Director of the Center for Career & Professional Development Position Available In Shelby, Tennessee

Rhodes College seeks a bold visionary and student-centered leader to serve as the Director of the Center for Career & Professional Development (CCPD). Reporting directly to the Vice President for Student Life, the Director plays a critical role in shaping and advancing student success from enrollment through post-graduation transition. The Director provides executive-level leadership to ensure a data-informed, student-ready, and developmentally appropriate career education experience. This includes aligning the Center’s work with the NACE Career Readiness Competencies, fostering a culture of excellence, and preparing students for meaningful careers and lives of purpose. The Director collaborates across campus to integrate career development into the academic and co-curricular experience and may assume senior administrative responsibilities in the absence of the Vice President or other deans to ensure continuity of operations. The Director oversees the Center’s operations, including three direct reports (an Associate Director and two Assistant Directors), as well as a student staff of approximately 10. This role is responsible for designing and leading initiatives that empower students to explore career pathways, develop professional skills, and confidently pursue post-graduate opportunities. The Director ensures that students are equipped with the tools and experiences necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving workforce. In collaboration with faculty, staff, alumni, and employers, the Director delivers a coordinated and developmentally appropriate approach to career education, supporting each student’s unique goals.

Job Responsibilities:

Develop and implement a comprehensive career development strategy aligned with institutional goals and NACE standards. Foster a culture of innovation, equity, and excellence in career education and employer engagement. Collaborate with academic departments, alumni relations, and external partners to integrate career readiness across the student experience. Design and deliver programs that promote the NACE Career Readiness Competencies, including critical thinking, communication, teamwork, professionalism, leadership, technology, and career & self-development. Oversee career coaching and experiential learning initiatives that prepare students for post-graduate success. Utilize data and assessment tools to measure student outcomes and continuously improve services. Cultivate relationships with employers, alumni, and community partners to expand internship, job, and mentorship opportunities. Lead efforts to increase employer visibility on campus through career fairs, networking events, and on-campus recruiting. Supervise and support a team of career professionals, fostering professional development and a collaborative work environment. Manage the CCPD budget, resources, and technology platforms, including Handshake and career assessments. Ensure compliance with ethical and professional standards in the field of career services. Collect and analyze data on student engagement, outcomes, and satisfaction. Prepare annual reports and contribute to institutional accreditation and strategic planning efforts.

Required Qualifications:

Master’s degree in higher education, counseling, business, or a related field. Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in career services, student affairs/life, or related area. Demonstrated knowledge of NACE competencies and best practices in career development. Proven ability to lead a team, manage programs, and build strategic partnerships. Strong communication, organizational, and data-informed decision-making skills. Demonstrated commitment to creating accessible, student-centered career education that supports a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and aspirations.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in a liberal arts college setting. Familiarity with career development technologies and assessment tools. A complete application includes a cover letter and a resume. Rhodes is an equal opportunity employer that offers an excellent benefits package and a great working environment.