Director of Career Development & Integration
Concordia University, Wisconsin, Mequon, WI, United States
Concordia is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and in the world.
Position Summary The Director of Career Development & Integration leads the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of a comprehensive, university-wide career development ecosystem that empowers students to translate their calling into meaningful careers. Rather than operating as a centralized career services office, this position orchestrates a distributed network of career champions, employer partners, faculty collaborators, alumni mentors, and student peer educators who collectively support career readiness at every touchpoint of the student journey. The Director serves as a key member of the University Vocation Council and works in close partnership with the Academic Office to create integrated experiences where students discern their calling and develop the practical skills to pursue it. This role ensures that career development is infused with Concordia's Lutheran understanding of vocation and embedded across academic programs, student life, and alumni engagement.
Job Duties and Responsibilities Ecosystem Design & Strategic Leadership
Design and implement a distributed career ecosystem model that embeds career development across the university rather than centralizing it in one office
Develop strategic partnerships with academic departments to integrate career readiness into curriculum, capstone projects, and experiential learning
Recruit, train, and support a network of departmental career champions (faculty and staff) who serve as career liaisons within their programs
Create infrastructure for peer career educators, student ambassadors, and career mentors
Establish collaborative partnerships with Alumni Relations, Advancement, Academic Affairs, Student Success, Academic Advising, and Campus Ministry to create seamless career development touchpoints throughout the student lifecycle, leverage alumni networks for mentoring and employment opportunities, align career readiness with academic advising conversations, and integrate vocation theology into career programming
Serve as key member of University Vocation Council, partnering with the Academic Office on integrated programming
Develop multi-year strategic plan for career ecosystem aligned with university vocation initiative and student success goals
Lead assessment of career ecosystem effectiveness and student career readiness outcomes
Employer Relations & Partnership Development
Collaborate with the AVP for Strategic Partnerships to cultivate a robust employer partner network aligned with Concordia's mission and student career interests
Develop industry advisory boards and employer councils that inform integrated curriculum and career programming
Collaborate with Faculty, Deans and Program Directors to facilitate discipline specific experiential learning in all academic programs (project-based learning partnership, micro-internships, job shadowing networks, etc.)
Faculty & Staff Capacity Building
Train faculty to integrate career readiness into courses, assignments, and advising conversations, based on the NACE Competencies and theories of vocational development
Develop toolkits, resources, and professional development for departmental career champions
Facilitate communities of practice for faculty and staff engaged in career ecosystem work
Partner with academic departments to align career preparation with program learning outcomes and accreditation standards
Co-create discipline-specific career resources and industry trend reports with academic personnel/faculty for use across career ecosystem
Support faculty in developing employer partnerships and experiential learning opportunities within their programs alongside Strategic Partnerships
Collaborate with Center for Teaching and Learning on career pedagogy and high-impact practices
Provide consultation to faculty on internship course design, capstone career components, and portfolio development
Train faculty mentors on career related tools and knowledge that will enable them to integrate career development into their work with students
Student Programming & Peer Education
Develop career readiness curriculum delivered through multiple channels (workshops, online modules, peer education, embedded courses, student communications)
Establish and train peer career educator program to extend ecosystem reach
Create self-service career resources and digital tools accessible 24/7
Facilitate career communities of practice organized by industry, identity, or interest
Coordinate alumni mentoring networks and near-peer career coaching programs
Develop signature career events (career weeks, industry panels, professional development series)
Partner with Campus Ministry and Academic Office on calling retreats and discernment programming that integrate career planning
Provide targeted programming for specific populations (first-generation students, graduate students, adult learners, international students)
Operations, Technology & Assessment
Manage career budget, technology platforms, and resource allocation
Oversee career technology stack (Vmock, Focus2)
Collect, analyze, and distribute/publish career ecosystem data and employment outcomes (First Destination Survey, NACE standards)
Develop dashboard and reporting systems that track ecosystem engagement and effectiveness
Prepare reports for accreditation, board of regents, leadership, and external stakeholders
Ensure compliance with NACE professional standards and best practices
Maintain relationships with national career services organizations and consortium partners
Supervise career services staff, graduate assistants, and student workers
Continuously assess and iterate ecosystem model based on data and best practices
All other related activities as assigned
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong understanding of career development theory, ecosystem design, and collective impact models
Knowledge of current employment trends, job search strategies, and recruiting practices across industries
Exceptional relationship-building skills with ability to influence and collaborate across organizational boundaries
Strategic thinking and systems design capabilities
