Associate Director, Career Management

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business is seeking an Associate Director of Career Management to support 1,300 full‑time MBA students from Harper Center. You will coach students one‑on‑one and in groups, and design innovative programming for career development across all MBA functions.

Based in Chicago, this role partners with student organizations and employers, leads projects, and contributes to a fast‑paced, outcomes‑driven Career Services team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Master’s degree in business, counseling, or related field.
• 5-7 years of work experience in a related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Coaches domestic and international full‑time MBA students on career management and job search skills in one‑on‑one and group settings.
• Develops and delivers career programming including large lectures, workshops, panels, and events.
• Partners with student organizations and employers to align recruiting needs with programming.
• Leads special projects and initiatives to enhance MBA career services.
• Keeps up to date with MBA industries and market trends to inform coaching and content.
• Collaborates with Employer Relations to build industry knowledge.
• Manages multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment and meets deadlines.

Skills

Coaching

Career guidance

Public speaking

Presentation skills

Organizational skills

Strategic planning

Project management

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Master’s degree in business, counseling, or related field

5-7 years of work experience in a related discipline

Tools

MS Office

Job description

The Associate Director, Career Management is part of a global Career Services team providing career management support to Chicago Booth MBA students. The Associate Director primarily functions as a coach and educator for Chicago Booth’s 1,300 full-time MBA students, based at Harper Center on the main University of Chicago Campus. As a coach, the Associate Director provides one‑on‑one and small group support for all phases of the career and job search lifecycle. As an educator, the Associate Director creates and delivers innovative career management programming including large classroom, experiential learning and special events, and via e‑learning such as webinars and designed instructional tools. The Associate Director also works on special projects and initiatives, and partners closely with student organizations on career management and recruiting support.

This position is not eligible for employer‑sponsored employment authorization.

Responsibilities

• Coaches domestic and international full‑time MBA students on pertinent career management and job search skills appropriate for the full range of MBA‑level business careers in one‑on‑one, small and large group settings, in‑person and virtually. Acquires, maintains, and applies knowledge of career research databases and shares that knowledge with relevant constituencies. The Associate Director is a generalist, coaching first‑year and second‑year MBA students across industries.
• Career Education Programs – conceptualizes, innovates, develops, and delivers career management programming, such as large lectures, workshops, seminars, panel discussions, special events, and groups of 5‑650 students. Leverages learning technologies in designing and delivering career content to support students. Solicits and analyzes student feedback and evaluations, and helps strategize with the broader Career Management team, student organizations, and/or other Booth staff to determine program offerings and innovations.
• Student Organization Partnership – consults and partners with several functional, industry, regional, and affinity student groups to guide in planning and delivering career management‑related programming to support recruiting needs. Accompanies students on treks to employers.
• Special Projects and Initiatives – manages or leads various special projects/programs that provide career related support or strategic initiatives to address the needs of special constituencies. Partners across the team and colleagues in developing and implementing innovative initiatives.
• Continually develops and maintains knowledge of MBA functions and industries that target MBA students for recruiting. Analyzes markets and trends as they relate to the MBA job search and incorporates tips/advice into coaching students, and in developing career programming.
• Collaborates and partners with industry‑specific Employer Relations colleagues to build industry knowledge for use in coaching and career management program development. Accompanies relationship managers on firm visits as needed, to build knowledge and share student feedback with employers.
• Analyzes markets and trends as they relate to job searches. Assesses student feedback and evaluations and collaborates with other career services staff members, student organizations, or other staff to determine program offerings and innovations.
• Researches organizations that are hiring and partners with a wide variety of employers to ensure recruitment strategies meet their needs. Maintains contact with a portfolio of employers to serve as their dedicated Career Advancement liaison.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Education and Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in a related field.
• Master’s degree in business, counseling, or a related field.
• 5‑7 years of work experience in a related discipline.
• Background in business or higher education, with an understanding or demonstrated interest in business careers.

Technical Skills or Knowledge

• Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Knowledge of career development theory and strong coaching or counseling skills.
• Understanding and appreciation of the needs and concerns of a diverse MBA student body.
• Outstanding verbal, written, and presentation skills, as well as organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision; self‑motivated, identifies opportunities for improvement, and recommends effective changes while achieving key objectives.
• Excellent strategic planning, project management, critical thinking, analytical, and relationship management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment, meet strict deadlines, and handle multiple detailed tasks/projects simultaneously, with frequent interruptions.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and diplomatically in an interdependent, matrixed team environment, specifically with colleagues, students, faculty, and corporate contacts.
• Professional demeanor, including tact, discretion, and a customer‑service‑oriented approach.

Working Conditions

• This position is currently expected to work a minimum of three days per week in the office.

Compensation

$75,000.00 – $90,000.00

Benefits

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773‑702‑5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.