Director of Career Development

Carlow University seeks a collaborative, strategic, and student-centered Director of Career Development to lead the University''s comprehensive career development and professional readiness initiatives. The Director provides leadership and direction for all career development programs and services, including employer development, career counseling, job search assistance, graduate school counseling, internship development, and career readiness programming.

As the public face of the Office of Career Development, the Director builds and maintains relationships with employers, internship sites, and community partners to expand experiential learning and employment opportunities for Carlow students. The Director collaborates closely with academic leadership, Admissions, Alumni Relations, Advancement, Financial Aid, Human Resources, and Student Affairs colleagues to create a seamless career development experience that supports student success from enrollment through post-graduate outcomes.

The Director serves as a member of the Vice President of Student Affairs & Dean of Students'' leadership team and contributes to the strategic vision and annual goals of the Division of Student Affairs while demonstrating a strong commitment to Carlow University''s Catholic identity, Mercy heritage, mission, and core values.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the Vice President of Student Affairs & Dean of Students leadership team.

• Contribute to the overall strategic vision and annual goals of the Division of Student Affairs.

• Direct a comprehensive career and professional readiness program for students.

• Establish strategic long-term goals and assessment measures for the Office of Career Development and coordinate the Office''s contributions to the University''s Strategic Plan.

• Provide strategic leadership for the Office of Career Development by establishing annual goals, service standards, and performance benchmarks for the department and staff.

• Develop and implement a multi-year Career and Professional Readiness strategy aligned with the University''s mission and strategic priorities.

• Track, analyze, and utilize data to strengthen student retention, persistence, post-graduation outcomes, and overall student success.

• Collaborate with academic leadership to design career development programs and services that meet the unique needs of individual academic programs.

• Create and manage the departmental budget and allocate resources effectively.

• Develop and strengthen recruiting relationships with employers and internship supervisors to expand career opportunities for students.

• Supervise Career Development staff, including, but not limited to:

• Assistant Director

• Work Study Manager

• Graduate Assistant

• Peer Career Advisors

• Collaborate with faculty to integrate career development experiences throughout the curriculum.

• Maintain Handshake and other career development software platforms.

• Maintain consortium relationships with relevant regional organizations.

• Develop, present, and actively market workshops, classroom presentations, online learning opportunities, and additional programming that assists students in exploring career options.

• Promote and guide students through the University''s Career Development Plan.

• Maintain accurate and current information and statistical data regarding graduate job placement and career outcomes.

• Participate on University committees as requested.

• Collaborate with Financial Aid and Human Resources to oversee the University''s student campus employment program and ensure campus employment serves as a meaningful career readiness and professional development experience.

• Work collaboratively with the Vice President of Student Affairs & Dean of Students and Student Affairs staff on divisional initiatives.

• Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to the mission and core values of Carlow University and the Sisters of Mercy.

Additional Responsibilities

• Contribute to cross-functional teams that support effective first-year, second-year, and overall student life-cycle developmental experiences.
• Coordinate the compilation of internship and experiential learning data across the University.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Master''s degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, Counseling, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience

• Demonstrated experience (minimum of 5-7 years) working in a university Career Development office, Human Resources, or a related field.
• At least five years of experience in career services, student affairs, or higher education preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, manage, and assess developmental and experiential programs and services.
• Background in counseling or academic advising preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Excellent computer proficiency and technology skills.
• Experience utilizing career development software, including Handshake, or similar platforms.
• Ability to build collaborative partnerships across academic and administrative departments as well as with external employers and community partners.
• Strong organizational, project management, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to collect, summarize, analyze, and clearly communicate data from multiple sources.
• Demonstrated ability to use assessment data to guide decision-making, evaluate programs, represent the breadth of student experiences, and report meaningful outcomes.
• Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Demonstrated commitment to working collaboratively with a diverse and representative population to further the mission of the University.
• Commitment to honoring Carlow University''s Catholic identity and Mercy historical legacy.

Carlow University is Devoted to....

• A culture of integrity, dignity and respect for all
• A strong commitment to social justice
• Ethical forward-thinking leadership
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life & disability benefits package
• Tuition benefits for undergraduate and graduate programs
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Program
• Complimentary use of Carlow's fitness center and amenities

Carlow University is a comprehensive Catholic University situated in a culturally rich and diverse urban setting of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1929 by the Sisters of Mercy, an international community of Roman Catholic women with a mission to serve the poor, the sick, and the uneducated. Carlow is an institution grounded in the liberal arts while also offering strong professional programs, committed to engaging its community in a process of life-long learning, scholarship, research, and service. Degrees are offered at the baccalaureate, master''s, and doctoral levels. Carlow University aims to provide transformational educational opportunities rooted in social justice for a community of learners, and to empower them to excel in their chosen work as compassionate, responsible leaders in the creation of a just and merciful world.

Carlow University employees commit themselves to the highest standards of ethical conduct. They commit to act with integrity, treat others with respect and dignity, carefully steward the University''s resources, avoid conflicts of interest or commitment, maintain confidentiality, and to comply with legal and professional obligations.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and

responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.