What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Career Development position at Mercyhurst University?
501 East 38th Street
Erie, PA
16546
814-824-2000
800-825-1926
mercyhurst.edu
Director of Career Development
Department: Academic Affairs Report To: Associate VP for Curriculum &
Status: Exempt, Full Time Instruction
Closes: Open until filled Classification: Administrator
What We’re looking For
- Bring new energy to student outreach, making career services accessible and visible to all students.
- Strengthen faculty partnerships and embed career development into the academic experience.
- Expand opportunities for alumni mentorship and employer engagement.
- Balance innovation with sustaining essential services such as internships, career fairs, Handshake, and
- Advocate for Career Development as a vital part of student success and institutional identity.
POSITION SUMMARY
Mercyhurst University seeks a visionary and student-centered leader to serve as the Director of Career
Development, revitalizing career services to create a culture of career that empowers our students while honoring
our liberal arts tradition. This is a pivotal moment for the university: we are building on strong internship programs
and successful employer engagement, while reimagining how career development integrates into every student’s
academic and co-curricular journey.
The Director of Career Development will provide strategic leadership, innovation, and management of all career-
related initiatives for Mercyhurst students. This leader will ensure that students have the tools, resources, and
networks to thrive after graduation, while fostering deep partnerships with faculty, alumni, employers, and the
broader university community.
The Director will oversee core functions such as internships, first-destination outcomes, and career fairs, while
expanding student outreach, alumni engagement, and faculty collaboration to create a holistic, integrated approach
to career readiness.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership & Vision
• Reimagine career development as a campus-wide culture embedded across the student experience, aligned
- Develop new models of student outreach and engagement, ensuring every student has access to meaningful
- Lead efforts to elevate Career Development’s visibility by partnering with Admissions, Academic Affairs,
Student Life, and Advancement.
Student Engagement & Services
• Provide high-quality career counseling, coaching, and programming tailored to students’ academic
Last Updated 10/2025 1 | P a g e
Director of Career Development Job Description
501 East 38th Street
Erie, PA
16546
814-824-2000
800-825-1926
mercyhurst.edu
pathways and career goals.
- Design innovative career fairs and networking opportunities—including school-specific and virtual
- Partner with academic advisors, faculty, and campus services to ensure career resources are integrated into
Alumni & Employer Engagement
• Collaborate with Advancement to activate the alumni network for mentoring, job shadowing, internships,
- Strengthen employer relationships to expand internships, career placements, and experiential learning
- Serve as a primary representative of the university to employers, professional associations, and industry
partners.
Data, Assessment & Accountability
• Oversee First Destination Survey and internship reporting, ensuring compliance with institutional and
- Use career outcomes data to inform programming, faculty engagement, and institutional planning.
- Advocate for resources, staffing, and space that position Career Development as a central, accessible
student service alongside Academic Support and Commuter Support.
• Master’s degree in higher education administration, counseling, student affairs, or related field required.
- Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership in career services, employer relations, or student success.
- Demonstrated success in student outreach, alumni engagement, and employer development.
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills; ability to collaborate across divisions.
- Commitment to liberal arts values and to supporting diverse students in discovering purpose-driven career
paths.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled or until date
indicated above. Send cover letter, resume and 3 work-related references to:
Human Resources
Mercyhurst University
501 East 38th Street
Erie, PA 16546
hrinfo@mercyhurst.edu
Mercyhurst University values diversity and is committed to the goal of achieving equal opportunity for
all. For that reason, Mercyhurst abides by federal, state and local law in admissions, employment and all
services and programs provided.
Mercyhurst does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, citizenship
status, ancestry, national or ethnic origin, age, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or
Last Updated 10/2025 2 | P a g e
Director of Career Development Job Description
501 East 38th Street
Erie, PA
16546
814-824-2000
800-825-1926
mercyhurst.edu
expression, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status or any other legally protected
characteristic or because of any individual’s legally protected activities.
Mercyhurst complies with federal, state and local legislation and regulations regarding
nondiscrimination. This policy applies to faculty, administration and staff, applicants for employment,
students and applicants for educational programs and activities.
Candidates must be currently eligible to work in the United States.
Last Updated 10/2025 3 | P a g e
Director of Career Development Job Description