Director of Career Services

Position Title: Director of Career Services

Location: On-Site; Dallas, Texas

Job Type: Full-Time

Company Description

Wade College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. As a specialized, private academic institution, Wade College offers career-focused education in the fields of fashion design and product development, interior design, marketing and management, and information technology. The campus is uniquely positioned in Dallas, Texas, where education meets limitless possibilities. From guaranteed, fixed tuition to industry-focused faculty, Wade College has provided individualized attention since 1962. The college provides small, immersive classes industry-focused faculty, and strong student support dedicated to the success of its students.

Position Description

We are seeking a dynamic and self-directed Director of Career Services to manage and execute all aspects of career services. This role is responsible for driving career outcomes through employer engagement, alumni engagement, career readiness programming, teaching, and individualized coaching. The Director will develop and deliver impactful career development initiatives, build strong employer and alumni partnerships, and ensure students and graduates are fully prepared to succeed in today’s competitive job market.

Key Responsibilities

Career Development, Teaching, & Student Support

• Design, develop, and deliver career readiness programming, including workshops and events on topics such as career exploration, resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation and mock interviews, job search techniques, networking strategies, and personal branding
• Teach student success courses to support career readiness
• Provide one-on-one career advising and coaching to students and alumni
• Support individuals in clarifying career goals, exploring career pathways, and preparing for internships and employment opportunities
• Oversee and manage the academic internship program while ensuring internship opportunities align with academic requirements and industry standards

Employer Engagement & Partnerships

• Cultivate, maintain, and expand relationships with employers across relevant industries
• Identify internship and job opportunities aligned with academic programs
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employer partnerships and recruiting efforts

Events & Recruiting

• Plan, coordinate, and execute recruiting events, job fairs, employer information sessions, industry and alumni panels, and networking events
• Promote job and internship opportunities through career management platforms and communication channels

Collaboration & Integration

• Partner with faculty, academic leadership, and student services teams to integrate career readiness into the curriculum
• Align career services offerings with industry needs and workforce demands

Alumni Relations

• Develop and maintain relationships with alumni to support career outcomes and institutional engagement
• Engage alumni as employers, mentors, guest speakers, and networking connections for students

Data & Outcomes Management

• Track and report career and alumni outcomes and key performance metrics
• Maintain accurate records in career management systems and CRM platforms
• Analyze data to continuously improve programming and employer and alumni engagement strategies

Operations & Program Management

• Independently manage all aspects of the career services function
• Ensure efficient and effective delivery of services with strong organization and prioritization
• Maintain consistent communication with students, alumni, employers, and campus stakeholders

Commencement & Institutional Events

• Coordinate graduation commencement planning in collaboration with academic leadership and student services
• Support institutional activities such as open house, new student orientation, and student events

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in counseling, higher education, business, or a related field preferred
• Demonstrated experience in career services and career development, including program design, employer engagement, alumni relations, and student success initiatives
• Strong skills in career counseling, job search strategies, and mock interviewing, with the ability to coach diverse learners toward clear, achievable goals
• Relevant experience building and managing employer and/or alumni partnerships
• Experience teaching or facilitating career readiness, student success, or professional development workshops or courses strongly preferred
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse audiences
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including event planning and data tracking
• Comfortable leveraging technology to deliver services and analyze outcomes
• Experience with career management platforms, CRM systems, and job posting tools preferred
• Prior experience in career services, higher education, workforce development, or alumni relations strongly preferred

Preferred Attributes

• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
• Results-driven with a focus on student and alumni career outcomes
• Ability to build strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders
• Adaptable and innovative in program development, teaching, and engagement strategies