Director, Career Services & Co-op

Overview

This position will be posted until filled

Lakehead University is seeking a strategic and visionary Director, Career Services & Co-op to provide leadership, planning, and operational oversight for a vital department within Student Affairs. The portfolio includes overall accountability for career advising and co-curricular programming connected to the career development of current students, as well as accountability for co-operative program administration, working with a team on effective co-op student preparation, advising and job development. An ambassador for Lakehead in the community, the Director creates and executes a robust employer relations strategy, and drives job development for current students and graduates via extensive partnership development and supporting excellent employment outcomes, as well as supporting the industry-connected and community-facing elements of the University’s strategic plan.

By 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.

We appreciate your interest; Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343-8010 ext. 8334 or [email protected] to make appropriate arrangements.