Director of Career Services - Sonoma State University

Another Source • Rohnert Park, CA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Sonoma State University (SSU) is seeking a Director of Career Services to join their team in Sonoma, California. This is a hybrid role within the Division of Student Affairs. SSU is part of the California State University system, known for its personalized student experience, strong commitment to student success, and high graduation rates. The university has an engaged alumni network at leading organizations such as Google, Meta, Deloitte, and Kaiser Permanente. The Director will lead the strategy, operations, and evolution of a student-centered Career Center, focusing on strengthening employer partnerships, integrating career readiness into the academic experience, and impacting student success and career outcomes. This role offers the opportunity to build, innovate, and make a tangible difference in students' lives.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in educational leadership, student affairs, higher education, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in career advising, student development, or student affairs
• At least 3 years of progressively responsible leadership, including supervisory experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of career development practices, student learning outcomes, and program assessment
• Experience leading programs, managing operations, and supervising staff

Nice To Haves

• Doctoral degree in a related field
• Experience working within a university career center
• Familiarity with NACE or CAS standards and career outcome assessment practices
• Experience with platforms such as Handshake, EAB Navigate, Focus2Career, or PeopleSoft

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for a comprehensive, equity-minded career services model aligned with university goals and workforce needs
• Lead and develop a team of career services professionals, fostering a high-impact, student-centered culture
• Drive a rebranding and visibility initiative to increase student, faculty, and employer engagement
• Build and expand employer partnerships to create internship pipelines and post-graduate opportunities
• Collaborate with faculty to embed career readiness and employability planning into academic programs
• Advance an integrated advising model supporting undeclared, pre-professional, and underserved student populations
• Oversee career programming, workshops, events, and peer coaching initiatives
• Manage departmental operations, including budget oversight, planning, and resource allocation
• Partner across Student Affairs and Academic Affairs to support retention, graduation, and career outcomes
• Ensure inclusive, accessible services that meet the needs of first-generation, transfer, and historically underserved students

Benefits

• Salary range: $84,000 – $90,000 annually
• Hybrid work environment with flexibility
• Ample PTO and flexibility, which includes up to 24 vacation days per year
• Access to athletic and gym facilities, renowned sporting events, artist events, and world-renowned speakers
• Numerous professional development opportunities
• Tuition waivers for yourself, a spouse, registered domestic partner or an eligible dependent child across any of the 23 CSU campuses
• Two different retirement plans: CalPERS Retirement Plan or 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan
• Medical benefits tailored to support various life stages
• Pre-tax commuter benefits

What This Job Offers

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