Director, Career Development

The Director plays an essential role in advancing APSU’s commitment to student success, retention, experiential learning, and career readiness through innovative programming, strategic partnerships, and data-informed practices.

In serving as Director of Career Development, the incumbent serves as a key division provides leadership for the following areas:

• Career Development & Coaching 
• Career Readiness Education & Programming 
• Career Integration & Campus Partnerships 
• Career Ambassador Program 

Characteristics of a Successful Candidate

• Integrity, collaboration, creativity, and initiative. 
• Passion for student success and career development. 
• Ability to lead and motivate a high-performing team. 
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, employers, and community stakeholders. 
• An innovative and solutions-oriented mindset with strong organizational skills. 
• Demonstrated enjoyment in mentoring and developing students and team members. 

Responsibilities include:

Supervisory Leadership

• Provide direct supervision, mentorship, training, and professional development for four Career Success Coaches and students within the Career Ambassador Program. 
• Foster a collaborative, student-centered, and high-performing team culture aligned with divisional and institutional values. 
• Conduct annual performance evaluations and provide ongoing developmental coaching and feedback. 
• Lead regular team check-ins and coordinate team initiatives to support departmental priorities. 
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and training of professional and student staff and leaders. 

Career Development, Education, and Programming

• Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of a comprehensive career coaching model for undergraduate and graduate students. 
• Provide oversight for career coaching services and resources including career exploration, resume and cover letter reviews, interview preparation, internship/job search strategies, graduate school preparation, and career readiness development. 
• Ensure coaching practices align with NACE Career Readiness Competencies and current career development best practices. 
• Provide leadership oversight for scalable and innovative career readiness programs and initiatives, including workshops, classroom presentations, networking events, digital resources, online engagement, and signature student engagement experiences.
• Develop strategies to increase student engagement with career development services and resources. 
• Collaborate with the Executive Director, career success coaches, and campus partners to integrate career readiness into curricular and co-curricular experiences. 
• Oversee the Career Ambassador Program, including recruitment, training, programming, outreach initiatives, and peer engagement efforts. 
• Assist in the planning and execution of career fairs, employer events, and experiential learning initiatives. 

Campus Partnerships & Collaboration

• Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with academic colleges, faculty, student affairs departments, and campus stakeholders. 
• Partner with academic departments to support classroom presentations, career integration initiatives, and customized programming. 
• Collaborate with Executive Director, career success operations, and employer engagement staff to align student preparation efforts with workforce needs and employer expectations. 
• Represent the Career Success Center at campus meetings, committees, and university events. 

Data, Assessment, & Reporting

• Support institutional initiatives related to first destination outcomes, student success metrics, and the collection, assessment, and reporting of career services, student engagement, experiential learning, and post-graduate career outcomes.
• Utilize Handshake, EAB Navigate, Ready Education (Govs Connect), and other online platforms to maintain accurate and current records, track student engagement, and support the day-to-day operations of the center. 
• Analyze data and student feedback to improve programs, services, and student engagement strategies. 

Department, Division, & University Leadership

• Support the vision, mission, and strategic priorities of the Career Success Center and Division of Student Affairs. 
• Maintain open communication with the Executive Director regarding department initiatives, challenges, and opportunities. 
• Contribute to strategic planning efforts and departmental innovation initiatives. 
• Participate in university committees, divisional meetings, and professional development opportunities. 
• Remain informed on emerging trends and best practices in career development, higher education, and workforce readiness. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Master’s degree and at least four (4) years of related experience in career development, career advising, higher education, student affairs, counseling, or related field.
• At least three (3) years of supervisory or leadership experience of professional staff. 
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, mentor, and develop staff and student leaders. 
• Strong oral, written, and presentation communication skills. 
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with key stakeholders. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and projects effectively. 
• Demonstrated commitment to student success and inclusive excellence. 
• Knowledge of career readiness best practices and student engagement strategies. 
• Ability to analyze and utilize data to inform decision-making and program improvement.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

Complementing the required skills and qualifications:

• Master’s degree and at least six (6) years of related experience in career development, higher education, student affairs, counseling, employer engagement, or related field. 
• At least three (3) years of supervisory or leadership experience of professional staff. 
• Experience leading career coaching initiatives, student programs, or peer leadership programs. 
• Strong knowledge of career development theories, career coaching strategies, and student development practices. 
• Experience presenting to small and large groups. 
• Experience with assessment, data analysis, and strategic planning. 
• Familiarity with career services platforms and technologies such as Handshake and career assessment tools. 

Physical Requirements:

-Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.