Description

The Director of Career Development reports directly to the Executive Director for the Career Success Center and serves as a key leader in advancing a comprehensive, student-centered, and outcomes-focused career development strategy at Austin Peay State University. This position provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for career coaching services, career education initiatives, and student career readiness programming designed to support positive career outcomes for APSU students.

The Director exercises independent judgment in leading the career coaching team and collaborates across academic and administrative units to embed career readiness throughout the academic and student life experience at APSU. This role supervises four Career Success Coaches and oversees the Career Ambassador Program to support peer-to-peer engagement, outreach, and career readiness initiatives.

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. 

Requirements

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.