Career Counselor

Job title: Career Counselor

Job Description

This position is mission-critical to Syracuse University and the Newhouse School’s ability to deliver career readiness and high employment outcomes post graduation. This position provides students individualized counseling, coaching, and skill-building needed throughout their time at the University. The role supports and shapes employment outcomes, a key metric by which the School’s value and reputation are measured. The role is critical in meeting the growing student demand and integral in sustaining the highest level of support to students and alumni.

Education and Experience

• Previous experience in career development, higher education and/or student services.
• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred.

Skills and Knowledge

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and presentation skills required.
• Previous experience in career services advising across a diverse population is highly desirable.
• Must have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and successfully manage multiple demands and priorities.
• Intermediate level technology skills required in Excel, Handshake, database management, AI tools and social media platforms.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends (career fairs, employer visits, events) and travel for student events and conferences.
• Capacity to meet deadlines, well-developed time management and organizational skills, and discretion in handling confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Coaching, Advising, Teaching, and Training

• Provide career counseling, advising, and coaching to diverse and discerning student populations, including undergraduate, residential and online graduate students and alumni (e.g., career exploration, resume and cover letter writing, internship and job search strategy, interview preparation, and networking best practices)

• Develop and implement unique career education programming for student populations utilizing career development theories and modern methodologies

• Lead one-on-one and group sessions with students to facilitate career skills development and exploration of industries; have or acquire knowledge of related industries and career paths

• Deliver information in person, online, and by phone based on updated best practices while addressing emerging student needs

• Evaluate gaps in student engagement; create and execute plans to establish connections with student populations and equip students with necessary competencies

• Innovation and Strategy

• Think creatively and proactively about professional development and career search experience for students

• Pilot innovative approaches for building partnerships and engaging with students and employers

• Demonstrate excellent analytical skills while evaluating and impacting program needs

• Partner in piloting innovative approaches for building employer and alumni partnerships and engaging with students and stakeholders with a mindset for understanding student needs and fields related to the communication industry; contribute analytical thinking while evaluating program needs

• Stay current on artificial intelligence tools and trends shaping the career search process and communication industries, and translate that knowledge into practical guidance for students navigating AI-driven application systems, employer expectations, and evolving job functions

• Integrate AI literacy into advising, programming, and resource development, helping students use AI tools thoughtfully and ethically in resume writing, job searching, and interview preparation while building the human-centered skills employers continue to value

• Relationship Development and Employer Relations Support

• Partner with the Director, Assistant Director, and additional staff, faculty, and alumni to foster relationships while building and recruiting opportunities for Newhouse students

• Collaborate with Newhouse colleagues and professionals across campus to understand strategic recruiting and hiring needs in support of full-time employment and internship placement of Newhouse students

• Identify and make inroads with target organizations to increase career fair and employer on-campus/virtual engagement with students

• Execute outreach/follow-up communication to organizations for career fairs and events

• Plan logistics, promotion, and event support for employer visits, info sessions, and panels

• Student Engagement Planning

• Research and pitch ideas for new programs, career readiness presentations, and student engagement events to support Newhouse students and promote the Career Center to increase visibility that leads directly to student success outcomes

• Collaborate with Newhouse students and colleagues to create, design, and implement programming

• Physical Requirements

• Not Applicable

• Tools/Equipment

• Not Applicable