Program Director for Experiential Learning

The Program Director for Experiential Learning directs a comprehensive suite of programs facilitating career exploration, skill development, and reflection to engage students in an active career discernment process throughout college. Implement strategies to increase participation of diverse students across a range of opportunities in collaboration with faculty and staff colleagues. Manage technology platforms that facilitate real-time learning and encourage students to integrate their knowledge toward career pathways. Provide one-on-one coaching and serve as a primary career coach for second-year students. Plan and lead career development initiatives and workshops to guide students through early college career processes including major declaration, experiential learning, and summer experience opportunities. Strengthen relationships with alumni, parents, and employers to help students gain exposure and experiences across a wide variety of industries.

Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities: 

Program Management (45%)

• Manage the administration of student-facing elements of the externship program to support the career development process of students.
• Facilitate intentional reflection and presentation experiences for experiential learning programs using in-person and virtual platforms.
• Regularly measure and assess outcomes and provide progress reports to senior leadership so that results may be easily communicated to the Carleton community.
• Collaborate with employer relations team and additional on- and off-campus partners to promote participation in and outcomes of experiential learning activities, as well as recruitment for externship host sites offered by alumni, family, and friends of the college.
• Cultivate partnerships with key campus partners to develop recruitment pipelines for students in priority student demographic and interest areas.
• Partner with Career Center leadership to allocate Carleton externship funding resources and steward donors as appropriate.
• Partner with Program Director for Career Foundations on management of internship funding program, including application evaluation, reflection review, and presentation experiences.

Career Coaching & Career Development Programming (45%)

• Collaborate with Career Center career education team to oversee, design and implement a four-year career development curriculum for students focused on attaining career competencies and professional skill development.
• Design and implement a career education plan for second-year students grounded in career development theory, as well as best practices and student needs.
• Develop, implement, and measure outreach and engagement initiatives for second-year students.
• Participate in the design and delivery of career-related workshops, programs, and panels serving the general and targeted student populations.
• Provide individual and group advising to second-year students to clarify and make progress towards achieving academic and career goals.
• Assist students in using Career Center resources and finding information relevant to interests and career goals.
• Coach students in developing and refining resume writing, interviewing, and job-search skills, as well as articulating the value of a liberal arts education.
• Serve on college committees as assigned.

Program Development (10%)

• Research and participate in conversations related to best practices in experiential learning, locally and nationally.
• Review and update experiential learning program policies and procedures to be consistent with the evolving legal and business environments.

Education/Experience/Skills: 

Required: 

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (including student affairs, higher education, or a related discipline)
• Demonstrated experience in program management for complex projects, including organizing tasks, maintaining accuracy, and providing regular reporting on progress and results
• Proven ability to develop, oversee, and facilitate engaging programming and workshops for students
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including digital marketing, public presentation, and group facilitation abilities
• Experience working with students and staff from diverse backgrounds
• Flexibility to conduct some evening and weekend events and programs

Preferred:

• At least three years of experience in higher education
• Experience designing, planning, and managing high-profile programs
• Experience with budget management and/or grants
• Experience working in a college career center and advising students on career-related topics and professional development
• Proven ability to effectively recruit, manage, and cultivate volunteers
• A thorough understanding of the liberal arts and experience working with that student population

Must have the ability to understand and follow written and oral work instructions, operations, safety procedures, and hazardous labels. 

Note: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the hire is complete. We accept only online applications.

Carleton College is an AA/EEO Employer: We are committed to developing our staff to better reflect the diversity of our student body and American society. Members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Staff Salary and Benefits: The selected finalist’s salary will be based on the candidate’s qualifications, internal pay structure, and our overall compensation package. Carleton offers a generous benefits package, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, 403(b) retirement plans with a 10% employer contribution with immediate vesting, a health savings account with a college contribution, a generous paid time off package, as well as access to many other campus amenities.

Founded in 1866, Carleton College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college of roughly 2,000 students located in the historic river town of Northfield, Minnesota. Nationally recognized as the nation’s top college for undergraduate teaching, Carleton is known for its academic rigor, intellectual curiosity, and sense of humor. Carleton offers 33 majors and 38 minors in the arts, humanities, natural sciences, mathematics, and social sciences.