Director of Career Services | JobSetuu

Description

Job Overview

• Source: Jobicy

Job Description

Description

Job Title: Director of Career Services

Status: Exempt

Location: WFH flexible, candidate must reside in California to be considered.

Reports to: VP, Compliance

Employment Type: Full-time 

Summary

Under the general direction of the Vice President of Compliance (VPC), the Director of Career Services (DCS) is responsible for planning, directing, and evaluating a comprehensive program that delivers a wide range of career planning and placement services to students, alumni, community, and employers. The DCS will make management decisions, which can be comprehensive, difficult, and complex and will be required to formulate operational policies at the campus-wide level, subject to the VPC approval in matters related to broad policy considerations, campus-wide coordination, and long-range planning. The DCS exercises full responsibility of meeting Completion and Placement numbers in accordance with ACCET. The DCS oversees Career Counseling, Career Services, and Job Fairs. In addition, the DCS provides significant assistance to the academic programs and assumes ultimate responsibility for the delivery of career and employment services to CIAT students (Current and Graduates). The DCS will oversee all daily operations of the Career Services Department including new hire recruitment, team coaching, policy and procedure creation, systems integration and automation, student escalations, event participation, and student records management to successfully reach growth-centered goals each term.

Management

• Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates Career Services staff; maintains a high-performing student-focused team
• Oversees daily Career Services operations and ensures adequate staffing coverage and service delivery
• Establishes, monitors, and reports on Career Services KPIs related to student engagement, retention, completion, graduate outcomes, and placement reporting
• Maintains working knowledge of institutional systems and technologies including Dynamics, Microsoft 365, Teams, Canvas, Handshake, CIAT job boards, and other student success platforms
• Develops and manages departmental budgets and resources
• Provides leadership and oversight to Career Services Advisors and Placement Specialists
• Partner with HR to coach and counsel employees as needed
• Provide professional development and growth opportunities for employees
• Manage and enforce timekeeping policies to ensure accuracy and timely processing of employee timecards
• Conduct timely, accurate, and fair performance reviews, free from bias
• Ensure a safe, secure, and ethical work environment
• Adhere to CIAT’s compliance requirements to ensure all Federal, State, accreditation, and institutional policies and procedures are being met
• Promote communication guidelines to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and professionalism
• Embody CIAT’s?mission, vision, purpose and values

Student Success, Placement & Compliance

• Maintains primary responsibility for collection, verification, tracking, and reporting of all completion and placement outcomes
• Oversees the collection and maintenance of employment verification documentation, graduate records, and employer verification records
• Ensures accurate preparation and submission of ACCET Annual Reports, including completion and placement reporting under Document 28.1
• Ensures compliance with all accreditation, state, federal, and institutional reporting requirements related to student outcomes
• Collects, analyzes, and reports graduate and employer survey results
• Develops strategies to improve student retention, completion, graduate outcomes, and placement rates
• Works collaboratively with Education, Industry and Employer Partnerships, Student Services, and Compliance to support student success initiatives

Career Readiness & Student Development

• Oversees career preparation services for students and graduates, including:
  • Resume development
  • Interview preparation
  • LinkedIn optimization
  • Career coaching
  • Job search strategies
  • Government and private-sector application support
• Develops and delivers workshops, webinars, and career-readiness programming
• Oversees Federal Work-Study activities and student employment initiatives
• Ensures assessment of workshops and career-related activities to continuously improve services

Strategic Planning & Reporting

• Develops annual departmental goals, objectives, and strategic initiatives aligned with institutional priorities
• Analyzes completion, placement, retention, and employment data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement
• Provides regular reports and outcome metrics to executive leadership
• Collaborates with the Director of Employer & Industry Partnerships to align employer hiring needs with student and graduate career opportunities

Collaboration & Outreach

• Serves as the institutional lead for student career development and graduate success initiatives
• Participates in Orientation, Commencement, student success events, and other institutional activities
• Works closely with the Director of Employer & Industry Partnerships to ensure employer opportunities are effectively communicated to students and graduates
• Represents Career Services at institutional meetings and accreditation activities

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and management experience preferred
• 4 plus years of management experience in higher education or high-volume customer service is preferred
• Minimum 2 years of previous experience leading teams in higher education environments
• Minimum 2 years of experience using enterprise CRM systems such as Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft Dynamics, or equivalent SIS
• Experience supporting students through enrollment, retention, or career decision-making
• An in-depth understanding of the technology industry including education and career requirements, technology vendors, certification, and/or credentials requirements
• Highly proficient in data analysis, reporting, and Microsoft Excel skills to present forecasting models, benchmark performance metrics, and goal setting
• Expert in writing resumes, using career pages like LinkedIn, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, etc
• A computer savvy and technical mindset willing to learn new systems that are deployed and build automated processes to streamline manual activities 
• Strong presentation, public speaking, and writing skills 
• Possess a sincere interest in helping others achieve life goals
• Takes a customer-service-oriented approach to recruiting and retaining students and collaborating with internal departments
• Self-motivated, goal-oriented, assertive, results-driven, high energy, and highly ethical
• Team player with a positive, can-do attitude
• Strong organizational skills with the proven ability to prioritize
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate needs and exercise independent judgment
• Excellent analytical skills, problem resolution skills and general business acumen
• Proficient skills in MS Office software products, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and MS Project and ability to learn additional software products
• Exhibits a high degree of flexibility in adapting to a rapidly changing environment
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, academic departments, and administration to support student success, achieve institutional goals and contribute to a positive and inclusive culture
• Flexible to work longer hours to meet deadlines, if needed
• Reliable transportation to go on campus, attend seminars/training, if required
• Maintains relationships with IT employers or familiar with the IT industry.
• Able to handle sensitive information with a high degree of confidentiality
• Possess high ethical standards, being an example of professionalism to others
•  Must be able to embody CIAT’s mission, vision, purpose and values

Values

Values such as integrity, excellence, customer service, teamwork and mutual respect are some of those that remain constant, regardless of changes in our company. When identifying company values, it is important that those values are being demonstrated in the course of business each day. Our values set expectations for how employees and managers interact with every person while representing the company.

