Director of Career Development
The Director of Career Development provides visionary operational and strategic leadership for a comprehensive career development program, with a focus on strategic planning, student career readiness, and leading the career advising team. The Director oversees student engagement operations, supervises key team members, leads the implementation of career readiness initiatives, and represents the Career Center across the university and in the community. In addition, the Director is responsible for the assessment and continuous improvement of student engagement programs and services, using data, outcomes, and feedback to evaluate effectiveness, inform decision-making, and ensure alignment with Career Center and university goals.
Responsibilities
Leads strategic planning for student-facing career services and advising, including budget forecasting, HR functions, and operational oversight
Collaborates with Career Center leadership to create a seamless student experience across career exploration, advising, education, and employer engagement
Serves as a strategic decision-maker and key contributor to the mission and direction of the Career Center
Evaluates and refines career initiatives using benchmarking data, assessments, and student engagement metrics
Represents the Career Center in public speaking engagements, student events, and university/community functions
Acts as the primary media contact for career-related topics and trends
Oversees the integration and ongoing development of NACE career competencies across academic and co-curricular programs
Supports the implementation and integration of career readiness tools into curriculum and student experiences
Collaborates with academic and administrative partners to track, assess, and improve student participation in career readiness activities
Aligns student career programming with university-wide goals for student success and graduate outcomes
Provides direct supervision to assigned staff
Promotes a collaborative, inclusive office culture and ensures ongoing professional development and support for team members
Ensures that programs, services, and resources are high-quality, innovative, and accessible to students of all academic backgrounds
Leads data collection and compliance related to career outcomes (first-destination surveys) in adherence to NACE standards
Supports data reporting and analysis for annual reports, strategic planning, and institutional initiatives
Serves as the Career Center's liaison to Deans, Associate Deans, and college administrators to align career services with academic priorities
Engages regularly with advising and career staff across colleges, departments, and majors to promote collaborative programming and student support
Leads the development and execution of a career strategy for graduate students, in partnership with the Graduate College
Collaborates with Admissions, Enrollment Management, Alumni relations, advancement teams and other key units to enhance career education efforts
Represents the Career Center on campus-wide initiatives and committees related to student engagement and post-graduation success
Other duties as assigned to support departmental goals
Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree required, AND :
7 years of experience in career services, academic advising, student success, or a related area
Equivalency/Substitution Experience or a combination of education & related experience can be considered in lieu of degree. A one-to-one ratio is used to determine the number of years of experience required in place of a degree.
Skills
Strong relationship management and customer service skills, with the ability to effectively engage diverse stakeholders
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively
Proficient in strategic planning and implementation to support program development and organizational goals
Ability to foster collaboration across departments and divisions, while effectively building and supporting a team
Ability to design and deliver impactful presentations to departmental, divisional, and university leadership
Experience in developing and applying program assessment and evaluation methods to measure outcomes and inform decision-making
Proficient in Microsoft Office and familiar with career services platforms and related technologies
Knowledge of college recruiting and university-employer relations, including current practices, industry trends, and compliance standards
Advertised Physical Requirements
Standard office environment
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays in alignment with events, meeting schedules, and deadlines
Departmental Preferences
Master's degree preferred
Applicants must submit an ONLINE application at http://jobs.ou.edu for Job Requisition # 260191. Computers and personal assistance are available at the Office of Human Resources, 905 Asp, Room 205, Norman, OK 73069. Include job requisition number on all correspondence. Deadlines subject to change with or without notice. For further information on this or other University of Oklahoma job opportunities, please call (405) 325-1826 or access our website at www.hr.ou.edu.
Special Instructions
: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy. To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.
Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma
: The University of Oklahoma values our community's unique talents, perspectives, and experiences. At OU, we aspire to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere. You Belong Here!
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
: The University, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, gender identity/expression (consistent with applicable law), age (40 or older), religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, housing, financial aid, and educational services.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Responsibilities
Leads strategic planning for student-facing career services and advising, including budget forecasting, HR functions, and operational oversight
Collaborates with Career Center leadership to create a seamless student experience across career exploration, advising, education, and employer engagement
Serves as a strategic decision-maker and key contributor to the mission and direction of the Career Center
Evaluates and refines career initiatives using benchmarking data, assessments, and student engagement metrics
Represents the Career Center in public speaking engagements, student events, and university/community functions
Acts as the primary media contact for career-related topics and trends
Oversees the integration and ongoing development of NACE career competencies across academic and co-curricular programs
Supports the implementation and integration of career readiness tools into curriculum and student experiences
Collaborates with academic and administrative partners to track, assess, and improve student participation in career readiness activities
Aligns student career programming with university-wide goals for student success and graduate outcomes
Provides direct supervision to assigned staff
Promotes a collaborative, inclusive office culture and ensures ongoing professional development and support for team members
Ensures that programs, services, and resources are high-quality, innovative, and accessible to students of all academic backgrounds
Leads data collection and compliance related to career outcomes (first-destination surveys) in adherence to NACE standards
Supports data reporting and analysis for annual reports, strategic planning, and institutional initiatives
Serves as the Career Center's liaison to Deans, Associate Deans, and college administrators to align career services with academic priorities
Engages regularly with advising and career staff across colleges, departments, and majors to promote collaborative programming and student support
Leads the development and execution of a career strategy for graduate students, in partnership with the Graduate College
Collaborates with Admissions, Enrollment Management, Alumni relations, advancement teams and other key units to enhance career education efforts
Represents the Career Center on campus-wide initiatives and committees related to student engagement and post-graduation success
Other duties as assigned to support departmental goals
Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree required, AND :
7 years of experience in career services, academic advising, student success, or a related area
Equivalency/Substitution Experience or a combination of education & related experience can be considered in lieu of degree. A one-to-one ratio is used to determine the number of years of experience required in place of a degree.
Skills
Strong relationship management and customer service skills, with the ability to effectively engage diverse stakeholders
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively
Proficient in strategic planning and implementation to support program development and organizational goals
Ability to foster collaboration across departments and divisions, while effectively building and supporting a team
Ability to design and deliver impactful presentations to departmental, divisional, and university leadership
Experience in developing and applying program assessment and evaluation methods to measure outcomes and inform decision-making
Proficient in Microsoft Office and familiar with career services platforms and related technologies
Knowledge of college recruiting and university-employer relations, including current practices, industry trends, and compliance standards
Advertised Physical Requirements
Standard office environment
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays in alignment with events, meeting schedules, and deadlines
Departmental Preferences
Master's degree preferred
Applicants must submit an ONLINE application at http://jobs.ou.edu for Job Requisition # 260191. Computers and personal assistance are available at the Office of Human Resources, 905 Asp, Room 205, Norman, OK 73069. Include job requisition number on all correspondence. Deadlines subject to change with or without notice. For further information on this or other University of Oklahoma job opportunities, please call (405) 325-1826 or access our website at www.hr.ou.edu.
Special Instructions
: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy. To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.
Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma
: The University of Oklahoma values our community's unique talents, perspectives, and experiences. At OU, we aspire to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere. You Belong Here!
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
: The University, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, gender identity/expression (consistent with applicable law), age (40 or older), religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, housing, financial aid, and educational services.
#J-18808-Ljbffr