Director of the Center for Career and Professional Development Position Available In Independence, Arkansas

Director of the Center for Career and Professional Development 4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 2300 Highland Road, Batesville, AR 72501 Director of the Center for

Career and Professional Development Summary of Position:

Lyon College seeks applications for a full-time Director of the Center for Career and Professional Development. This 12-month position offers an exciting opportunity to lead and innovate in a student-centered liberal arts environment. Reporting to the Associate Dean of the Faculty, the Director will empower students to navigate career exploration, internships, and post-graduate opportunities with confidence and purpose. The Director provides strategic leadership, management, and oversight of all operations within the Center, supporting undergraduate students, alumni, and the broader employment community. The role encompasses career planning, professional development, graduate school preparation, and internship coordination, with a strong emphasis on program assessment and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will be an effective communicator, collaborative leader, and proactive connector—someone who fosters strong relationships with employers, alumni, and faculty to ensure students are prepared for success in a competitive and evolving job market.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and implement a strategic vision for career and professional development aligned with Lyon College’s mission. Lead the development and execution of departmental strategic priorities to ensure students and alumni receive relevant, timely career guidance and opportunities. Provide and maintain a comprehensive career discovery and planning program, including career assessments, individual advising, and access to current resources. Deliver direct career counseling and job placement assistance as needed. Assist students with the application process for graduate and professional schools, including support for personal statements, interview preparation, and other application materials. Design and oversee an effective experiential learning program, including internships, job shadowing, part-time employment, and campus-based work opportunities, with appropriate documentation and reflection. Plan and execute major events such as the annual Career Expo and other employer engagement initiatives. Build and sustain strong partnerships with employers, alumni, and nonprofit organizations to expand networking, internship, and employment opportunities. Oversee the departmental budget and contribute to strategic planning through data-informed reporting and assessment aligned with institutional goals. Ensure access to up-to-date career resources via digital platforms, including the College’s job portal and social media. Perform other duties as assigned in support of the College’s mission.

Minimum Qualifications and Required Skills:

Master’s degree in a related field. Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills. Experience with career development theory, job search strategies, and graduate school preparation. Proficiency with Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. Commitment to inclusive and student-focused service.

Preferred Qualifications include:

Experience in corporate, nonprofit, or private-sector talent development. At least 3 years of progressively responsible experience in a college/university career center or equivalent setting. Familiarity with platforms such as Handshake, Focus2, and Canvas. Demonstrated success in business development and employer engagement. Community involvement through chambers of commerce or professional organizations

Benefits:

Lyon College currently offers the following benefits for full-time positions, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical benefit, dental benefit, vision benefit, voluntary benefits, 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution and match, employer paid life insurance, employer paid long-term disability coverage, paid time off (includes vacation and sick time), 17 paid holidays annually, and a tuition grant for faculty, staff, and their dependents. More information on these benefits and eligibility can be found by contacting Human Resources at hr@lyon.edu. •This advertisement outlines the general duties expected of this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all the position responsibilities, qualifications, or tasks. The requirements are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities. Lyon College does not discriminate with respect to the hiring of applicants or with respect to the terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or national origin. It is the continuing policy of Lyon College to comply with any applicable state and federal law regarding equal employment opportunities. Lyon College is a private, selective liberal arts college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). It is located in Batesville, Arkansas, a safe and historic town of 11,000 that serves as commercial, medical, social, and governmental hub for an eight-county area and named by USA Today as the best city to live in in Arkansas. The College currently enrolls almost 700 undergraduate students from 29 states and 14 foreign countries. Entering freshmen have an average high school GPA of 3.7. Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three references to Human Resources, P.O. Box 2317, Batesville, AR 72503-2317 or electronically. Review of the application will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.