Professional Development Director

Abilene Christian University•Abilene, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Professional Development Director will be responsible for architecting and leading the Professional Development Program for all business and technology students. This role involves effective training, coaching, leadership, management, and fostering partnerships. The position also oversees the Internship Program and serves as a member of the Operations Leadership Team. A key aspect of this role is the requirement to be a professing Christian and support the Christian mission of ACU, due to its affiliation with the Churches of Christ.

Requirements

Must be a professing Christian and willing to support the Christian mission of ACU.
Professional Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a coaching or Human Resources discipline.
Outstanding presentation and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills, especially for one-on-one coaching.
Exceptional organizational and time management skills.
Personal Coach young adults, through teaching and mentorship.
Dependable.
Strong level of initiative.
Strategic ability to work well with a wide range of peers, faculty, and staff.
Positive attitude and record of excellence as a team member.
Attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
Proficiency in computer software training including Google suite, Banner, Handshake, Canvas, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, etc.
Able to endure extended periods of desk/computer work.
Able to conduct back-to-back teaching sessions for multiple hours.
Emotionally strong and mature.
Handles stress well (high volume and high-speed demands).

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree is preferred.
Minimum of 5 years teaching, training, or coaching is preferred.
Extensive human resources, training, or coaching experience is a plus.
Attend NACE or other professional development conferences.

Responsibilities

Architect, lead, and ensure the execution of the Professional Development Program.
Oversee all aspects of the Internship Program.
Serve as a member of the Operations Leadership Team.
Schedule and conduct coaching sessions, workshops, and connection events.
Leverage appropriate technology platforms to send announcements and reminders.
Coordinate the application process for students enrolling in the Internship for Credit course.
Train and guide students through the completion of an internship search.
Partner with academic program leads, the ACU Career Center, Student Development, and the External Engagement team for employer connections and fundraising.
Collect and report data to provide statistics, outcomes reports, and comparisons to support strategic decision-making, including senior post-graduation tracking.
Collect data or feedback from employers that will inform curricular and program development decisions.
Engage student organizations in opportunities for growth and development.
Facilitate connection events across the college community, including coordination of the annual college-wide career fair.
Strategize to develop and expand an alumni employer network.