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Requisition ID:  117825

Assistant Director, Doctoral Life Design, OPTIONS

We are seeking an Assistant Director, Doctoral Life Design, Options, who will be an essential part of the Doctoral Life Design Studio team at Johns Hopkins University (JHU). This role is responsible for leading professional development programming for doctoral scholars in the Biomedical Sciences across JHU.


Within this portfolio, the Assistant Director will also serve as Program Lead for the OPTIONS Program, a curriculum-based initiative tailored specifically for Ph.D. students and postdoctoral fellows in Biomedical Sciences. While the OPTIONS Program’s primary base is in the School of Medicine, it also serves Biomedical Science departments in the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences (KSAS) and the Bloomberg School of Public Health (BSPH), creating a unified approach to career and professional development across JHU’s Biomedical Sciences community. The OPTIONS program is required for scholars in 7 PhD programs across JHU but offers programming opportunities open to all biomedical scholars University-wide. Resultantly, the Assistant Director also scales OPTIONS programming to be accessible to all biomedical doctoral students across the SOM, BSPH, and KSAS.


In this capacity, the Assistant Director oversees and grows the OPTIONS Program, which combines structured career exploration, experiential learning, and professional connections with alumni and Ph.D.-trained professionals across various fields. Additionally, the Assistant Director ensures that OPTIONS aligns with NIH T32 training grant standards, supporting compliance and bolstering professional development for students in T32-funded programs. Through partnerships with stakeholders in the School of Medicine, KSAS, and BSPH, the Assistant Director maintains the Program’s impact, adaptability, and relevance to the unique career trajectories of JHU’s Biomedical Sciences doctoral and postdoctoral population.


Specific Duties & Responsibilities


OPTIONS Curriculum

  • Lead the OPTIONS Program, overseeing development, programming, marketing, content creation, and logistics to engage and support doctoral students in Biomedical Sciences across JHU in alignment with the T32-grant descriptions of Career Exploration “Phases”.
  • Develop and implement innovative, research-based career exploration and skill-building curricula tailored for doctoral students and postdoctoral trainees, with a focus on Biomedical Sciences.
  • Manage career development curriculum for OPTIONS-required students through online platforms (Canvas), ensuring structured, cohort-based learning and tracking student progress with data-informed assessments.
  • Design and implement a structure for “Phase 3” of OPTIONS (for year 4+ biomedical PhD scholars) focused on Experiential Learning and Career Preparedness.
  • Collaborate with funding agencies and manage resources effectively, working with university administration to secure support for OPTIONS programming and career development initiatives.
  • Represent the OPTIONS Program at national conferences, sharing best practices and insights on program implementation and scaling with external audiences.
  • Conduct research on career development outcomes, securing institutional approvals (e.g., IRB) as needed, and applying findings to strengthen program effectiveness and student outcomes.
  • Commit to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within the OPTIONS Program, creating accessible and inclusive programming that supports students from diverse backgrounds in Biomedical Sciences.
  • Facilitate T32-Supplement funded graduate resiliency training workshops (“BioGREAT”) for OPTIONS scholars (3 per year).


OPTIONS Data Collection & Management

  • Design and implement evaluation strategies to monitor student satisfaction and career readiness, leveraging feedback to refine and optimize curriculum offerings: e.g. student listening sessions, surveys.
  • Gather and analyze feedback from students, postdocs, faculty, and industry partners to refine programming and support strategic direction.
  • With the help of a dedicated student Fellow, regularly review student-submitted reflections from OPTIONS-required students in Canvas to inform and compile student and program administrator updates.
  • Collaborate with cross-departmental teams, including Central IT and assessment offices, to enhance data tracking systems and ensure effective communication of program progress to stakeholders via technology platforms, including Canvas and an OPTIONS-specific Power BI Dashboard.
  • Research and analyze career training initiatives at peer institutions through benchmarking, literature reviews, and stakeholder interviews, integrating best practices into program development.


