Assistant Director, Experiential Education

Department

ESA External Relations 2

About the Department

Career Advancement serves a student population of approximately 7,000 arts and sciences undergraduate students, in addition to alumni who have graduated within the last five years. Career Advancement plays a vital role in ensuring our students’ success after graduation. Career Advancement offers innovative and comprehensive career development services with a focus on pre-professional preparation, experiential education, and opportunities. Through career advising, programs, and comprehensive resources, Career Advancement supports undergraduate students and alumni as they develop the skills necessary to manage their career development, while working with alumni and employers to provide students with meaningful opportunities. For more information, please visit the Career Advancement website at careeradvancement.uchicago.edu.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Experiential Education, the Assistant Director of Experiential Education will be responsible for managing critical operational functions within Career Advancement. This position oversees student payments, vendor relations, and merit scholarships, ensuring the accurate and timely execution of financial transactions.

In addition to operational responsibilities, the Assistant Director will provide individualized career advising to first-year students, helping them navigate job searches, develop strong application materials, and build early career readiness. The Assistant Director will also support the Career Exploration Trek Program, a flagship initiative that sends students to domestic and international destinations for immersive, career-focused experiences. In this capacity, the Assistant Director will assist with program logistics, vendor coordination, and trip preparation to ensure students are fully supported throughout their experience.

The ideal candidate will be highly organized, student-centered, and enthusiastic about building efficient processes and impactful programs. By collaborating with teams across the department, the Assistant Director will contribute to process improvements, data management, and the overall effectiveness of Career Advancement’s operations.

Responsibilities

• Supports the administration of student payments, including those related to internships, stipends, scholarships, and other financial programs. Assists with vendor payments and purchase orders, working closely with team members and under the guidance of the Director to ensure processes are handled efficiently.
• Assists with the Career Exploration Trek Program by supporting the planning and execution of 30+ trips per academic year. Tasks may include organizing travel logistics, preparing student materials, and processing vendor payments, all in close collaboration with the program’s lead staff and Director.
• Helps coordinate the administration of merit scholarship awards. Tracks student placements, supports payment processing, and assists in communicating with scholarship recipients. Responds to routine staff questions and escalates complex inquiries to senior team members as needed.
• Maintains and organizes data related to student payments, scholarships, and program participation. Assists with generating reports and tracking key metrics for leadership..
• Conducts one-on-one career advising sessions with first-year students, providing tailored guidance on resumes, cover letters, job search strategies, and career exploration. Acts as a resource for students, connecting them with additional career services as needed to support their professional development and readiness.
• Advises and counsels students concerning employment opportunities and careers by acting as a liaison between students and prospective employers.
• Conducts mock interviews, reviews resumes and cover letters, and coordinates other interview related programming in both individual and group settings.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong customer service orientation and commitment to supporting students.
• Manage multiple tasks and timelines in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and interpers