Director Of Career Development And Employer Engagement

Located in Rindge, NH, Franklin Pierce University (FPU) is close to Boston and New York City yet provides the natural beauty and safety of a rural lakeside campus, with access to outdoors activities, the arts, excellent educational options for families, and more. The University possesses strengths such as a welcoming and inclusive community, growing health professions-related undergraduate and graduate programs on campus, online, and at four Centers across the U.S., a personalized approach to learning as well as growing career-readiness capacity, and reputation as an NCAA Division II athletics powerhouse.

Position Summary

The Director of Career Development and Employer Engagement provides proactive and engaged leadership for the Office of Career Readiness, advancing the University's commitment to career development that equips students with skills, experiences, and confidence necessary for lifelong career success. Reporting to the Senior Director of the Student Success Center, the Director leads innovative career readiness initiatives, builds and sustains strategic employer and community partners, and expands experiential and professional opportunities for students. The role oversees the daily operations of the Office of Career Readiness, including staff supervision, program development, assessment, and administrative processes, while advancing institutional priorities that strengthen student engagement, persistence, and post-graduate outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead a comprehensive career support strategy focused on career readiness, internships, graduate outcomes, and employer engagement.
• Supervise and evaluate the Office of Career Readiness staff (Graduate Assistant, Career Navigators, Student Career Ambassadors, and volunteer alumni Career Mentors)
• Build partnerships with employers, alumni, community organizations to expand internship pipelines, experiential learning opportunities, and job placement outcomes.
• Collaborate with faculty and administration to embed NACE competencies in program offerings from first year through graduate programs.
• Collaborate with partners to develop equitable career access initiatives for first-generation students, student-athletes, and the university ASCEND program.
• Develop and maintain employer relationships with local, regional, and metro-Boston/New York organizations.
• Develop and support an Employer Insight Council and generate an annual career foresight and trends brief for program directors, deans, and administration.
• Organize regional employment/career fairs, networking events, employer panels, and career exploration initiatives.
• Manage career platforms and technology systems such as Handshake, career assessment tools, and employer databases.
• Oversee budgets, promotional efforts, annual goals, and strategic initiatives connected to career readiness.
• Represent the institution in regional workforce partnerships, chamber of commerce, and professional associations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher, with at least 5 years of relevant work experience in the field.
• Passion for student support, growth, and development.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Clear strategic planning.
• Data analysis and assessment.
• Effective student career advising and coaching.
• Exceptional public speaking, program development, and relationship building.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Competencies

• Professionalism, discretion, and diplomacy in all interactions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively across campus.

Application Deadline:

Confidential screening of applications will continue until the position is filled.

At Franklin Pierce University, we take pride in providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to support the well-being and security of our valued employees. Here are some highlights of the benefits you can enjoy as part of the Franklin Pierce community:

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Enjoy 160 hours (4 weeks) of Paid Time Off, along with additional paid sick time for your well-being.
• Paid Holidays: Benefit from 20 paid holidays, including a 10-day winter break with full pay.
• Health and Wellness: Access medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family, ensuring comprehensive health care.
• Life Insurance: Secure the future for yourself and your family with employer-paid Life Insurance coverage ranging from 1.5x to 3.0x your salary, depending on your role.
• Disability Coverage: We cover both short-term and long-term disability, providing financial protection in unforeseen circumstances.
• Retirement Planning: Contribute to your retirement with our 403(b) plan, with immediate 100% vesting. Franklin Pierce University also makes contributions to support your long-term financial goals upon one year of employment or if qualified with prior higher education employment.
• Educational Benefits: Invest in your growth and development with our tuition benefits, allowing you and your qualifying family members to pursue undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Additional Perks: Enjoy various perks, including pet insurance, accident insurance, critical illness coverage, travel discounts, local business discounts, and more!

At Franklin Pierce, we prioritize the well-being, development, and satisfaction of our employees. We are committed to providing a supportive work environment and a range of benefits that align with your needs and aspirations.