S-CAR Career Advisor and Alumni Liaison

 

The George Mason University School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (S-CAR) invites enthusiastic and energetic individuals to apply for a Career Advisor and Alumni Liaison vacancy. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason’s academic and culturally inclusive environment. 

 

Responsibilities: 

The Career Advisor and Alumni Liaison will be responsible for career advising, networking and career development of S-CAR graduates as well as strengthening relationships and opportunities with S-CAR alumni in the conflict field. This position is a valuable resource for students and an integral member of the S-CAR Career Services team. This position is responsible for the following areas:

• Mentor and advise students on a variety of career development topic with a specific focus on helping students with their internship and job searches. Must become (or be) familiar with a wide-range of career service links including the S-CAR related sites in order to advise students on using the job/internship system; 
• Work with students and alumni to review résumés and cover letters, academic and/or international CVs, LinkedIn profiles, and portfolios through individual appointments, walk-in hours and workshops;
• Help students identify skills gaps and strategies to deal with them; 
• Guide students to create action plans for employment, education and training and support them to achieve these goals;
• Research career, fellowship, internship and externship options, and advise students about relevant training courses or qualifications as well as funding that is available to support career exploration and goals;
• Help students to understand the current job market and conduct regular workshops on career-related topics and networking opportunities;
• Liaise and develop short/long term opportunities with organizations for internships, externships and career options;
• Work with S-CAR faculty to incorporate career related activities in classes and seminars;
• Manage and coordinate the annual Fall Internship Showcase, Spring Career Fair with the Schar School of Policy and Government, and other related events;
• Create presentations regarding internship search and/or resume and cover letter preparation to student groups;
• Identify and network with S-CAR alumni working in the field of conflict analysis and resolution to develop mentoring, internship, and potential career opportunities; and
• Assist with general administrative tasks in the office and any career/student service tasks as needed. 

 

Performance Expectations: 

Teamwork: 

• Demonstrates positive working relationships with coworkers, and effectively handles conflict situations; and
• Maintains and communicates enthusiasm, commitment and energy. 

 

Communicates Effectively: 

• Creates open channels of communication, and expresses ideas clearly and concisely;
• Keeps others well informed in a timely manner; 
• Listens carefully to input and feedback; and 
• Establishes good interpersonal relationships by helping people feel valued and included in discussions. 

 

Customer Driven: 

• Provides outstanding customer service to both internal and external customers by considering how actions or plans will affect them;
• Follows through on commitments to customers; and 
• Responds with appropriate urgency, flexibility, courtesy, and good judgment to meet customer needs and resolve problems. 

 

Demonstrates Initiative: 

• Identifies and initiates actions to support the mission and objectives, and to resolve or avoid problems; and
• Maintains a high of credibility to accomplish objectives. 

 

Values Diversity: 

• Demonstrates an understanding of and respect for people of all backgrounds. 

 

Acts with Integrity: 

• Demonstrates responsible and honest behavior in all roles, tasks and responsibilities. 

Safety and Computer Security: 

• Follows safety policies and procedures, and identifies and corrects safety hazards;
• Follows general university policies and procedures that are related to data stewardship and information technology security; and
• Safeguards sensitive and confidential data both in electronic and physical forms. 

 

Emergency Assistance: 

• May be required to perform other duties as assigned; and 
• May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor of Virginia. 

 

Required Qualifications: 

• A Bachelor’s degree in any field of study, or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Excellent writing and editing skills; 
• Strong organizational skills, problem-solving skills, and familiarity with information technology;
• Must possess outstanding interpersonal skills, the ability to effectively communicate with people from many backgrounds and level of experience, and have prior experience working with students;
• Ability to motivate and build a rapport with people; flexibility and adaptability; and an empathetic, non-judgmental and ethical approach; and
• Ability to work individually or as part of a team, manage own workload, and work under pressure. 

 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• A Master’s degree in any field of study; 
• Knowledge/interest in conflict analysis and resolution, or other related field is a plus;
• Highly qualified applicants should have prior work experience in the field of education (particularly higher education) and academic/career counseling; and
• A work or academic background in conflict analysis, peacebuilding, development, or community/organizational conflict is preferred.

 

Special Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for position number 02785Z at http://jobs.gmu.edu by March 4, 2018; complete and submit the online application; and upload a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information.

 

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.