Advertising Summary: We’re looking for a motivated professional to lead career services for the College of Engineering. You’ll manage career fairs, employer events, professional development courses, and the internship/co-op program while overseeing budgeting and strategic planning. If you enjoy a fast-paced, student-focused environment, this role is for you!

Unit: College Of Engineering MBU

Department: Engineering Innovation and Outreach

Duties & Responsibilities:

Since its inception in 1996, the Virginia Commonwealth University College of Engineering has brought innovative, real-world engineering education to Central Virginia. Comprising five different departments plus the Dean’s office, the College of Engineering enrolls more than 1,700 undergraduate and 250 graduate students in several degree programs supported by approximately 600+ full-time, part-time, and student employees. As part of a premier research university known for tenacity, love of the city of Richmond, and commitment to opportunity and access, the College of Engineering values the significant and positive impact of our people and ideas in the promotion of regional and global prosperity involving research and life sciences.

The VCU College of Engineering seeks an innovative and student-focused leader to oversee career services initiatives that prepare engineering students for success in a rapidly evolving workforce. This highly visible role serves as a key connector between students, employers, faculty, and industry partners, creating meaningful career development opportunities and expanding pathways to internships, co-ops, and full-time employment. The successful candidate will lead high-impact programs that directly influence student success, employer engagement, and workforce readiness while helping shape the future of engineering talent in Central Virginia and beyond. As part of a collaborative and growing community committed to innovation, access, and student achievement, this position offers the opportunity to build strong industry partnerships, expand experiential learning opportunities, and make a lasting impact on the next generation of engineering professionals.

In this role, you will:

• Develop and implement innovative career development strategies that respond to changing workforce needs and emerging industry trends.

• Lead the planning and execution of large-scale engineering career fairs serving 600–1,000 students and welcoming 90–110 employer partners annually.

• Offer career related networking events and info sessions from employers multiple weeks of each semester -  which includes coffee hours, info sessions, tabling events, etc

• Manage the professional development classes, ensuring all classes have coverage

• Manage and continuously enhance the College's internship and co-op programs to support student success and experiential learning opportunities.

• Provide leadership for the daily operations and long-term sustainability of the College of Engineering Career Services Office, including budget oversight and resource management.

• Develop strategic short- and long-range plans that support and improve student achievement, employer engagement, and program growth.

• Initiate and respond to requests for special projects outside of daily goals by identifying and performing necessary tasks by case specific deadlines in order to support departmental responsiveness to change and market demand.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree and some years of experience in a relevant professional role or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

• Ability to communicate effectively with students, staff and the public from a variety of cultural, social, economic, and educational backgrounds.

• Ability to effectively direct, budget, plan, implement and evaluate programs.

• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience within a higher education setting is  preferred.

• Significant years of experience in a comparable role is preferred.

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to lead people and provide direction.

Salary Range: $90,000 - Commensurate

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement: Other

University Job Title: 3541B - Director SS Base

Contact Information:
Contact Name: Sierra Cloud
Contact Email: cloudse@vcu.edu