Director of Career Development

As a Christian university, Olivet Nazarene University exists to provide an education with a Christian purpose. We value diversity as a means to enrich and deepen the educational experience, both inside and outside the classroom and online. We are committed to recruit and retain mission-aligned faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. We strive to be a more inclusive community as we seek to understand and celebrate our unique experiences and perspectives. The Director of Career Development provides vision, leadership, and strategic direction for the university's centralized career development efforts, advancing the mission of a Christ-centered liberal arts education within the Church of the Nazarene. Reporting to the Executive Director of Student Life within the Student Development unit, this role equips students to thoughtfully discern their calling and pursue meaningful vocational pathways. Through a holistic framework of exploration, preparation, and connection , the Director leads initiatives that help students explore their God-given gifts and sense of vocation, prepare for life beyond graduation through skill development, internships, and career readiness, and connect with alumni, mentors, and employers in ways that foster purposeful employment and lifelong impact. The Director serves as a collaborative campus partner, working closely with academic departments, Institutional Advancement, and other university stakeholders to integrate career development across the student experience. This role also represents the university externally, cultivating strong relationships with employers, community organizations, and professional networks to expand opportunities for students. The ideal candidate is a relational and strategic leader who is energized by student development, committed to Christian higher education, and skilled at building partnerships that bridge the gap between classroom learning and meaningful work. This role offers the opportunity to shape a growing, high-impact career development strategy that equips students to live out their calling with purpose, competence, and Christ-centered character. Provide vision, leadership, and strategic direction for a comprehensive, university-wide career development program grounded in exploration, preparation, and connection. Develop and implement a strategic plan for career development that aligns with institutional priorities and advances student career readiness and outcomes including internships, employment, and graduate school placement. Lead and develop the Career Development student team, including supervision, coaching, and professional development of staff Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with faculty, academic units, alumni, employers, and community organizations to expand career pathways and opportunities for students. Build and expand strategic employer and alumni partnerships that create consistent pipelines for internships, mentorship, and post-graduate employment. Oversee the design and delivery of career-related programming, including workshops, courses, events, and experiential learning opportunities for students. Collaborate with academic and campus partners to integrate career readiness into the curriculum and co-curricular experience. Ensure accessible, high-quality career services for all students through a blend of in-person and digital delivery methods. Provide direct career coaching and guidance to students, including vocational discernment, resume and interview preparation, and job or graduate school search strategies. Establish and monitor assessment practices, including the annual First Destination Survey, to evaluate program effectiveness, track career outcomes, and inform continuous improvement. Manage operational resources, including budgeting, technology, and external funding opportunities, to support and grow career development initiatives. Represent the university in external partnerships, professional organizations, and community engagement efforts, and contribute to divisional and campus-wide initiatives as needed. Serve as a key thought partner to campus leadership in aligning career outcomes with institutional priorities, including recruitment, retention, and student success. A lifestyle in agreement with the ONU Statement of Mission, Faith, and Lifestyle Covenant . Minimum of 3-5 years of relevant professional experience in career development, student development, or a related field. Demonstrated commitment to the mission of Christian higher education, including the ability to integrate faith and vocation in student engagement. Strong relational skills with a proven ability to build partnerships across campus and with employers, alumni, and community stakeholders. Experience designing and delivering career-related programming and/or providing career coaching to students or young professionals. Effective leadership and organizational skills, including the ability to manage projects, prioritize initiatives, and contribute to team development. Strong communication skills, including public speaking and the ability to engage a variety of audiences. Experience building relationships with employers, alumni, or external partners preferred.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in higher education, counseling, business, or a related field preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Located on the main campus of Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois, in the Perry Student Life and Recreation Center. Long exposure to computer display. Standard office environment. No major sources of discomfort.

SUPPLEMTENTAL INFORMATION

The annual salary for this position is $45,000. Only candidates who submit all required documents will be considered: resume, cover letter, statement of faith, application questions. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.