Strategist, Career Education and Development

Duties:

A department of Student Affairs, the Centre for Experiential Learning (CEL), engages students in work-integrated learning through cooperative education and internship in various programs. The CEL collaborates with other decanal areas to provide an integrative, practical approach that contributes holistically to students’ development. Additionally, the area assists all students in their career education and development needs. The CEL is a team of professional career educators with expertise in experiential education, career development and employment. The CEL has also introduced several student-focused co-curricular initiatives by advancing experiential learning for all students and recognizing the importance of non-credit experiential learning in the holistic development of VIU’s Graduate Attributes.

Reporting to the Director, Centre for Experiential Learning and Student Engagement, the Career Education and Development Strategist (CEDS) is a member of the CEL, Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), and Career Education team in the Career Studio. An innovator and creative thinker passionate about student growth and development, the Strategist oversees a robust career hub and services area called the Career Studio and is a supportive member of the University community, upholding the vision and values of VIU.

The Career Studio is a physical and virtual hub for career development education, support, and resources. The Career Studios offer drop-in services, workshops, specialized appointments, consultation with program areas, and preparation for job searches and events.

The position provides direct career development services (e.g., resume and cover letter writing, job search strategies, and interview preparation and practice) to VIU students. They develop and facilitate career education and development content for us in credit and non-credit courses in career and employment education and supports. The services provided assist students in the career development process and employability skills development, help identify work opportunities for students and graduates, and support students in making the transition to employment. The role requires collaboration with colleagues and students to coordinate special events like career fairs/festivals, employer panels, and other special event activities that may involve students, employers, communities, and departments at VIU.

With the oversight of the Career Studio, the CEDS is responsible for the recruitment, training program, mentorship, leadership, and supervision of the Student Career Peer Facilitator team. The CEDS has a role of providing input on Career development theories and best practices at the institutional level as needed in collaboration with decanal and service areas and has a commitment to program and service improvement through ongoing assessment, evaluation, and reviewing and establishing metrics.

Successful candidates will participate in a wide range of activities, including, student support; institutional, faculty and departmental committee meetings and other initiatives; and professional activities in keeping with their disciplines in and outside the institution.

Required Qualifications:

• Complete or in the process of completing Career Development Professional Certification and or Certified Career Development Practitioner Credentialing or equivalent
• An undergraduate degree in a related field in Human Resources, Psychology, Communication or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum three years of recent relevant experience in career development, career advising/consulting and employment services working with youth and adults
• Proven skills and experience in a wide range of experiential learning environments providing career and employment education, training, advice, and support
• Experience developing and delivering group workshops, seminars and courses and developing resource materials in a variety of formats, including computer-based
• Extensive knowledge of advanced standards for resume preparation
• Advanced knowledge of current interviewing trends within numerous diverse industries
• Proven recent labour market analysis skills
• Ability to demonstrate a professional and dynamic presentation style to engage and motivate students in small and large groups
• Solid computer competency, including Office 365 suites (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Planner), database, learning management system, web applications, social media, and internet search engines
• Experience liaising with employers and community service agencies
• Knowledge of employability skills and strategies for skill development
• Familiarity with the needs and challenges of a diverse student population concerning career development, employability skills and transition to employment
• Familiarity with event management, program promotion and marketing
• Ability to problem-solve, communicate effectively, and exercise good judgment.
• Excellent demonstrated interpersonal skills, organizational skills, teamwork, initiative and independence within a team setting, written and oral communication skills, problem-solving skills, and creativity
• Ability to work with sensitivity and political acumen in a large organization.
• Developed interpersonal skills for providing feedback, conducting personal skills assessments, and conducting mock interviews
• Ability to be innovative, flexible and adaptable with a commitment to teamwork and integrity
• Ability to recognize students in distress and refer to appropriate support as needed
• Strong critical thinking with the ability to leverage existing resources to solve problems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous Post-Secondary Career and Experiential Learning Experience
• Professional Resume Writing
• Career Coaching/Mentoring Training Certification
• Experience with oversight of student staff and leadership or peer programs
• Knowledge of Orbis/Simplicity Database-CareerVIU
• Knowledge and experience with AI Resume and Interview Platform

VIU is pleased to offer employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan that takes the worry out of retirement. As part of the VIU campus community, our employees work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development. The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well-being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities.

Note:

• Short-listed candidates must provide original transcripts, or applicable original certifications at time of interview.
• All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
• Vancouver Island University (VIU) is collectively committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment for faculty, staff, and students. In our journey towards greater diversity, we invite applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations who bring value to the VIU community through their lived experiences. We encourage members of all equity-seeking groups to self-identify within their application cover letter. When a candidate voluntarily discloses this information in their cover letter, the information will be used only for the fulfillment of the career opportunity. Disclosure and/or self-identification with an equity-seeking group will not lead to advantageous treatment of a candidate who is not qualified.

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