Director of Career Development and Employer Engagement

Position Summary

The Director of Career Development and Employer Engagement provides proactive and engaged leadership for the Office of Career Readiness, advancing the University’s commitment to career development that equips students with skills, experiences, and confidence necessary for lifelong career success. Reporting to the Senior Director of the Student Success Center, the Director leads innovative career readiness initiatives, builds and sustains strategic employer and community partners, and expands experiential and professional opportunities for students. The role oversees the daily operations of the Office of Career Readiness, including staff supervision, program development, assessment, and administrative processes, while advancing institutional priorities that strengthen student engagement, persistence, and post-graduate outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead a comprehensive career support strategy focused on career readiness, internships, graduate outcomes, and employer engagement.
• Supervise and evaluate the Office of Career Readiness staff (Graduate Assistant, Career Navigators, Student Career Ambassadors, and volunteer alumni Career Mentors)
• Build partnerships with employers, alumni, community organizations to expand internship pipelines, experiential learning opportunities, and job placement outcomes.
• Collaborate with faculty and administration to embed NACE competencies in program offerings from first year through graduate programs.
• Collaborate with partners to develop equitable career access initiatives for first-generation students, student-athletes, and the university ASCEND program.
• Develop and maintain employer relationships with local, regional, and metro-Boston/New York organizations.
• Develop and support an Employer Insight Council and generate an annual career foresight and trends brief for program directors, deans, and administration.
• Organize regional employment/career fairs, networking events, employer panels, and career exploration initiatives.
• Manage career platforms and technology systems such as Handshake, career assessment tools, and employer databases.
• Oversee budgets, promotional efforts, annual goals, and strategic initiatives connected to career readiness.
• Represent the institution in regional workforce partnerships, chamber of commerce, and professional associations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher, with at least 5 years of relevant work experience in the field.
• Passion for student support, growth, and development.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Clear strategic planning.
• Data analysis and assessment.
• Effective student career advising and coaching.
• Exceptional public speaking, program development, and relationship building.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Competencies

• Professionalism, discretion, and diplomacy in all interactions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively across campus.