Career Services & Co-op
Orillia
Full-time
Permanent
OverviewThis position will be posted until filledBy integrating career-connected experiences into the student lifecycle, the Director plays a critical role in supporting institutional retention, graduation rates, and a sense of belonging for all students.
Responsibilities- Provide leadership in the development and implementation of a comprehensive set of career and employer services across our locations that align with the University's Strategic Plan and Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM) framework.
- Lead the development and implementation of a targeted Employer Relations Strategy to engage industry partners, generate revenue, and increase work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities for students.
- Manage a multi-tiered team, including hiring, coaching, performance management, and fostering a high-performing professional culture.
- Work closely with Deans, Chairs, and Faculty to align departmental services with academic goals, share industry feedback on in-demand skills, and support the expansion of co-op programs.
- Oversee the implementation of career education initiatives and co-op services, ensuring they meet the needs of a diverse student population and achieve strong graduate employment KPIs.
Qualifications- 5 to 7 years of leadership experience in a complex university career services or employer relations role, with a track record of success in team leadership and community partnership development.
- Strong understanding of employer relations, employment readiness, application of career development theory within higher education, and Co-op best practices / high impact practices in WIL-pedagogy.
- Proven ability to develop a compelling vision, engage stakeholders at all levels, and lead successful organizational change.
- Strong skills in budget development, financial analysis, and the use of data to inform decision-making.
- Advanced skills in multi-year operational budget design, complex resource allocation, and the strict governance of student fees and external grants.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills capable of building relationships across the university, and with industry and community partners.
- A demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, with the ability to engage diverse student groups and create inclusive programming.
- Superior skills in listening, public speaking, and writing, with the ability to present complex topics to various groups, including senior administration and media.
- Familiarity with Canadian employment legislation, workplace safety, and federal/provincial programs guiding talent acquisition.
Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.
Lakehead University has a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of underrepresented groups among applicants, candidates, and hires. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity-deserving groups, is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.
