Director of Career and Community Engagement

Job Summary

The Director of Career and Community Engagement plays a pivotal role in preparing Chowan University students for life beyond the classroom by connecting them to meaningful internships, career pathways, and service opportunities. This position bridges academics, student life, and advancement by cultivating partnerships with employers, community organizations, and alumni. Through collaboration with admissions, student activities, advancement, and alumni relations, the coordinator strengthens the student experience from enrollment through post-graduation, ensuring that every Chowan student is equipped, connected, and supported for career and life success.

Essential Functions

• Build and maintain partnerships with companies, industries, and professional organizations to secure job opportunities, internships, and mentorships for students.
• Serve as a liaison between the university and employers to gather insights on workforce needs and align university programs accordingly.
• Manage a portfolio of employer and community partners and oversee a job and internship database for students and alumni.
• Coordinate career counseling and support for students, including job search strategies, and interviewing techniques.
• Collaborate with the Writing Center to promote and support resume and cover letter development as part of students’ broader writing and professional communication skills.
• Develop and lead individual and group workshops focused on professional development and career readiness.
• Collaborate with faculty and academic departments to connect classroom learning with real world experiences.
• Work with Student Activities to create community service and outreach programs that enhance student learning and deepen Chowan’s connection to the local community.
• Partner with the Advancement Office to cultivate business and industry relationships that may lead to both student support opportunities and philanthropic engagement.
• Support Admissions by highlighting career development as a distinctive component of the Chowan experience and engaging with prospective students and families.
• Develop career exposure opportunities, including employer visits, networking events, and on-campus recruiting programs.
• Represent the university at industry panels, and community events to promote student talent and academic programs.
• Collect and analyze data on employer engagement, and market trends to inform strategic decisions and continuous improvement.
• Maintain ongoing communication with recent graduates, serving as a conduit for early alumni engagement and post-graduation support.
• Develop career exposure and community engagement opportunities, including employer visits, networking events, on-campus recruiting programs, community-based learning experiences, and opportunities for students to engage with local organizations.
• Represent the University at industry panels, career fairs, civic meetings, community events, and other external engagements to promote student talent, academic programs, and Chowan’s role as an engaged community partner.
• Collect and analyze data on employer and community partner engagement, student participation, workforce and market trends, and other relevant outcomes to inform strategic decisions and continuous improvement.
• Maintain ongoing communication with recent graduates, serving as a conduit for early alumni engagement, post-graduation support, career development, and opportunities for alumni to connect with and support current students.
  
  
  

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strong understanding of career counseling, job readiness programming, internship coordination, and workforce trends.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with employers, community organizations, and business leaders for the benefit of students and the university.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with departments such as Admissions, Student Activities, Advancement, and Alumni Relations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present to diverse audiences including students, faculty, employers, and donors.
• Demonstrated commitment to student success, development, and long-term engagement.
• Skilled in organizing events such as career fairs, community service projects, and employer visits.
• Familiarity with career platforms (e.g., Handshake, Symplicity), Microsoft Office Suite, CRM systems, and social media for professional engagement.
• Understanding of how to maintain professional relationships with alumni and donors in support of university advancement and student opportunities.
  
  
  

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Higher Education, Business, Human Resources, Communication, or a related field.
• Experience working in a college or university setting preferred.
• Familiarity with advancement, alumni engagement, or corporate philanthropy preferred.