Lead Career Strategy Specialist

Ohio State University; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Job summary

Ohio State University seeks a Lead Career Strategy Specialist to guide MBA and WPMBA career management across the student lifecycle, from orientation to post-graduate outcomes. This role shapes programming, coaching frameworks, and employer engagement strategies, driving continuous improvement and benchmarking.

The role leads the Career Coaching team, partners with MBA Student Relations, and expands recruiting pipelines while aligning with institutional goals and accreditation needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in business administration, higher education, or related field.
• 6 years’ experience in career advising, student development, or related area.
• Excellent communication skills with individuals and large groups.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and duties simultaneously.
• Strong organizational skills and relationship-building abilities.
• Familiarity with online education platforms and Canvas/Handshake/Zoom/Microsoft Teams.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and understand graduate career management.

Responsibilities

• Lead MBA and WPMBA career management services across the student lifecycle.
• Develop programming, coaching frameworks, and employer engagement strategies.
• Oversee signature programs and measure outcomes for benchmarking and accreditation.
• Lead the MBA Career Coaching team and coordinate with university partners.

Job description

Lead Career Strategy Specialist

Department: Fisher College | Career Services

As part of the Office of Career Management, the MBA Lead Career Strategy Specialist in coordination with the Senior Director serves as the strategic lead and architect for MBA and WPMBA career management services, overseeing the entire student lifecycle from orientation through post‑graduate outcomes while ensuring program quality, success, and continuous improvement.

Central to the position is proactively monitoring shifts in the labor market such as AI‑assisted screening, industry trends, and employer expectations, and translating those insights into updated programming, coaching frameworks, and employer engagement strategies; leads Fisher’s signature programs such as Career Pathways, Career Treks, Industry Immersion, and Employer Panels that deepen students’ sector‑specific knowledge and create a competitive advantage in the MBA hiring market, while also introducing new processes, metrics, and models that elevate the institution’s overall career programming; working cross‑functionally with college and university partners such as MBA Student Relations to align with the goals and expectations of the institution and supports employer and alumni engagement by cultivating strategic relationships, proactively expanding recruiting pipelines, facilitating mentorship opportunities, and ensuring accurate tracking and reporting of employment outcomes to support benchmarking, accreditation, and long‑term strategic planning.

The position provides high‑impact, individualized and cohort‑based coaching to MBA and WPMBA students, guiding them through the complexities of internships and MBA recruiting cycles, career pivots, and leadership positioning through nuanced conversations around executive presence, crafting a compelling career narrative, navigating experienced‑hire expectations, and negotiating compensation. The MBA Lead Career Strategy Specialist incorporates evidence‑based assessments, individual development planning, and structured reflection to help students align their strengths, values, and goals with realistic market opportunities, while proactively anticipating challenges such as economic fluctuations, recruiting volatility, and the added complexity of non‑traditional or transitioning career paths.

The role also includes leading the MBA Career Coaching team, setting clear performance expectations, delivering ongoing feedback, supporting professional development and ensuring staff remain current on business trends, employer needs, and modern coaching methodologies. It requires modeling proactive leadership, fostering innovation, and guiding the team through complex student scenarios, including international recruiting strategies and significant career pivots.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Higher Education, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• 6 years’ experience in career advising, student development, or a related area;
• Outstanding communication skills with individuals and large groups;
• Ability to manage multiple projects and duties simultaneously;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Strong ability to connect with people and build relationships;
• Knowledge of online education platforms;
• Proficiency with technology tools including Canvas (or similar), Handshake (or similar), Zoom, and Microsoft Teams;
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment;
• Familiarity with career development theory;
• Understanding of the graduate career management industry;

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree and 8-12 years of experience in a higher education setting, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience;
• Experience in corporate learning and development, talent acquisition, or human resources;
• Experience working with graduate students;
• Experience working with employers seeking MBA talent;

Additional Information

• The actual salary paid to an individual will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limit to, education, years of experience, internal equity, etc.;
• Location: Gerlach Hall (0250);
• Position Type: Regular;
• Scheduled Hours: 40;
• Shift: First Shift;
• Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post‑offer process;
• The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability;
• Benefits include medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost; paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays; state retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions;