Director, Career & Professional Development

The Director of Career and Professional Development fosters a dynamic, inclusive environment where all Ripon College students are empowered to develop career- and graduate school–ready competencies through individualized planning, guidance, and support. This role collaborates closely with employers, community partners, and students to deliver innovative, high-impact on- and off-campus experiences that complement and enhance Ripon College’s liberal arts mission. 

Position Duties:

• Engage with external stakeholders through individual outreach to recruiters, participation in regional and consortia-held networking opportunities, and coordination of student involvement in internship pipelines and experiential learning opportunities. 
• Leverage alumni and employer networks to create mentorship, shadowing, and internship opportunities that prioritize equity in access and outcomes.
• Monitor employment trends across industries to inform programming and advising strategies.
• Oversee the administration and optimization of the Handshake platform to support employer-student interactions.
• Collect, analyze, and report graduate employment outcomes in accordance with NACE guidelines and national benchmarks through the First Destination Survey, utilizing this data to inform and advance institutional career strategy.
• Develop and implement professional career programming such as workshops, seminars, and classroom presentations tailored to diverse student populations and academic disciplines.
• Provide personalized student career planning and advising, collaborating when needed with academic departments and campus offices. 
• Develop and maintain a strong, consistent Career Center brand that engages diverse student and campus communities.
• Supervise student employees

Education and Certification:

• Preferred: Master’s degree in related field
• Essential: Bachelors  
• Preferred certification in Strong Interest Inventory (SII) career assessment and/or Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), and Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP) or Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF).
• A valid driver’s license is required to perform responsibilities that are part of this position.

 Experience:  

• Previous experience in higher education is highly desirable, with the ideal candidate possessing demonstrated experience collaborating with employers and recruiters, as well as directly supporting a diverse student population.
• A strong professional understanding of current employment trends, business operations, career readiness frameworks, and the effective use of data and statistical analysis is preferred.
• Proven ability in designing innovative programs, developing proactive policies, and implementing meaningful metrics for success will be considered essential.
• Experience in facilitating and nurturing networks across collaborative groups to drive mission-aligned outcomes is highly valued. 

How to Apply:

Interested applicants should provide a letter of interest and resume, along with three references, through the Ripon College Job Portal. Materials should be addressed to the Vice President and Dean of Students, Al Sturgeon. 

Ripon College is committed to the principles of equal opportunity and adheres to non-discriminatory policies in employment and student enrollment. Ripon College is an equal-opportunity employer.