Career Services Technology Manager
Oversees the implementation and management of technical platforms used for student career development and placement.
Overview
This career involves the strategic management of a complex digital ecosystem designed to connect students with employment opportunities. The daily rhythm is characterized by a blend of technical troubleshooting, data analysis, and cross-departmental collaboration. Success in this role requires balancing the operational needs of career coaches with the technical requirements of IT security and data privacy standards. The work focuses on maximizing the utility of platforms such as Handshake, Symplicity, or Graduway to streamline recruitment and reporting.
People who thrive in this position generally possess a high degree of technical literacy combined with an interest in educational outcomes. The role requires a meticulous approach to data integrity, as these managers are responsible for tracking employment outcomes that affect institutional rankings and accreditation. It is a position suited for those who enjoy translating administrative needs into technical specifications and who find satisfaction in optimizing user experiences for both students and corporate recruiters.
Responsibilities
- Manage the administration and configuration of career services management software and employer engagement platforms.
- Develop and maintain data integration pipelines between career platforms and institutional student information systems.
- Generate comprehensive reports on student engagement, internship participation, and post-graduation employment outcomes.
- Lead technical training sessions for career advisors and administrative staff to ensure effective tool adoption.
- Evaluate and negotiate contracts with third-party technology vendors for new career development resources.
- Ensure all career-related digital platforms comply with institutional data privacy policies and accessibility standards.
- Collaborate with the marketing team to optimize the digital delivery of career resources and job alerts.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in information technology, data science, or higher education administration.
- Extensive experience managing Career Services Management (CSM) platforms such as Handshake, Symplicity, or 12Twenty.
- Proficiency in data visualization tools like Tableau or PowerBI for institutional reporting.
- Demonstrated knowledge of data privacy regulations including FERPA and GDPR.
- Proven experience in project management and software implementation within a large organization.
Nice to have
- Master's degree in Educational Technology or a related field.
- Familiarity with CRM software such as Salesforce or Slate for student lifecycle management.
- Technical certifications in database management or business analysis.
Work environment
- Typically operates within a campus-based or corporate office environment with hybrid flexibility.
- Involves frequent collaboration with IT departments, employer relations teams, and university leadership.
- Work hours generally follow standard business schedules with occasional peaks during recruitment seasons.
- Utilizes a suite of cloud-based applications, project management tools, and communication platforms.
Benefits & growth
- Compensation packages often include comprehensive university benefits such as tuition remission and generous retirement matching.
- Career progression often leads to roles such as Director of Career Services or Assistant Dean of Student Success.
- Opportunities for professional development exist through specialized associations like NACE or technical certification programs.
- Stability is generally high within the higher education and workforce development sectors.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Career Services Technology Manager do?
A Career Services Technology Manager oversees the software and data platforms that support university career centers. They ensure students and career coaches have seamless access to digital resources, manage vendor relationships, and optimize systems for data tracking and reporting.
What skills are needed for a Career Services Technology Manager?
Essential skills include proficiency in database management, educational technology (EdTech) platforms, and data analysis. These professionals must also possess strong project management abilities and the communication skills necessary to bridge the gap between technical departments and career counseling staff.
What is the career path for a Career Services Technology Manager?
The career path typically begins with roles in IT support, data analysis, or higher education administration. Professionals often advance into senior technology leadership roles within academic institutions or transition into product management for specialized educational software companies.
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