonstrated knowledge of career development best practices, contemporary job search strategies, market trends, workforce priorities across a broad spectrum of corporate and non-profit organizations, and familiarity with evolving recruitment processes including the use of technology. A commitment to equity and inclusive excellence is also required.

Preferred qualifications include:

Advanced degree (master’s or doctorate) in higher education administration/student affairs, counseling, business, or related discipline; demonstrated experience working with undergraduate students; five or more years of progressive experience in career development and/or talent acquisition; documented skills and experience collaborating with multiple constituents (e.g., students, staff, faculty, alumni, parents, employers) to support career development priorities; and knowledge of and proficiency with computer technology (CRM systems, databases, and web-based applications) to facilitate service delivery, communication/connections, and community outreach.