Director of the Berry Career Institute

Cornell College invites applications for a full-time Director of the Berry Career Institute (BCI). As a senior leader within the Division of Alumni and College Advancement, this position plays a critical role in advancing career readiness and post-graduate success, ensuring the Institute serves as a strategic advantage for students and a lifelong resource for alumni. 

Position Overview
The Director provides strategic leadership for the Berry Career Institute, connecting the student experience with career outcomes, alumni engagement, and the long-term value of a Cornell education. This role leads the development and implementation of high-impact experiential learning and career development initiatives integrated throughout the student lifecycle—from enrollment through graduation and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and execute a strategic vision and work plan for the Berry Career Institute


• Lead campus-wide career readiness and experiential learning initiatives


• Build and strengthen partnerships with employers, alumni, and external organizations


• Collaborate with faculty, academic departments, and campus partners to embed career development across the curriculum


• Oversee internship programming as a core element of experiential learning


• Manage Institute operations, including staff supervision and budget oversight


• Analyze and communicate first-destination and post-graduate outcomes data to demonstrate institutional impact


• Serve as the College’s primary ambassador for career development to internal and external audiences

Qualifications and Education Requirements

Master's degree in higher education administration, counseling, student personnel, MBA, or related field preferred; bachelor's degree required. Minimum 5 years of experience in a career center, corporate college relations, or related field, including progressive management responsibilities required. Must have an ability to counsel and motivate students from a variety of majors, backgrounds, experiences, and vocational aspirations. Successful candidates will have experience working with external companies, organizations, agencies, and individuals to coordinate experiential learning and employment opportunities.

Preferred Skills and Attributes

Knowledge of best practices in career development, and an understanding of the relevance and value of a liberal arts education to the world of work and lifelong learning. Excellent interpersonal skills and an enthusiasm for collaboration and creative endeavors. Ability to counsel and motivate students from a variety of majors, backgrounds, experiences, and vocational aspirations. Demonstrated ability to successfully manage staff members and collaborate with a variety of stakeholders. Effective skills in communication, program development, outcomes assessment, and budget management. Experience working with external companies, organizations, agencies, and individuals to coordinate experiential learning and employment opportunities. 

Working Location & Conditions

Work is performed primarily while seated in an office environment. Travel between buildings on campus is often necessary. Local, regional, or national travel is periodic. A valid driver’s license is required. Some evening and weekend work is required. Cornell College complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and/or receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [email protected].

Cornell employees enjoy a fantastic benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, HSA & FSA accounts, a TIAA 403(b) retirement account, and tuition remission and exchange for employees and dependents. The college also offers life insurance, disability insurance, travel insurance, and accident insurance. And, all full-time staff begin with a 4-week vacation accrual along with 14.5 paid holidays per year. This 12-month position has a hiring pay range of $65,000 - $75,000. 

Application Process

To apply, submit a resume, cover letter, and a list of at least three professional references through Cornell College's online application system.

Cornell is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from underrepresented groups. Cornell complies with Iowa's Smoke-free Air Act. Cornell utilizes E-Verify and requires the satisfactory completion of a background check.