Assistant Director of Career Development (Internal Applicants Only)

Assistant Director of Career Development

JOB SUMMARY

The Assistant Director of Career Development leads and advances comprehensive career services that support student career exploration, career readiness, and workforce placement. The position oversees the administration and optimization of digital career platforms, including Steppingblocks and Handshake, to track student engagement, analyze workforce trends, and assess outcomes. The Assistant Director also designs and evaluates career readiness initiatives, workshops, and experiential learning opportunities, while cultivating strategic partnerships with employers, industry leaders, and community organizations.

In collaboration with academic colleges, faculty, and campus partners, the Assistant Director integrates professional development and career preparation into curricular and co‑curricular student experiences. The position manages key events, including the annual career fair and Career Prep Week, and provides training for students and supervisors. The Assistant Director also supports the coordination of federal work‑study placements. Additionally, the Assistant Director collects, analyzes, and reports program data to inform continuous improvement, support institutional goals, and represent the university in regional and national career development initiatives. The position identifies and cultivates strategic employer, industry, and community partnerships that enhance student learning, expand internship and employment opportunities, and strengthen workforce readiness outcomes. Collaboration with academic affairs staff and faculty supports the development of creative, professional, and entrepreneurial partnerships aligned with the university's academic strengths.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Manage and continuously optimize the use of the Steppingblocks digital career counselor career platform to support student career exploration, analyze workforce trends, and track student engagement and post-graduate outcomes.
• Provide individualized career advising, facilitate career development workshops, conduct employer outreach, and support student career placement using current labor market data and career development best practices.
• Design, implement, and deliver career readiness programming that aligns with institutional goals and evolving workforce demands.
• Build, cultivate, and maintain strategic partnerships with employers, industry leaders, and community organizations to expand career pathways, internships, and experiential learning opportunities for students.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret program and student outcome data to assess effectiveness, inform continuous improvement, and support reporting needs.
• Assist in the development, implementation, and assessment of new initiatives related to career readiness and workforce preparation.
• Collaborate with academic colleges and faculty to identify, support, and promote professional development and career-integrated learning opportunities for students.
• Work collaboratively with university departments and campus partners to advance career preparation and career readiness initiatives.
• Represent the university at community, regional, and national meetings, conferences, and events related to career development, workforce engagement, and employer relations.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute the annual career fair and employer recruitment events, ensuring strong employer participation and positive student engagement.
• Organize and lead Career Prep Week in partnership with employers and industry professionals to prepare students for recruitment and hiring processes.
• Train and support students, federal work-study supervisors, and employers in the effective use of the Handshake platform for recruiting and on-campus employment.
• Collaborate with the Offices of Financial Aid, Human Resources, and other campus stakeholders to facilitate the placement of federal work-study students.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

1. Knowledge of student success and advising principles and practices.
2. Knowledge of higher education principles and its intersection with community, government, and industry relations.
3. Knowledge of employer recruitment strategy and practices.
4. Knowledge of Current Industry and Employment Trends.
5. Knowledge of National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Standards
6. Knowledge of university and Board of Regents policies and procedures.
7. Skilled in decision-making and problem-solving.
8. Skilled in interpersonal relations and in dealing with the public.
9. Skilled in oral and written communication.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of varied professional, programmatic, and partnership development duties. Coordination across multiple units and external stakeholders contributes to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to advance institutional goals related to career development, employer engagement, and student workforce readiness outcomes.
• Success in this position contributes to student persistence, career readiness, post‑graduation placement, and the overall effectiveness of university career development initiatives.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, other university employees, students, parents, representatives of student loan companies, representatives of federal agencies, and members of the public.
• Contacts are typically to provide services; give or exchange information; resolve problems; motivate or influence people; or justify, defend, or negotiate matters.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light objects.
• The work is typically performed in an office.
• The work requires travel to both institutions.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

This position has direct supervision over the following assigned personnel:

• Civic Engagement and Volunteerism Coordinator
• Student workers

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in a course of study related to the occupational field preferred.
• At least five years of related experience is required.
• Experience in career counseling, academic advising, or a related field.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Fort Valley State University is an equal opportunity employer. The University does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or University System of Georgia policy.