Senior Manager / Associate Director Student Careers

James Cook University; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

James Cook University Singapore seeks an experienced leader to head the Student Careers function, guiding career education, employer engagement, and student development. The role combines strategic leadership with innovative, design-led approaches to prepare students for meaningful futures.

You will report to the Director of Student Affairs, build industry partnerships, and lead a team to drive employability outcomes aligned with the university’s vision.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in Design Your Life, Life Design, or related methodologies.
• Lead in careers, employability, or student development within higher education.
• Strong partnerships with employers and external stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic vision for Student Careers and embed Design Your Life principles across programs.
• Develop and deliver career education, employer engagement, and student development initiatives.
• Build partnerships with employers, alumni, and community organisations to enhance outcomes.
• Analyse career outcomes and labour market trends to inform strategy and program design.
• Mentor and develop careers staff, fostering innovation and continuous improvement.

Skills

Design Your Life

Life Design

Design thinking

Coaching

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Data and insights

Education

Postgraduate qualification

Job description

Thank you for your interest in employment at the Singapore campus of James Cook University.

We take exceptional pride in recruiting and developing outstanding individuals who share our vision to be the leading Australian provider of higher education in Asia. At the Singapore campus of James Cook University, we believe in the importance of providing a great place for our employees to grow and develop professionally. We have a culture that values mutual respect, integrity, creativity and teamwork.

Join us as we continue our development as a vibrant, multicultural and excellent organisation in education and research.

Senior Manager / Associate Director Student Careers

Job no: 493240
Work type: Permanent Full Time
Location: Singapore
Categories:

James Cook University Singapore is seeking an experienced and innovative professional to lead the transformation of our Student Careers function. Depending on the successful candidate's experience, capability, and strategic leadership track record, the appointment may be made at either the Senior Manager or Associate Director level.

Are you passionate about helping students design meaningful lives and careers rather than simply finding their first job?

This is a unique opportunity to shape a future-focused careers ecosystem grounded in the principles of "Design Your Life", helping students develop the mindset, skills, and confidence to navigate careers, life transitions, and an increasingly complex world.

Reporting to the Director, Student Affairs, you will lead the strategic development and delivery of career education, employer engagement, and student development initiatives that empower students to design purposeful and adaptable lives.

You will champion innovative approaches to career development by integrating design thinking, life design methodologies, experiential learning, and industry partnerships into the student journey.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and implement the strategic vision for Student Careers.
• Embed "Design Your Life" principles across career education, advising, workshops, and student programmes.
• Develop and deliver innovative career readiness and life design initiatives that prepare students for meaningful futures.
• Build strong partnerships with employers, industry leaders, alumni, and community organisations.
• Drive student engagement, employability outcomes, and graduate success measures.
• Lead, mentor, and develop careers staff while fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Analyse career outcomes, labour market trends, and student needs to inform strategy and programme design.
• Collaborate with academic and professional teams to integrate career development throughout the student experience.
• Represent the university in external networks, industry forums, and strategic partnerships.

Requirements:

Visionary leader who believes that career development is about helping individuals build a well-designed life, not just secure employment.

• Demonstrated experience in "Design Your Life", Life Design, Stanford Life Design Lab methodologies, design thinking, coaching, or related frameworks.
• 7-10 year's experience in significant leadership experience in careers, employability, student development, higher education, coaching, learning and development, workforce development, or related fields.
• Strong experience designing and facilitating programmes that support personal growth, career exploration, decision-making, and future readiness.
• A track record of building strategic partnerships with employers and external stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, coaching, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience using data and insights to improve student outcomes and inform strategic decisions.
• A relevant postgraduate qualification will be advantageous.

At James Cook University Singapore, we are reimagining student success beyond traditional employability metrics. We believe every student should have the opportunity to design a meaningful life and career aligned with their values, strengths, and aspirations.

Join us in building a future-focused careers ecosystem that empowers students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

We thank you for your interest and regret we are only able to notify shortlisted candidates.

The Singapore campus of James Cook University (registered as James Cook University Pte Ltd in Singapore) is a wholly owned company of James Cook University Australia. The University offers Bachelor & Master Programs in Business, Psychology, Information Technology & Education at the Singapore campus of James Cook University.

Advertised: 28 Sep 2026 Singapore Standard Time
Applications close: 27 Oct 2026 Singapore Standard Time