Director of the Center for Career and Professional Development

Post University is seeking a Director of the Center for Career and Professional Development to join our team.

WHY POST?

Post University has an immediate opening for an exceptional Director of the Center for Career and Professional Development. Post University is a legendary, dynamic, growth-oriented organization of passionate, diverse professionals united in pursuit of life-changing service to countless students. Our “Make It Personal” mission is the driving tenet that shapes all aspects of how we treat students and each other. The Post University’s success story is well positioned to be second to none. As our amazing story unfolds, the Director of the Center for Career and Professional Development will help build and sustain a distinct, transformative culture that achieves Post’s imagined future priorities.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of Career Services will lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive career services program for students and alumni, serving both on-campus and online students, and reports to the Dean of Students. This role requires a strategic leader passionate about student development, career planning, and employer engagement. The director coordinates a comprehensive workforce-ready student development program for all degree programs. He/she will oversee a team of Career Advisors and student workers, collaborate with academic departments and employers, and ensure that career services align with the university’s mission and goals. This position is on Post’s main campus and is not a remote opportunity.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Management

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for the CCPD
• Hire, train, supervise, and mentor a team of Career Advisors and student workers
• Encourage staff personal and professional development through participation in professional organizations, conferences, and certifications
• Develop and manage the department’s budget, resources, online platforms, website and initiatives
• Collaborate with Marketing, social media, and public relations staff to promote CCPD activities and programs
• Actively engage in university committees, including the Workforce Ready committee

Career Advising and Services

• Oversee the development and delivery of career advising, coaching, and resources for students and alumni
• Implement and enhance programs and services that address career exploration, job search strategies, internships, and professional development
• Serve as a resource for students and staff regarding federal and governmental resources, career assessments, labor force and economic trends, future careers, and job opportunities

Employer and Alumni Relations

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with employers, alumni, and industry professionals to create job and internship opportunities for students
• Provide interactive activities for students to engage with employers through career fairs, networking events, and employer presentations
• Invite employers to speak in classes and interact with faculty

Strategic Planning and Assessment

• Develop and execute strategic plans to measure and improve career services and align with university goals
• Assess the effectiveness of career services programs and make data-driven decisions to enhance services
• Play an active role in designing and implementing the University’s strategic initiative of Workforce Ready – collaborating to connect career services into the larger entity of Workforce Ready while creating innovative services and programs that enhance student engagement in career and professional activities

Collaboration and Outreach

• Collaborate with academic departments, faculty, and student organizations to integrate career development and workforce-ready skills into academics and the holistic student experience
• Promote career services through outreach, workshops, and seminars to engage students and enhance their career readiness
• Engage in community events and organizations to develop and enhance relationships with potential employers

Reporting and Analytics

• Measure student participation and satisfaction with CCPD events and programs
• Monitor and report on career outcomes and program effectiveness
• Provide regular updates to university leadership on career services activities and achievements

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position requires a flexible schedule with some evening and weekend hours to meet the operational needs of the CCPD.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS (As referenced on The Post Way of Life – Associates’ Daily Commitments)

We expect our associates to CARE (Connect–Assess–Resolve–Excite) in every stakeholder interaction. CARE is a framework to guide our every decision and action. CARE also resonates with our diverse associate & student populations – as humans, we know what it means to CARE.

We CONNECT. We believe relationships matter. Not only do we believe relationships matter, we know there is a direct correlation between the quality of our relationships and our outcomes. We invest in our relationships with colleagues, students, and ourselves – we make time to tend to our mental, physical, financial, and professional health.

We ASSESS. We take the time to understand why something happened entirely; we remove assumptions and eliminate confusion or ambiguity by asking questions and creating context, certainty, clarity, and mutual understanding. We collaborate with others throughout the university by understanding their strengths and value to the tribe. When we encounter conflict, we first seek to understand and be understood – and always with respect.

We RESOLVE. We generate the trust of our colleagues, students, regulatory bodies, and our more significant communities by doing the right thing all the time—even when nobody is looking. We honor our promises by following up and following through. We help others learn and grow by sharing information and feedback.

We EXCITE. “Making It Personal” is the experience we promise students and associate with every interaction. Excite is the heart of our experience. We find ways to be resourceful and helpful to Wow, Amaze and Delight others. We embrace change, take risks and innovate. We celebrate successes and recognize the accomplishments of others.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and performance required. Reasonable accommodations may enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education
A master’s degree is preferred in a career-related or other relevant academic discipline such as student development, education, or business

Experience
Minimum of six (6) years of experience in a complex career services organization or corporate college relations, recruitment, and/or professional staffing role.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Current knowledge of the job market, occupational outcomes of a variety of disciplines, and knowledge of career guidance and job search tools (e.g., LinkedIn, Handshake, ONet, and Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH)
• Must have superior interpersonal skills and a commitment to respect and collaboration with other departments, staff, faculty, and students
• Respect confidentiality and ethical boundaries regarding guidelines, supervision, and professional consultation within the university
• Excellent verbal, advising, and written communication skills, including strong presentation skills incorporating current technology
• Experience in guiding and teaching the writing of resumes and cover letters, interview preparation, and job search strategies
• Experience promoting programs and using design tools (e.g., Canva, PowerPoint).
• Familiarization with assessment methodologies and data analysis
• Candidates must demonstrate the ability to connect with a blended community of students (traditional aged, online adult learners, undergraduate, graduate, etc.) and champion diverse populations to support the university’s commitment to DEI
• Excellent time management skills and an ability to prioritize work activities

As a member of our Post University team, the individual will share in a 134-year tradition of helping people achieve their personal and professional goals. Located in Waterbury, Connecticut, Post University has a vibrant campus and an excellent online program. The University offers a competitive salary and benefits package that includes medical, dental, 401(k) and tuition benefits.

Interested candidates should forward cover letter, resume, and three references to Post University Associate Experience.

Disclaimer: This opportunity may be withdrawn and/or amended.

Post University is an equal opportunity employer.

At Post, we embrace differences. We thrive on diversity. We believe our distinctions make us better educators, leaders, and simply better in every way possible. We gladly comply with all applicable laws. We do not discriminate because of sex, sexual orientation, age, race, color, religious creed, marital status, national origin, ancestry, disability, handicap or other legally protected status.

Post University's team members come from various backgrounds, experiences, and expertise. Each perspective helps us collectively evaluate situations from every angle for the best decision-making process available. This is the heart of our culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and collaboration.