Job Description
Career Engagement Creative and Performing Arts Specialist Seattle University
Career Engagement Creative and Performing Arts Specialist FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Market Reference Range (MRR): MRR06
Market Reference Range (MRR) : 6
Months Per Year : 12
Employment Status : Full-Time
Work Model: Hybrid Eligible*
Location: This role is based at both our South Lake Union and First Hill locations. The position will require regular travel between the two sites throughout the week, depending on departmental needs, meetings, and operational priorities.
Seattle University will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. We embrace an intersectional framework for defining diversity in its broadest sense, including differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin and physical ability. Seattle University strives to be a welcome, open and safe campus climate for all who learn, live and work at Seattle University.
Seattle University's Core Competencies Effective Team Collaboration : Works harmoniously with others towards a common goal, leveraging individual strengths to achieve shared objectives.
Emotionally Intelligent Communication : Engages in a skillful exchange of information, thoughts, and feelings, verbally and non-verbally.
Ethics and Integrity : Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to honesty, professionalism, and alignment with our Jesuit mission in all actions and decisions.
Flexibility and Innovation : Embraces change, approaching problems with curiosity adaptability, and is committed to making a positive impact.
Mindful Inclusion : Fosters mindful inclusion by consciously creating a workplace that celebrates differences, embraces cultural humility, and empowers uniqueness.
Outcomes-Driven Orientation : Sets clear objectives, pursues excellence, and delivers measurable outcomes while upholding Jesuit Catholic values.
Position Description Seattle University has an exciting and dynamic opportunity for a Career Engagement Creative and Performing Arts Specialist to join our community. This position sits within the Division of Academic and Student Affairs and the Career Engagement Office, supporting students and recent alumni-particularly those studying or interested in creative disciplines including music, dance, theater, visual arts, digital media, and design.
The Specialist will guide students in their professional formation and exploration of experiential learning, portfolio-building, and post-graduation opportunities tailored to the creative and performing arts industries. This includes career coaching, industry networking, workshops, and collaborations with faculty, student organizations, alumni, and employer partners. The successful candidate for this position will demonstrate a commitment to the mission of Seattle University, social justice, equity, and inclusion practices.
Essential Functions of the Career Engagement Specialist:
Career Coaching (45%)
- Provide 1:1 and group career coaching with a focus on the unique needs of creatives, including portfolio development, audition prep, artist statements, personal branding, and gig/freelance planning.
- Guide students in pursuing fellowships, residencies, grants, apprenticeships, and graduate programs in the arts.
- Maintain coaching documentation, contribute to assessment and reporting, and apply insights to improve services.
- Engage in research and information seeking to stay up to date and familiar with industry trends, as well as hiring needs and practices
Career Education Program Development, Assessment, and Evaluation (40%)
- Serve as the designated professional formation liaison for academic departments, student groups, and initiatives related to the creative and performing arts.
- Develop programming and curricular integrations that prepare students for the multifaceted nature of artistic careers-freelance work, entrepreneurship, performance, creative production, and cultural leadership. Facilitate advisory groups of faculty and industry professionals to inform relevant, equity-centered career education for arts students.
- Monitor student engagement and trends in the arts ecosystem (e.g., grants, residencies, new media platforms) to inform strategic initiatives.
- Design and deliver workshops, panels, and resource materials focused on career pathways such as arts administration, entertainment, arts education, nonprofit work, and creative entrepreneurship.
- Collect and analyze program impact data to refine offerings and share insights with stakeholders.
- Participate in and support career education team strategy planning and implementation of team initiatives
- Support external and internal departmental initiatives, as prioritized by overall career education goals.
Marketing & Communication (5%)
- Liaise with lead areas, faculty, and student groups promoting relevant career engagement opportunities and programs
- Collaborate with external relations team to plan and execute marketing of career education programs and services as appropriate through campus communications and social media campaigns
Operations (5%)
- Familiarize, troubleshoot, and empower students to maximize usage of career development tools and technology
- Conduct intake advising supporting various constituent groups (students, faculty, employers, etc.) and refer appropriate resources or services
Teams (5%)
- Actively participate in team and division-wide initiatives, professional development, and interdepartmental events.
- Contribute to committees, training, and staff development with an arts-informed perspective.
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications - Demonstrated success in student mentoring, coaching, and/or advising and creating and implementing educational, career-related, or relationship development programs
- Commitment to ongoing learning, development, and giving and receiving feedback is important
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice
- Ability to creatively problem-solve and work in collaboration with others
- Undergraduate degree preferably in a creative field or related discipline, plus one to two years of experience in higher education administration, human resource management, counseling, or related field. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
Application Instructions Please attach a cover letter with your resume when applying. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified.
Compensation at a Glance Salary Range: $52,000- $56,000
Seattle University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, and not based on a candidate's gender or any other protected status.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Seattle University provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your total compensation package.
Benefits at a Glance Consistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person. Choose from three different medical plans, a dental, and vision insurance programs. Protect your income with life, short & long-term disability coverage. Plan for your future with up to a 10% employer contribution for retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution and an additional dollar-for-dollar match of your voluntary contributions up to a maximum of 5%. You may also take advantage of 100% paid tuition benefits for the employee and dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with free access to an onsite fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events. Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid Holiday break closure in December, vacation and paid sick leave, and paid community service leave. For more information explore the Benefits website at:
Hybrid Eligible This position may be eligible for a hybrid schedule after successful completion of an introductory work period of 3-6 months. This may mean that a hybrid eligible role will begin on-campus initially and then will transition to hybrid format following onboarding and training. Flexible work plans are subject to periodic review and may be changed or terminated at any time for any reason at the university's discretion.
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Job Tags
Holiday work, Full time, Temporary work, Apprenticeship, Freelance, Flexible hours,