Director, Career Development

Austin Peay State University • Clarksville, TN

5d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director