Director of Career Planning

The Director of Career Planning provides strategic leadership for a comprehensive, outcomes‑driven career development program that supports students and alumnae in achieving meaningful post‑graduate success. This role is responsible for aligning career services with the mission of the College and advancing institutional priorities related to student success, retention, and career outcomes. The Director leads the development of innovative programs, employer partnerships, and campus collaborations that integrate career readiness throughout the student experience. Through data‑informed decision‑making, technology integration, and a commitment to equitable access, the Director enables students to be prepared to navigate a dynamic and evolving workforce. The Director provides strategic leadership, supervision, and professional development for Career Planning staff, fostering a collaborative, high‑performing team accountable for achieving student career outcomes and delivering innovative, student‑centered services. Strategic Leadership & Career Outcomes Develop and implement a comprehensive, data‑informed career services strategy aligned with College’s Strategic Plan and Institutional Goals Represent the College and collaborate with campus partners to advance institutional priorities related to student recruitment, retention, and graduation, including leveraging career outcomes and programming to support student success Leverage career outcomes data and programming to strengthen the College’s value proposition for prospective and current students Establish, monitor, and report student first destination career outcomes Lead departmental program assessment efforts, including continuous improvement plans and reports, comprehensive program assessments, and other outcome measures, to evaluate program effectiveness and inform continuous improvement Utilize data analytics and labor market insights to guide strategic priorities and resource allocation Employer & External Relations Develop and execute a proactive employer engagement strategy to expand internships, job opportunities, and experiential learning partnerships Cultivate and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national employers, as well as alumnae and industry partners Collaborate with Institutional Advancement and Alumnae Relations to strengthen employer and mentoring networks Represent the College to external stakeholders and enhance the institution’s visibility and reputation among employers Student Career Development & Readiness Oversee the design and delivery of a comprehensive career development model that equips students with essential career readiness competencies Ensure equitable access to high‑impact practices such as internships, networking opportunities, and career counseling Provide career counseling to students and alumnae, including administering and interpreting career assessments Lead workshops, classroom presentations, and programming on career and professional development topics Campus Collaboration & Curriculum Integration Partner with faculty and academic departments to integrate career development into the curriculum Work collaboratively across campus to ensure students can effectively translate their academic, leadership, and experiential learning into clear, confident career pathways Collaborate across campus to embed career readiness into the student experience, including first‑year through senior year initiatives Support the development of experiential learning opportunities, including internships and applied learning experiences Serve on institutional committees related to student success, retention, and strategic planning Technology, Innovation & Operations Oversee the implementation and optimization of career services technology platforms (e.g., career management systems - Handshake, assessment tools) Integrate emerging technologies, including AI, to enhance career education, coaching, and operational efficiency Ensure students are prepared to ethically and effectively use technology in the job search process Develop and manage departmental policies, procedures, and annual budget Marketing, Outreach & Engagement Lead a strategic communication plan to promote career services programs, resources, and outcomes Increase student engagement and utilization of career services across all class years Promote career success stories and outcomes to internal and external audiences Supervision & Staff Development Supervise, mentor, and evaluate team members through regular meetings, professional development, and performance reviews Foster a collaborative, innovative, and student‑centered team culture Train and supervise graduate student interns Access & Inclusion Develop and implement strategies to promote equitable career outcomes for all students Identify and address gaps in access to career opportunities and resources Partner with campus stakeholders and employers to advance inclusive hiring practices Additional Responsibilities Serve as a member of Campus Committees, including the StrongPoints Advisory Committee Maintain active participation in professional organizations and remain current on trends and best practices in career services Skills Needed Strategic thinking, leadership, and management skills with the ability to drive innovation and change Strong relationship‑building and collaboration skills with internal and external stakeholders Expertise in career counseling, coaching, and student development Ability to analyze and utilize data to inform decisions and demonstrate impact Familiarity with career services technology platforms and emerging tools, including AI Excellent communication, presentation, and storytelling skills Commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable student outcomes Key Interfaces Interacts extensively with college administrators, faculty, and staff Engages with students, faculty & staff, alumnae, employers, families, and community partners Represents the College on campus and in external professional and employer communities Education, Experience, Certifications Master’s degree in counseling, student development, higher education administration, or a related field Professional certifications such as career counseling/coaching credentials, assessment certifications, or leadership/HR certifications (e.g., NACE, NCDA, SHRM, Gallup Strengths Coaching) are preferred Significant experience in career services, career development, or a related field Demonstrated leadership experience, including supervision and program management Experience with assessment, data analysis, and program evaluation Proven success in building employer partnerships and external relationships preferred Working Conditions & Physical Demands General office setting with moderate noise Occasional evening and weekend work, as well as travel, may be required Valid NC Driver's License and clear driving history required #J-18808-Ljbffr Meredith College