Associate Director - Career Services

Worcester Polytech; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1 060 000 - 1 197 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking an Associate Director for Career Services to lead and manage the Career Development Center's programs. Responsibilities include overseeing career education, advising, and marketing efforts, as well as building relationships with faculty and industry partners. Candidates should have a Master's degree and several years of experience in career services. The position offers a hybrid work environment and competitive compensation.

Benefits

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Tuition assistance

Work-life balance

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, Career Development, Business, or related field.
• 5–7 years of progressive experience in career services or related area.
• 2–3 years of supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee career education and advising.
• Design and deliver career development programs.
• Supervise Career Services team and conduct performance appraisals.
• Build partnerships with faculty and employers.
• Provide career advising to students and alumni.

Skills

Career advising

Team supervision

Data collection and reporting

Strategy development

Relationship building

Education

Master's degree in relevant field

Job description

Job Title

Associate Director - Career Services

Job Summary

Lead the Career Development Center's (CDC) career services team in designing and delivering programs that support the career development and advancement of degree‑seeking students and alumni.

Responsibilities

• Oversee career education, advising, student‑facing services, data collection and reporting, and marketing and communications.
• Oversee student‑facing career services strategy and operations, including one‑on‑one advising, career development programming, design and implementation of credit‑bearing career courses, and related assessment, data collection, and reporting to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with institutional goals.
• Actively foster relationships with faculty to integrate career development into the academic experience and support student success.
• Coordinate and implement internal and external marketing efforts to promote the programs, services, and impact of the Heebner Career Development Center.
• This includes creating outreach materials, managing digital content, and working closely with University Marketing to elevate the center's visibility and brand across campus, as well as among faculty, employers, parents, and alumni networks.
• Supervise a team of staff and paraprofessional peer advisors as part of the Career Services student‑facing team.
• Conduct annual performance appraisals of supervisees, review position descriptions, and monitor staff performance, providing timely feedback.
• Provide career advising to degree‑seeking students and alumni through virtual and in‑person appointments, including administering and interpreting career assessments.
• Train students in the use of digital tools and online resources for career exploration, decision‑making, and job search strategies.
• Represent the office on and off campus by designing and delivering career‑ and recruiting‑related presentations to diverse audiences, including senior leadership and alumni.
• Serve on university committees and initiatives, and attend regional chamber events as a WPI representative.
• Lead employer strategy calls and conduct on‑site visits to assess organizational needs, strengthen partnerships, and align workforce solutions with business objectives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, Career Development, Business, or a related field.
• 5–7 years of progressive experience in career services, student development, employer relations, or a related area in higher education.
• Minimum of 2–3 years of supervisory experience with professional or paraprofessional staff.

Compensation

$62,000 – $70,000 per year (depending on experience). Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.

Job Type & Location

Hybrid (Remote & On‑site); Full‑time. Location: Worcester.

FLSA Status

United States of America (Exempt)

Equal Opportunity Statement

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.

Company Culture & Benefits

WPI is a dynamic, inclusive community of faculty, staff, and students committed to collaboration that sparks innovation to benefit the world. With competitive and comprehensive benefits—including health insurance, retirement, tuition assistance, work‑life balance—and a culture that fosters growth, WPI empowers employees to thrive personally and professionally.

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