Director of Professional Development and External Engagement

Wilkes University • Wilkes-Barre, PA

6d

About The Position

Wilkes University invites applications for a Director of Professional Development and External Engagement in the Sidhu School of Business and Leadership. This full-time, 12-month position leads initiatives to strengthen students' career readiness, leadership development, and connections with employers, alumni, and the business community.

The Director oversees the Personal and Professional Development (PPD) program, including curriculum development, instructional quality, assessment, and continuous improvement, and teaches up to six credits of PPD courses per semester. The role also provides individual career guidance to seniors and develops programs and events connecting students with industry leaders and professional opportunities.

A central responsibility is cultivating corporate and community partnerships that support internships, employment opportunities, financial support, and meaningful student engagement. The Director coordinates the College of Business and Engineering Dean's Executive Advisory Board and Student Advisory Board programs, collaborates with campus partners, tracks graduate and alumni employment outcomes, and contributes to strategic planning and AACSB accreditation efforts.

Wilkes University is an independent, comprehensive university focused on academic excellence and mentoring relationships with students, as well as contributing to economic development in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Employment is contingent upon a thorough background screening. Positions involving regular, unsupervised contact with minors require additional clearances under PA Act 153.

Requirements

• A master's degree in business administration or a related field.
• Experience in curriculum development, professional development programming, program assessment, and strategic partnership building.
• Knowledge of workforce trends, employer recruitment practices, and experiential education.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, organizational, analytical, and fiscal planning skills.

Nice To Haves

• Understanding of business school accreditation processes, preferably AACSB.
• Ability to lead collaborative, data-informed initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Personal and Professional Development (PPD) program, including curriculum development, instructional quality, assessment, and continuous improvement.
• Teach up to six credits of PPD courses per semester.
• Provide individual career guidance to seniors.
• Develop programs and events connecting students with industry leaders and professional opportunities.
• Cultivate corporate and community partnerships that support internships, employment opportunities, financial support, and student engagement.
• Coordinate the College of Business and Engineering Dean's Executive Advisory Board and Student Advisory Board programs.
• Collaborate with campus partners.
• Track graduate and alumni employment outcomes.
• Contribute to strategic planning and AACSB accreditation efforts.

What This Job Offers

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