Senior Director, Consulting Careers – Darden School of Business

University of Virginia•Charlottesville, VA

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The University of Virginia Darden School of Business seeks a Senior Director, Consulting Careers to join its Career Center team. Darden is experiencing strong momentum across its MBA programs, making this an exciting time to join. Darden’s Career Center supports more than 1,200 graduate business students through one-on-one career advising, lifelong career management skill development, and comprehensive internship and job search support. The Center engages Full-Time, Residential MBA students at the Goodwin Family Grounds in Charlottesville and working professionals students (Part-Time MBA, Executive MBA, and MS n Business Analytics) at the Sands Family Grounds in Rosslyn, VA. The team is driven by a commitment to student success and believes in the transformative impact of thoughtful career advising and meaningful employer engagement. The Center partners with nearly 150 organizations that recruit and hire students into careers across consulting, investment banking, general management, marketing, technology, private equity/venture capital, and more. In 2026, the Center expects to manage approximately 1,400 job postings and host 400 in-person and virtual recruiting events. Its corporate engagement model helps organizations meet hiring goals while building long-term relationships with the School and expanding partnerships aligned with student interests. This Senior Director plays a critical role in supporting MBA students pursuing consulting careers while strengthening relationships with leading consulting firms. Through personalized, one-on-one advising, they listen to students’ goals and aspirations, understand their challenges, and help them build clear, actionable plans. By providing thoughtful feedback, sharing relevant experience, and offering strategic guidance, the Senior Director empowers students to navigate the job search with confidence. They stay ahead of consulting industry trends, lead targeted workshops, and act as a key connector between students and consulting firms—helping employers meet hiring needs while preparing students for competitive internships and full-time roles. The Senior Director develops and executes a vision for deeper engagement between students and employers within the global consulting industry. Ideal candidates bring experience in one or more of the following areas: Career advising or career services, particularly supporting MBA students pursuing consulting careers and building employer relationships; Deep knowledge of consulting hiring trends, industry demands, and MBA career transitions; Leadership experience in professional development or MBA hiring within a consulting firm; University relations or campus recruiting, with a strong understanding of employer needs and effective student coaching. The Senior Director, Consulting Careers, joins a team of career advisors who primarily support Full-Time MBA students across areas including investment banking/finance, marketing and general management, technology, healthcare/energy/non-profit/sustainability, entrepreneurship, and international job searches. This position is based in Charlottesville, with limited hybrid flexibility during the summer (late May to late July), based on business needs and leadership discretion.

Requirements

Master’s degree and 9+ years of relevant experience required
Experience in the consulting profession required
Proven ability to build and sustain long-term, strategic relationships with executives, recruiters, and alumni
Exceptional communication skills, including experience delivering presentations, facilitating workshops, and leading professional development programs
Strong emotional intelligence, demonstrated through empathy, sound judgment, and effective collaboration in a team environment
Commitment to the mission, values, and impact of the University of Virginia and the Darden School of Business

Nice To Haves

MBA from a top-tier, residential program strongly preferred
Direct exposure to consultant hiring (including case interviewing), talent development, or leadership programs preferred

Responsibilities

Advise MBA students pursuing consulting careers through individual coaching, small group sessions, and targeted career development resources
Mentor student organizations, including the Consulting Club, providing industry insight and career guidance
Design and deliver career programming (e.g., classroom sessions, workshops, industry panels, and digital resources) to connect students with consulting employers and opportunities; regularly presenting to audiences from 15-200 students
Leverage industry expertise and professional networks to expand student access to job opportunities, mentorship, and career insight
Build and sustain relationships with alumni, executives, and recruiters to strengthen Darden’s consulting presence, enhance job sourcing, and elevate the School’s brand
Advise consulting firms on effective strategies for hiring Darden MBA talent
Partner with Corporate Engagement and Recruiting Operations teams to strengthen employer relationships and expand high-impact recruiting opportunities
Collaborate with career advisors to strengthen MBA career outcomes, share best practices, and support students and employers holistically
Contribute to strategic and operational initiatives that enhance career advising and organizational effectiveness, including programming, employer engagement, technology and AI, data analytics, and process improvement