Excellent communication and facilitation skills for diverse audiences (students, faculty, employers, alumni)
Proficiency with career services technology platforms and data analytics
Project management and change management abilities
Commitment to integrating faith and vocation in career development
Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to innovate and adapt
Understanding of Lutheran theology of vocation and work
Supportive of the mission and values of Concordia University Wisconsin/Ann Arbor and the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS)
Education and Experience
Master's degree in counseling, higher education, student affairs, business, organizational development, or related field
Experience
Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in career services, workforce development, or related field
Demonstrated success in building collaborative partnerships and distributed service models
Experience designing and implementing ecosystem or network-based approaches to student services
Experience with faculty development, training, and capacity building
Supervisory and team leadership experience
Success in program development, assessment, and continuous improvement
Physical Demands/Equipment Compensation and Benefits This is a full-time, exempt (salary) position. The starting wage may be determined upon education and/or experience. Concordia University benefit options include, but are not limited to the following:
Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
Personal Spending Account, Flexible Spending Account, and/or Health Savings Account
Disability and Survivor Plan
Retirement Pension Plan
Retirement 403(b) Savings Plan
Basic Life and Supplemental Life Insurance
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Coverage
Critical Illness and Accident Insurance
Tuition waiver benefits (available for employees and their qualified dependents)
Compensation and Benefit Details Equal Opportunity Employer It is the policy of CU to provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
The University will not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, pregnancy, national origin (including ancestry), citizenship status, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, gender, veteran or military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
However, CU is an institution of the LCMS and, to the extent allowed by law, CU reserves the right to give preference in employment based on religion. In addition, preference in holding certain employment positions is given to ordained or rostered ministers of the LCMS. Based on a religious tenet, CU recognizes only male, LCMS ordained Ministers of the Gospel, but recognizes both male and female LCMS Rostered Ministers of the Gospel.
The Human Resources Department has been appointed to manage the equal employment opportunity program, including all equal employment opportunity activities, as required by federal, state and local agencies. If any employee or applicant for employment believes this policy has been violated, he/she must contact the Director of Human Resources.
Concordia University is a HLC accredited, co-educational, liberal arts school offering more than 72 undergraduate majors, over 35 master's degree programs, and 5 doctoral programs. There are also a variety of accelerated evening and e-learning programs.
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Position Summary The Director of Career Development & Integration leads the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of a comprehensive, university-wide career development ecosystem that empowers students to translate their calling into meaningful careers. Rather than operating as a centralized career services office, this position orchestrates a distributed network of career champions, employer partners, faculty collaborators, alumni mentors, and student peer educators who collectively support career readiness at every touchpoint of the student journey. The Director serves as a key member of the University Vocation Council and works in close partnership with the Academic Office to create integrated experiences where students discern their calling and develop the practical skills to pursue it. This role ensures that career development is infused with Concordia's Lutheran understanding of vocation and embedded across academic programs, student life, and alumni engagement.
Job Duties and Responsibilities Ecosystem Design & Strategic Leadership
Design and implement a distributed career ecosystem model that embeds career development across the university rather than centralizing it in one office
Develop strategic partnerships with academic departments to integrate career readiness into curriculum, capstone projects, and experiential learning
Recruit, train, and support a network of departmental career champions (faculty and staff) who serve as career liaisons within their programs
Create infrastructure for peer career educators, student ambassadors, and career mentors
Establish collaborative partnerships with Alumni Relations, Advancement, Academic Affairs, Student Success, Academic Advising, and Campus Ministry to create seamless career development touchpoints throughout the student lifecycle, leverage alumni networks for mentoring and employment opportunities, align career readiness with academic advising conversations, and integrate vocation theology into career programming
Serve as key member of University Vocation Council, partnering with the Academic Office on integrated programming
Develop multi-year strategic plan for career ecosystem aligned with university vocation initiative and student success goals
Lead assessment of career ecosystem effectiveness and student career readiness outcomes
Employer Relations & Partnership Development
Collaborate with the AVP for Strategic Partnerships to cultivate a robust employer partner network aligned with Concordia's mission and student career interests
Develop industry advisory boards and employer councils that inform integrated curriculum and career programming
Collaborate with Faculty, Deans and Program Directors to facilitate discipline specific experiential learning in all academic programs (project-based learning partnership, micro-internships, job shadowing networks, etc.)
