"Associate Director of Leadership and Professional Programming and Professional Career Escalator Program Director, UMKC Career Services"

Hiring Department

The Professional Career Escalators (PCE) program is a career preparation and leadership development initiative designed to support students pursuing careers in high-demand fields such as healthcare, education, business, engineering, and law and justice. Open to first-time college students and eligible transfer students with a minimum 2.5 GPA, the program offers scholarships, mentorship, and experiential learning opportunities. Participants engage in five core experiences each semester, including career development, leadership training, graduate school preparation, and hands-on industry exposure through a non-credit career course. The program also includes a high school component, Career U, which introduces younger students to professional pathways through workshops and networking. PCE fosters academic success and career readiness in a supportive, community-driven environment.

UMKC Career Services provides comprehensive support to students and alumni as they explore career paths, prepare for the workforce, and connect with employers. Services include one-on-one coaching, resume and interview preparation, job and internship search assistance, and access to the Handshake platform. Career Services also hosts events such as career fairs, workshops, and networking sessions, and continues to support alumni post-graduation. Located in the Miller Nichols Library, Career Services serves as a central hub for career development across all disciplines.

Job Description

Position Overview: The Associate Director of Leadership and Professional Programming and Director of the Professional Career Escalator Program (PCE), provides strategic leadership and oversight for a dynamic student success and career readiness initiative. This role is responsible for enhancing outcomes for both on-campus PCE students and off-campus career-focused programming by leading program development, managing key initiatives, supervising staff, and teaching career and leadership content. The position also contributes to broader Career Services efforts, supporting university-wide goals for student development and career preparation.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Strategy & Development

• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of PCE program components, including assessment, career development, mentoring, leadership programming, career course instruction, and living-learning communities
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders such as Roo Advising, Student Affairs, Faculty Experts, Community Professionals, and Residential Life to ensure program integration and alignment with student needs.
• Integrate existing student support services (e.g., financial wellness, mental health, and wellness) into the PCE framework to promote holistic student success.

Assessment & Planning

• Develop and administer strategic plans, policies, and practices to monitor, assess, and track program components using career success metrics.
• Manage functional plans and budgets to meet short- and long-term goals in alignment with Career Services and university strategic priorities.

Outreach & Representation

• Represent and promote the PCE program on campus and in the community, cultivating cohorts that include first-time college students and transfer students.
• Lead marketing and outreach efforts to increase program visibility and engagement.

Student Engagement & Communication

• Oversee the application, review, and selection process for program participants.
• Ensure clear and consistent communication of program requirements, expectations, and scholarship details to students.
• Provide assistance to students and make connections to resources beneficial to their career and academic success.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Provide direct supervision and leadership to full-time staff, graduate assistants, and student employees supporting both on-campus and off-campus initiatives.
• Contribute strategic input to broader Career Services initiatives, fostering cohesive career development strategies across the university.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 6 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Skills & Competencies:

• Ability to lead complex programs and initiatives with strategic vision and operational excellence.
• Experience supervising professional staff, graduate assistants, and student employees in a student-centered environment.
• Capacity to align program goals with institutional priorities and adapt plans to meet evolving needs.
• Expertise in designing, implementing, and evaluating student success and career readiness programs.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Experience with budget development and resource allocation.
• Experience in facilitation or instruction and designing coursework.
• Ability to analyze data and translate findings into actionable improvements.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, data visualization tools, and digital communication platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Skills

• Experience with Clifton Strengths
• Experience with Kansas Leadership Center, leadership program

Anticipated Hiring Range

$65,000 - $75,000 per year commensurate with education, experience, and internal equity.

Application Materials

Application materials must include a cover letter and updated resume.

Application Deadline

For best consideration, submit application materials by November 13, 2025. Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed until this position is filled.