Executive Director, Career Center and Professional Development

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY :

The Executive Director for the Center for Career and Professional Development provides strategic leadership for developing, implementing, and evaluating systems, programs, and events to connect employers with students, faculty and alumni. This role is responsible for fostering employer relationships, enhancing student career readiness, aligning career services initiatives with institutional goals to support student success and post-graduate outcomes, overseeing a team of career counseling professionals serving each of the colleges.

DUTIES :

• Develops and executes a strategic vision for the role of career services, including long-term strategic plans, short-term operational plans, and strategic priorities.
• Oversees the design, implementation, and evaluation of recruiting systems, programs, and events that connect employers with students, faculty, and alumni.
• Leads, supervises, and provides professional development for a team of career services staff. Plans and organizes career/job fairs, on-campus career seminars, and connection opportunities between employers and students.
• Promotes services, programs, and resources to internal and external stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, employers, and alumni.
• Manages and oversees the departmental budget and generates sponsorship opportunities through grants and external partnerships.
• Fosters an entrepreneurial, creative, and innovative spirit within the department. Works in a collaborative, open, and transparent manner with other units within the university.
• Grows and cultivates relationships with existing employer contacts, key campus stakeholders, and new external corporate partners.
• Oversees and monitors the development and retention of relationships with employers for externships, internships, and job
  placement.
• Develops and implements effective assessment and program evaluation methods. Collaborates with the Office of Assessment and Data Analytics and Institutional Research to obtain feedback from graduate surveys, and in conjunction with employer feedback to ensure programs meet or exceed current job market and employer needs. Executes the collection and reporting of internship outcomes and other data related to institutional effectiveness. Maintains accurate alumni and graduate placement data in collaboration with DAIR. Develops alumni career resource tools, such as career assessment meetings, career transition assistance, and guidance on professional job searches.
• Builds professional networks and honor the National Association of Colleges and Employers' principles and practices. Expand online career resources and promote engagement via social media and the Career Services website.
• Provides career counseling to assist students with job search strategies, career development, and employment readiness.
• Supports institutional, divisional, and departmental program initiatives and events on evenings and weekends.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS :

Education:

• Master's degree from an accredited college/university

Experience:

• Minimum of seven (7) years of related job experience

License/Certification:

• Must maintain a valid, current driver's license

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

• Doctoral degree in a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Administrative experience in career development/planning or recruiting in a higher education setting
• Certification in career counseling or coaching (e.g., NCDA, NACE, or related credentials)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES :

Knowledge:

• Knowledgeable in career services, NACE and NCDA