Executive Director, Career Center and Professional Development

University of Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Houston-Downtown invites visionary, student-centered leaders to apply for the Executive Director, Career Center and Professional Development. You will lead career readiness and experiential learning, shaping employment outcomes for a diverse student population while partnering with employers, alumni, faculty, and community partners.

This strategic role requires strong leadership, data-driven program design, and the ability to expand internships, externships, and career events

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum of seven years of related professional experience.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute a comprehensive vision for career and professional development programs across the university.
• Develop innovative initiatives that connect students, faculty, alumni, and employers through career fairs, networking events, internships, externships, and career readiness programs.
• Cultivate and strengthen partnerships with corporate, nonprofit, government, and community organizations.
• Oversee employer engagement strategies that expand internship and employment opportunities for students and graduates.
• Lead a team of career development professionals dedicated to supporting students across all academic colleges.
• Develop data-informed strategies and assessment measures to enhance career outcomes and institutional effectiveness.
• Promote student success through career counseling, professional development resources, and workforce readiness programming.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Organizational management

Relationship-building

Team leadership

Communication & presentation

Decision-making

Knowledge of career services (NACE/NC-

Education

Master’s degree

Doctoral degree (preferred)

Job description

Executive Director, Career Center and Professional Development

University of Houston-Downtown

Lead the Future of Career Success at UHD

The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) invites visionary, innovative, and student-centered leaders to apply for the position of Executive Director, Career Center and Professional Development. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the career readiness, experiential learning, and employment outcomes of a diverse and dynamic student population while building meaningful partnerships with employers, alumni, faculty, and community stakeholders.

Why Join UHD?

Located in the heart of Houston, one of the nation's most vibrant and diverse cities, UHD is a comprehensive public university committed to student success, workforce development, and community engagement. As Executive Director, you will play a pivotal leadership role in advancing the university's mission by preparing students and graduates for meaningful careers and lifelong professional success.

Make a Lasting Impact

In this strategic leadership role, you will:

• Lead and execute a comprehensive vision for career and professional development programs across the university.
• Develop innovative initiatives that connect students, faculty, alumni, and employers through career fairs, networking events, internships, externships, and career readiness programs.
• Cultivate and strengthen partnerships with corporate, nonprofit, government, and community organizations.
• Oversee employer engagement strategies that expand internship and employment opportunities for students and graduates.
• Lead a team of career development professionals dedicated to supporting students across all academic colleges.
• Develop data-informed strategies and assessment measures to enhance career outcomes and institutional effectiveness.
• Promote student success through career counseling, professional development resources, and workforce readiness programming.

The Ideal Candidate

We are seeking an accomplished leader who brings:

• A passion for student success and career development
• Strategic leadership and organizational management experience
• Strong relationship-building and partnership-development skills
• Experience leading teams and managing complex programs
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and decision-making abilities
• Knowledge of career services best practices and professional standards, including NACE and NCDA principles

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum of seven (7) years of related professional experience
• Valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in a related field
• Higher education experience in career development, recruiting, or workforce initiatives
• Professional certification in career counseling or coaching (NCDA, NACE, or related credentials)

Join a Community That Transforms Lives

At UHD, you will have the opportunity to champion innovative career programs, strengthen employer partnerships, and help students convert their education into meaningful professional opportunities. If you are a collaborative leader who thrives on creating connections, driving outcomes, and empowering student success, we encourage you to apply.

Shape careers. Build partnerships. Transform futures. Join UHD today.