Director of Career Services & Alumni Relations
Howell, Michigan
Full-Time
POSITION SUMMARY
University is seeking a strategic and student-centered Director of Career Services & Alumni Relations to lead career development, employer engagement, alumni relations, and career programming. This role will empower students to design meaningful and fulfilling careers utilizing Stanford's Designing Your Life (DYL) principles, career coaching, internship programs, employer partnerships, and alumni networking opportunities.
The Director will oversee career readiness programming — including one-on-one coaching, professional networking, employer engagement, and internship programs — to ensure graduates are well-prepared for today's dynamic job market. This position also develops career-focused alumni engagement initiatives that connect alumni with students, strengthen employer pipelines, and foster lifelong career support.
This is an innovative, relationship-driven leadership role with a passion for preparing students for career success. DYL methodology experience is a plus; is willing to provide training for the right candidate.
s to: President & CEO
KEY
RESPONSIBILITIES
Career Development & Life Design Coaching
Develop and lead aprehensive career services strategy incorporating Stanford's Designing Your Life (DYL) framework
Provide one-on-one career coaching and group workshops on resume writing, interview techniques, job strategies, and networking
Guide students through DYL-inspired exercises such as prototyping career ideas, building personal career narratives, and intentional career exploration
Partner with leadership and faculty to integrate career development and design thinking into coursework and advising
Internships
Expand and manage 's internship and co-op programs
Develop structured internship pathways aligned with 's programs
Foster partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, andernmentanizations to create internship and job placement opportunities
Establish industry-specific internship pipelines supporting programs in Public Safety, Business, Healthcare, and IT
Employer Engagement
Cultivate relationships with local, regional, and national employers to develop job and internship pipelines
Organize career fairs, employer panels, and networking events
Serve as the primary liaison between University and corporate partners and industry leaders
Represent at workforce development councils, economic development events, and business networkinganizations
Alumni Relations
Strengthen relationships with alumni to expand career mentoring, networking, and hiring pipelines
Develop and manage an Alumni Career Mentorship Program
Organize alumni networking events, panel discussions, and job shadowing opportunities
Leverage alumni connections to expand employer partnerships and career programming fundraising
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Master's degree in Career Development, Higher Education, Business, Counseling, or a related field
3-5 years of experience in career services, workforce development, employer relations, or related fields
Strong background in career coaching, employer partnerships, and professional development programming
Excellent relationship-building,munication, and event-planning skills
Ability to develop strategic partnerships with employers, alumni, and industry leaders
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Familiarity with Stanford's Designing Your Life (DYL) framework (training available)
Experience integrating design thinking and career exploration into coaching or settings
Kledge of workforce development trends and labor market demands
Experience with higher education, career services software, and industry recruitment tools
WHY CLEARY UNIVERSITY?
University offers a collaborative and innovative work environment w employees are valued for their contributions. We offerpetitive salaries,prehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
Our core values:
Students First
- We are personally invested in our students' lives, empathizing with their challenges and supporting their journey
Collaboratively Engaged
- We work together to advance the university's mission and student success
Community-Centered
- We actively represent the university in ourmunities, seeking mutual benefit and well-being
Always Find a Way
- We are resourceful, creative, and persistent, looking for solutions in the face of challenges