Associate Director for Career Development

University of North Carolina Wilmington; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina Wilmington is seeking an Associate Director for Career Development to lead strategic planning and oversee comprehensive career services for students and alumni.

The role requires advanced collaboration with faculty, staff, and employers, directing programs, evaluating outcomes, and ensuring career readiness across the university. Join a dynamic Career Center within Student Affairs to shape experiential opportunities and growth for Seahawk students.

Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited institution, with emphasis in higher education administration, student affairs, career development, career counseling, or related fields.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible supervision experience in collegiate career services.
• Experience implementing knowledge of career theory and practice in individual and group settings.
• Experience with strategic planning and data analysis, supporting an ability to make complex, independent decisions and programmatic recommendations.
• Experience in leveraging career data to support messages to external and on-campus constituents.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic vision and planning for career development programs.
• Coordinate internal and external career initiatives and services.
• Lead relationships with staff, faculty, alumni, and students.
• Serve on leadership teams and manage day-to-day Career Center operations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Data analysis

Career coaching

Education

Master's degree in higher education administration

Job description

Associate Director for Career Development

Benefits of Working at UNCW:

At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, we are driven by a clear purpose: to empower student success, advance innovation, and strengthen the communities we serve. Guided by our strategic vision and commitment to excellence, UNCW offers a dynamic and collaborative environment where employees can make meaningful contributions while growing their careers. Located in coastal North Carolina, UNCW combines the energy of a thriving academic community with the natural beauty of nearby beaches and outdoor spaces. Here, professional opportunity is balanced with an exceptional quality of life—creating a workplace where you can thrive both personally and professionally. As a member of the Seahawk community, you'll benefit from a culture that values well-being, lifelong learning, and connection. UNCW offers a competitive and flexible benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and professional growth. From comprehensive health coverage and retirement options to generous paid leave, tuition opportunities within the UNC System, learning and development opportunities, and wellness programs, UNCW is committed to helping you thrive both at work and in your personal life.

Recruitment Range:

Determined based on qualifications and/or experience.

Vacancy Number:

E1631

Location of Workplace:

Main UNCW Campus

Home Department:

Career Center - 40020

Division:

Student Affairs - 40 Division

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:

The UNCW Career Center is a comprehensive career development and resource center dedicated to empowering students and alumni as active participants in their own career development. Compelling programs and services help students as they explore their academic and career options, gain experience, and evaluate their options, and engage with the worlds of work and graduate education.

College/School Information:

• EXPLORE Explore work values, interests, skills, and personality using Career Center resources in order to optimize academic and career planning
• EXPERIENCE Develop skills and competencies sought by employers, as outlined in the Skill Seeker, through applied learning opportunities
• ENGAGE Engage and network with faculty and other professionals as well as local, state, national, and global employers to learn how to meet the needs of an ever-changing modern society
• EMBARK Take responsibility for making informed career decisions and developing further education and employment plans over the lifespan

The Division of Student Affairs consists of thirteen functional departments, each of which is responsible for providing a variety of student support, service, and educational programs which are accessible to all members of the university community. The staff members are dedicated individuals known for their passion and commitment to implementing programs and services that affect student development over the course of a lifetime. Student Affairs provides excellent delivery of student services that are responsive to student needs and promotes the quality of life and education both inside and outside the classroom. We build institutional traditions and lifelong affiliations through creative programs, vibrant student organizations, and a living/learning environment built on core values and uncompromising principles. The Division is a leader and primary spokesperson for students.

"Creating Experiences For Life"

University Information:

The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state's coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research, and service. UNCW is distinguished by its commitment to putting students first, supporting world-class faculty and staff, delivering transformative learning experiences, and leveraging its unique proximity to the ocean. Recognized nationally for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking and reflects emerging industries and interdisciplinary innovation.

Brief Summary of Work for this Position:

The Associate Director for Career Development is responsible for the strategic planning, implementation, coordination, and control of activities within comprehensive career development functions. This position develops strategic vision and planning for career development, including internal and external initiatives and programs. Strategic direction will be based on career, economic and workforce conditions, current trends and issues in today's and tomorrow's work world, and benchmarking our programs and services with key educational institutions. Goals and initiatives will be aligned with overall department, division and university strategic goals. The Associate Director manages multifaceted relationships with staff, faculty, alumni, and students. This position serves on divisional and institutional committees and is an active member of the Career Center's leadership team. The Associate Director oversees the day-to-day operations of the Career Center and will serve as the point person for overall Career Center matters in the absence of the Director.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Master's degree from an accredited institution, with emphasis in higher education administration, student affairs, career development, career counseling, or related fields.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible supervision experience in collegiate career services.
• Experience implementing knowledge of career theory and practice in individual and group settings.
• Experience with strategic planning and data analysis, supporting an ability to make complex, independent decisions and programmatic recommendations.
• Experience in leveraging career data to support messages to external and on-campus constituents.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication skills, including one-on-one sessions, and presentations to audiences of classes, campus leaders, faculty groups, community organizations and/or the general public.
• Demonstrated success in relationship building with staff, faculty, students, parents and colleagues. Proven leadership and supervisory skills in a professional environment.
• Innovative thinking and analytical abilities, and demonstrated competency to assess, organize, and prioritize multiple tasks with attention to detail.
• Ability to infuse skill/competency development in programs and services to increase the career readiness of our students and alumni.
• Knowledge of in-depth understanding and application of best practices in collegiate career development, workplace trends, impacts of technology and social media.
• Possess an ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with a wide range of internal and external constituents, including faculty, staff, students and alumni.
• Demonstrated skills in a focused educational and service approach to productive career development, including the ability to provide career coaching and programming to currently enrolled students and alumni, individually and in groups.
• Strong collaboration/team, organizational, program development, interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Ability to maintain the highest level of professionalism and provide exceptional customer service.
• Capability to solicit and analyze student feedback and evaluations, and strategize with other Career Center staff members, student groups, and other campus staff and faculty to determine program offerings and innovations.
• Relevant credentials in career development and services (i.e. NCC, LPC, GCDF, etc.).

FTE:

1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)

Months Per Year:

12 Months

Type of Position:

Permanent

Position Number:

E1631

Job Posting Date:

10/15/2026

Posting Close Date:

11/04/2026

Number of Openings:

Single Incumbent

Eligibility for Employment:

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UNC Wilmington participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents - except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.