OPTIONS & General Stakeholder Engagement:

  • Provide regular updates to OPTIONS-required on program status e.g. Canvas announcements, email, drop-in hours, 1:1 meeting.
  • Assemble and distribute bi-weekly OPTIONS Newsletter in collaboration with Assistant Director, Data & Operations.
  • Meet regularly with OPTIONS-required program administrators to provide updates on programming, student progress.
  • Drive program expansion by cultivating partnerships with new academic departments, increasing program reach and engagement within Biomedical Ph.D. programs across Johns Hopkins.
  • Expand OPTIONS Program participation by building strategic partnerships with Ph.D. programs and increasing engagement among doctoral students and postdocs.
  • Collaborate with Ph.D. program directors and faculty to advocate for and raise awareness of career curriculum programming, building partnerships to assess needs and deliver tailored services.
  • Engage senior leadership, funding partners, and stakeholders to advocate for the integration of career development initiatives within the university’s strategic priorities.
  • Cultivate strong connections with alumni and industry professionals to enhance program impact and broaden the professional network for students. Design and launch an OPTIONS Alumni Mentor Match program for OPTIONS scholars, focused on initiating relationships between JHU students and OPTIONS alumni mentors.


Scaling of Biomedical Sciences Career Programming

  • Implement a scalable group coaching model for career advising, including interactive sessions, collaborative learning, peer support, and expert-led workshops.
  • Support the Senior Director in advancing office goals, vision, and communication strategies, and assist in establishing evaluation frameworks to measure impact and progress across initiatives.
  • Plan and co-lead career and identity-based conferences to create networking, professional growth, and knowledge exchange opportunities.
  • Craft and communicate JHU’s story, emphasizing the university's commitment to career and learning solutions to build a strong external presence and brand recognition.
  • Author and contribute to academic publications that highlight program innovations and demonstrate the integration of career development within Biomedical Ph.D. education.
  • Oversee and enhance professional and career development content on the Doctoral Life Design Studio website, manage social media outreach for portfolio events/initiatives, and author blog articles, ensuring all content aligns with brand standards and current trends.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and staying current with trends in career development, including participating in professional development opportunities relevant to doctoral career services.
  • Foster a collaborative and cohesive office environment by working closely with team members to integrate career curricula and educational initiatives.
  • Conduct periodic portfolio reviews to assess the success of strategies, make informed adjustments, and support a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
  • Support Ph.D. recruitment efforts for SOM departments (OPTIONS required and non-required) by creating marketing materials, engaging with prospective and admitted students, and participating in events across virtual, hybrid, and in-person formats as needed.

  • Support DLDS U-Wide initiatives, such as Career Impact Award, Horizons by Hopkins, and Empower Your Pitch!


Special Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities


Program Development and Curriculum Design

  • Demonstrated expertise in designing, implementing, and scaling career development programs tailored for doctoral and postdoctoral students, with a particular focus on Biomedical Sciences.


Data Analysis and Assessment

  • Proficient in data collection, analysis, and interpretation using tools such as Power BI, Excel, or similar platforms. Skilled in creating assessment frameworks and utilizing data to evaluate program impact and inform improvements.


Educational Technology

  • Experienced in managing and delivering curriculum on learning management systems, particularly Canvas, to facilitate structured, cohort-based learning and engagement.


Research and Scholarship

  • Knowledgeable in academic research processes, including IRB procedures, survey development, and presenting findings. Capable of contributing to scholarly publications and presenting at national conferences.


Digital Content Management and Outreach

  • Strong digital communication skills, including content creation for websites, social media management, and writing for online platforms to maintain a consistent, professional brand aligned with institutional standards.


Strategic Partnership Building

  • Ability to cultivate partnerships within and beyond the university, engaging with academic departments, alumni, and industry professionals to enhance program visibility and impact.


Student Advising and Coaching

  • Skilled in career advising techniques and group coaching methodologies, offering practical career support that adapts to diverse student needs.


Project and Resource Management

  • Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage timelines, resources, and priorities effectively. Experience in securing and managing grants or other funding sources to support program sustainability.


Communication and Public Speaking

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills for public speaking engagements, conference presentations, and publication submissions.
  • Able to translate complex ideas into accessible content for diverse audiences.