Faculty & Staff Capacity Building
Train faculty to integrate career readiness into courses, assignments, and advising conversations, based on the NACE Competencies and theories of vocational development
Develop toolkits, resources, and professional development for departmental career champions
Facilitate communities of practice for faculty and staff engaged in career ecosystem work
Partner with academic departments to align career preparation with program learning outcomes and accreditation standards
Co-create discipline-specific career resources and industry trend reports with academic personnel/faculty for use across career ecosystem
Support faculty in developing employer partnerships and experiential learning opportunities within their programs alongside Strategic Partnerships
Collaborate with Center for Teaching and Learning on career pedagogy and high-impact practices
Provide consultation to faculty on internship course design, capstone career components, and portfolio development
Train faculty mentors on career related tools and knowledge that will enable them to integrate career development into their work with students
Student Programming & Peer Education
Develop career readiness curriculum delivered through multiple channels (workshops, online modules, peer education, embedded courses, student communications)
Establish and train peer career educator program to extend ecosystem reach
Create self-service career resources and digital tools accessible 24/7
Facilitate career communities of practice organized by industry, identity, or interest
Coordinate alumni mentoring networks and near-peer career coaching programs
Develop signature career events (career weeks, industry panels, professional development series)
Partner with Campus Ministry and Academic Office on calling retreats and discernment programming that integrate career planning
Provide targeted programming for specific populations (first-generation students, graduate students, adult learners, international students)
Operations, Technology & Assessment
Manage career budget, technology platforms, and resource allocation
Oversee career technology stack (Vmock, Focus2)
Collect, analyze, and distribute/publish career ecosystem data and employment outcomes (First Destination Survey, NACE standards)
Develop dashboard and reporting systems that track ecosystem engagement and effectiveness
Prepare reports for accreditation, board of regents, leadership, and external stakeholders
Ensure compliance with NACE professional standards and best practices
Maintain relationships with national career services organizations and consortium partners
Supervise career services staff, graduate assistants, and student workers
Continuously assess and iterate ecosystem model based on data and best practices
All other related activities as assigned
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong understanding of career development theory, ecosystem design, and collective impact models
Knowledge of current employment trends, job search strategies, and recruiting practices across industries
Exceptional relationship-building skills with ability to influence and collaborate across organizational boundaries
Strategic thinking and systems design capabilities
Excellent communication and facilitation skills for diverse audiences (students, faculty, employers, alumni)
Proficiency with career services technology platforms and data analytics
Project management and change management abilities
Commitment to integrating faith and vocation in career development
Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to innovate and adapt
Understanding of Lutheran theology of vocation and work
Supportive of the mission and values of Concordia University Wisconsin/Ann Arbor and the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS)
Education and Experience
Master's degree in counseling, higher education, student affairs, business, organizational development, or related field
Experience
Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in career services, workforce development, or related field
Demonstrated success in building collaborative partnerships and distributed service models
Experience designing and implementing ecosystem or network-based approaches to student services
Experience with faculty development, training, and capacity building
Supervisory and team leadership experience
Success in program development, assessment, and continuous improvement
Physical Demands/Equipment Compensation and Benefits This is a full-time, exempt (salary) position. The starting wage may be determined upon education and/or experience. Concordia University benefit options include, but are not limited to the following:
Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
Personal Spending Account, Flexible Spending Account, and/or Health Savings Account
Disability and Survivor Plan
Retirement Pension Plan
Retirement 403(b) Savings Plan
Basic Life and Supplemental Life Insurance
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Coverage
Critical Illness and Accident Insurance
Tuition waiver benefits (available for employees and their qualified dependents)
Compensation and Benefit Details Equal Opportunity Employer It is the policy of CU to provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
The University will not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, pregnancy, national origin (including ancestry), citizenship status, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, gender, veteran or military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
However, CU is an institution of the LCMS and, to the extent allowed by law, CU reserves the right to give preference in employment based on religion. In addition, preference in holding certain employment positions is given to ordained or rostered ministers of the LCMS. Based on a religious tenet, CU recognizes only male, LCMS ordained Ministers of the Gospel, but recognizes both male and female LCMS Rostered Ministers of the Gospel.
The Human Resources Department has been appointed to manage the equal employment opportunity program, including all equal employment opportunity activities, as required by federal, state and local agencies. If any employee or applicant for employment believes this policy has been violated, he/she must contact the Director of Human Resources.
Concordia University is a HLC accredited, co-educational, liberal arts school offering more than 72 undergraduate majors, over 35 master's degree programs, and 5 doctoral programs. There are also a variety of accelerated evening and e-learning programs.
#J-18808-Ljbffr