The Ohio State University

Lead Career Strategy Specialist

The Ohio State University$75K — $95K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in business administration, Higher Education, or related field;
  • 6 years' experience in career advising or student development;
  • Outstanding communication skills for individuals and groups;
  • Excellent organizational skills and project management abilities;
  • Ability to build strong relationships and connect with diverse individuals;
  • Knowledge of online education platforms and technology tools like Handshake and Zoom;
  • Familiarity with career development theory and graduate career management.

Responsibilities

  • Lead strategic development of MBA career management services;
  • Monitor labor market trends to enhance programming and coaching;
  • Facilitate signature programs to deepen students' sector knowledge;
  • Build relationships with employers and alumni to expand recruitment opportunities;
  • Provide personalized coaching for MBA and WPMBA students;
  • Guide and mentor the MBA Career Coaching team;
  • Implement innovative practices to address complex student career scenarios.

Benefits

  • Professional growth opportunities in a supportive environment;
  • Access to a network of industry contacts and resources;
  • Opportunity to lead and innovate within the career services field;
  • Engagement with a diverse student population at a reputable institution;
  • Participation in strategic initiatives that shape career development programs.
Full Job Description
Job Title:
Lead Career Strategy Specialist

Department:
Fisher College | Career Services

As part of the Office of Career Management, the MBA Lead Career Strategy Specialist in coordination with the Senior Director serves as the strategic lead and architect for MBA and WPMBA career management services, overseeing the entire student lifecycle from orientation through post-graduate outcomes while ensuring program quality, success, and continuous improvement.

Central to the position is proactively monitoring shifts in the labor market such as AI-assisted screening, industry trends, and employer expectations, and translating those insights into updated programming, coaching frameworks, and employer engagement strategies; leads Fisher's signature programs such as Career Pathways, Career Treks, Industry Immersion, and Employer Panels that deepen students' sector-specific knowledge and create a competitive advantage in the MBA hiring market, while also introducing new processes, metrics, and models that elevate the institution's overall career programming; working cross functionally with college and university partners such as MBA Student Relations to align with the goals and expectations of the institution and supports employer and alumni engagement by cultivating strategic relationships, proactively expanding recruiting pipelines, facilitating mentorship opportunities, and ensuring accurate tracking and reporting of employment outcomes to support benchmarking, accreditation, and long-term strategic planning.

The position provides high-impact, individualized and cohort-based coaching to MBA and WPMBA students, guiding them through the complexities of internships and MBA recruiting cycles, career pivots, and leadership positioning through nuanced conversations around executive presence, crafting a compelling career narrative, navigating experienced-hire expectations, and negotiating compensation. The MBA Lead Career Strategy Specialist incorporates evidence-based assessments, individual development planning, and structured reflection to help students align their strengths, values, and goals with realistic market opportunities, while proactively anticipating challenges such as economic fluctuations, recruiting volatility, and the added complexity of non-traditional or transitioning career paths.

The role also includes leading the MBA Career Coaching team, setting clear performance expectations, delivering ongoing feedback, supporting professional development and ensuring staff remain current on business trends, employer needs, and modern coaching methodologies. It requires modeling proactive leadership, fostering innovation, and guiding the team through complex student scenarios, including international recruiting strategies and significant career pivots.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in business administration, Higher Education, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; 6 years' experience in career advising, student development, or a related area; Outstanding communication skills with individuals and large groups; Ability to manage multiple projects and duties simultaneously; Excellent organizational skills; Strong ability to connect with people and build relationships; Knowledge of online education platforms; Proficiency with technology tools including Canvas (or similar), Handshake (or similar), Zoom, and Microsoft Teams; Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment; Familiarity with career development theory; Understanding of the graduate career management industry

Desired Qualifications

Master's degree and 8-12 years of experience in a higher education setting, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience; Experience in corporate learning and development, talent acquisition, or human resources; Experience working with graduate students; Experience working with employers seeking MBA talent

Additional Information:

The actual salary paid to an individual will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limit to, education, years of experience, internal equity, etc.

Location:
Gerlach Hall (0250)

Position Type:
Regular

Scheduled Hours:
40

Shift:
First Shift

About The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University (OSU) is a public research university located in Columbus, Ohio. It was founded in 1870 and is one of the largest universities in the United States, with over 68,000 students enrolled across its main campus and regional campuses. OSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including business, engineering, education, law, medicine, and the arts and sciences. The university is known for its strong research programs, particularly in the areas of agriculture, engineering, and medicine. OSU is also home to several museums, including the Wexner Center for the Arts and the Ohio State University Museum of Art.
Learn more about The Ohio State University
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