Director, Engineering Career Services

Virginia Commonwealth University•Richmond, VA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

We’re looking for a motivated professional to lead career services for the College of Engineering. You’ll manage career fairs, employer events, professional development courses, and the internship/co-op program while overseeing budgeting and strategic planning. If you enjoy a fast-paced, student-focused environment, this role is for you! The VCU College of Engineering seeks an innovative and student-focused leader to oversee career services initiatives that prepare engineering students for success in a rapidly evolving workforce. This highly visible role serves as a key connector between students, employers, faculty, and industry partners, creating meaningful career development opportunities and expanding pathways to internships, co-ops, and full-time employment. The successful candidate will lead high-impact programs that directly influence student success, employer engagement, and workforce readiness while helping shape the future of engineering talent in Central Virginia and beyond. As part of a collaborative and growing community committed to innovation, access, and student achievement, this position offers the opportunity to build strong industry partnerships, expand experiential learning opportunities, and make a lasting impact on the next generation of engineering professionals.

Requirements

Master's degree and some years of experience in a relevant professional role or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Ability to communicate effectively with students, staff and the public from a variety of cultural, social, economic, and educational backgrounds.
Ability to effectively direct, budget, plan, implement and evaluate programs.
Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience within a higher education setting is preferred.
Significant years of experience in a comparable role is preferred.
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to lead people and provide direction.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement innovative career development strategies that respond to changing workforce needs and emerging industry trends.
Lead the planning and execution of large-scale engineering career fairs serving 600–1,000 students and welcoming 90–110 employer partners annually.
Offer career related networking events and info sessions from employers multiple weeks of each semester - which includes coffee hours, info sessions, tabling events, etc
Manage the professional development classes, ensuring all classes have coverage
Manage and continuously enhance the College's internship and co-op programs to support student success and experiential learning opportunities.
Provide leadership for the daily operations and long-term sustainability of the College of Engineering Career Services Office, including budget oversight and resource management.
Develop strategic short- and long-range plans that support and improve student achievement, employer engagement, and program growth.
Initiate and respond to requests for special projects outside of daily goals by identifying and performing necessary tasks by case specific deadlines in order to support departmental responsiveness to change and market demand.