Institutional Alignment and Advocacy

  • Skilled in aligning program goals with institutional priorities and advocating for program needs at multiple levels of the university, ensuring strategic fit within the broader mission of Johns Hopkins University.


Continuous Learning and Adaptability

  • Demonstrates an openness to ongoing professional development, staying current on career development trends, innovative program models, and emerging technologies.
  • Able to adapt to evolving needs and respond effectively to feedback.


Ideal Candidate Profile


The ideal candidate for the Assistant Director of the OPTIONS Program in Doctoral Life Design at Johns Hopkins University is a strategic, data-driven leader with a strong commitment to advancing career development in Biomedical Sciences. This person has a proven track record of successfully scaling academic programs and a keen ability to forge partnerships across university departments and with external stakeholders. They demonstrate a deep understanding of the career pathways available to Ph.D. students and postdoctoral fellows and have a passion for driving impact in this area.


Key strengths include curriculum development, data analysis, and a focus on innovation in career education. The candidate is adept at leveraging online platforms and data visualization tools to manage and assess program impact and has experience in research and scholarship, including securing institutional approvals, publishing, and presenting findings at national conferences.


The ideal candidate is also skilled in securing and managing grants or funding, with a strong background in resource management. They bring expertise in designing and implementing assessment strategies to evaluate program effectiveness, student satisfaction, and impact, and can communicate these insights effectively.


With a student-centered approach, they bring experience in career coaching or mentorship tailored to the unique needs of doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows. They are adaptable and innovative, proactive in identifying new approaches to program delivery and integrating emerging educational technologies.


Collaborative and skilled in stakeholder engagement, the ideal candidate builds meaningful partnerships with faculty, program directors, alumni, and industry professionals. They are a strong communicator who can effectively share Johns Hopkins University’s story, inspire audiences through digital platforms, and foster a strong brand presence.


Finally, the candidate demonstrates a commitment to aligning the OPTIONS Program with Johns Hopkins’ broader strategic priorities. They effectively advocate for career development initiatives, foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, and bring strong project management skills to maintain high standards. This candidate is motivated to champion a data-informed, student-centered approach to career development at Johns Hopkins.



Minimum Qualifications
  • Master's Degree.
  • Five (5) years of related experience within higher education, government, non-profit or a corporate setting.
  • Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond HS Diploma/Graduation Equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.




Preferred Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in a STEM field, such as Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, Public Health, Education, or a related discipline.
  • Experience in career advising or coaching specifically for Ph.D. students and postdoctoral fellows, with knowledge of group coaching models.
  • Established presence in STEM, career development or higher education through publications, conference presentations, or other forms of thought leadership.

 

 

Classified Title: Sr. IL & LD Officer 
Job Posting Title (Working Title): Assistant Director, Doctoral Life Design, OPTIONS   
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/04/ME  
Starting Salary Range: $64,600 - $113,300 Annually ($80,000 Commensurate with Experience) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: Mon - Fri / 08:00am - 05:00pm 
FLSA Status: Exempt 
Location: Hybid/School of Medicine Campus 
Department name: ​​​​​​​PHutures  
Personnel area: University Student Services 

 

 

Total Rewards
The referenced base salary range represents the low and high end of Johns Hopkins University’s salary range for this position. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. Exact salary will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, market conditions, education/training and other qualifications. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.

Education and Experience Equivalency
Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines: JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job.

Applicants Completing Studies
Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date.

Background Checks
The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate's conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job-related qualification or function.

Diversity and Inclusion
The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.

Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

EEO is the Law
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

Accommodation Information
If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the Talent Acquisition Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit https://accessibility.jhu.edu/.

Vaccine Requirements
Johns Hopkins University strongly encourages, but no longer requires, at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine does not apply to positions located in the State of Florida. We still require all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Exceptions to the COVID and flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry. This change does not apply to the School of Medicine (SOM). SOM hires must be fully vaccinated with an FDA COVID-19 vaccination and provide proof of vaccination status. For additional information, applicants for SOM positions should visit https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/ and all other JHU applicants should visit https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/health-safety/covid-vaccination-information/.

The following additional provisions may apply, depending upon campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.
The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.
Hybrid: On-site 3-4 days a week

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