• We are passionate about education and student success.
• We value integrity and excellence in our employees and students.
• We treat ourselves and our students with dignity and respect.
• We believe in and encourage innovation at our school to better help our students succeed.
• We have a customer centric focus and we want people highly committed to achieving goals, where our success equals student’s success.
• We are accountable for our actions and focus on improvements moving forward.
• We have a growth mindset with a sincere belief that every student can do better and achieve their goals.
• We expect every employee to be an example of conduct and professionalism, being a role model to students and colleagues.
• We commit to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment that respects the diversity of students' backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
• We foster lifelong learning and professional development.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position supervises a team of Career Services Advisors.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday. Occasional weekend and evening hours may be required. Although this typically involves working during business hours, on occasion the person in this role may be asked to work early in the morning or evenings.

Physical Demands

These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions.

• Essential functions of this role require sitting for extended periods of time
• Ability to type, use a computer to search for information and input information while speaking on the phone is required
• The employee will frequently be required to use the computer, mouse and telephone to conduct the regular tasks of this role
• The employee will be required to compute simple to simple mathematical calculations as a normal part of this role
• Requires daily use of a company computer and related software applications at a workstation

Work Environment

While performing the responsibilities of this remote position, the job holder will work in a home office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. This role routinely involves using standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and virtual communication tools. Employees are expected to ensure that their home office is a safe and ergonomic working environment, as the company will for employees working on campus. 

Employees must maintain data security and confidentiality in accordance with company policies and use secure connections for all work-related activities. Expectations regarding work hours, availability, and time tracking will be clearly communicated and must be adhered to.

The company is not responsible for maintaining home office environments beyond the provision of reasonable accommodations and necessary work-related equipment. Workers' compensation and liability for injuries that occur in the home office will be covered as per company policy and applicable laws.

This remote work policy is designed to comply with all relevant local, state, and federal laws.

When in the office

When in the office, employees are expected to follow all workplace safety rules, security protocols, and professional conduct guidelines. They should maintain a clean and organized work area, be punctual, and actively engage in in-person meetings, collaboration, and training as scheduled. The in-office environment may involve occasional noise, shared workspaces, and use of common areas, and employees are expected to be respectful of others working nearby.

AAP/EEO Statement

California Institute of Applied Technology provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, California Institute of Applied Technology complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

California Institute of Applied Technology expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of California Institute of Applied Technology’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

I acknowledge that I have read this job description in its entirety and have discussed the expectations of this position with my Manager. I have received a copy of this job description. I understand the duties, and am fully able to meet the requirements, and perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodations. I further acknowledge, and understand, this job description does not create an employment contract, and nothing contained herein alters my at-will employment status..

Salary Range

The starting salary range for the Director of Career Services position is 100k to 110k /DOE. We base salary offers on a variety of considerations, such as education, experience, equity and other business and organizational needs.

Expert Career Tips for Director of Career Services Roles

To succeed in a competitive market as a Director of Career Services, you need more than just technical skills. Here are some expert strategies to elevate your profile:

• Build a Strong Portfolio: For technical roles, a clean GitHub or a personal project site is essential. For non-technical roles, a case study portfolio demonstrating problem-solving and impact is equally valuable. Show, don't just tell, what you have achieved in your previous positions.
• Master the Narrative: When interviewing, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Quantify your results wherever possible—mentioning "increased efficiency by 20%" is much more impactful than saying "improved efficiency."
• Continuous Learning: The industry moves fast. Whether it's staying updated with the latest AI tools or mastering a new management methodology, continuous professional development is key. Consider obtaining industry-recognized certifications that align with Director of Career Services requirements.
• Networking: Connect with other professionals in similar roles. Join online communities, attend webinars, and engage in meaningful discussions on professional social networks. Often, the best opportunities come through referrals and community engagement.
• Soft Skills Matter: Communication, empathy, and leadership are often the deciding factors between two equally qualified technical candidates. Cultivate these skills as they are universally valued across all industries and seniority levels.

Additionally, research the specific company's culture and values. Tailoring your application to show how you align with their mission can significantly increase your chances of moving forward in the process.

Salary & Compensation

Salary not disclosed; typically competitive for the role.

Work Arrangement

Type: On-Site

Standard business hours at the office.

Comprehensive Application Strategy & Hiring Process

Applying for a new role is a marathon, not a sprint. Follow this strategic approach to maximize your success rate:

1. Initial Research & Tailoring

Don't send the same resume to every employer. Spend at least 30 minutes researching the company. Look for recent news, their product roadmap, and their team structure. Modify your summary and core competencies to reflect the specific keywords found in the job description.

2. The Perfect Cover Letter

If the application allows for a cover letter, use it to tell a story that your resume cannot. Explain why you are passionate about this specific company and how your unique background makes you the perfect fit for the challenges they are currently facing.

3. Navigating the Multi-Stage Interview

Most modern hiring processes involve 3-5 stages. This typically includes a recruiter screen, a technical or skill-based assessment, a peer interview, and a final leadership round. Prepare for each stage differently: focus on enthusiasm and fit for the recruiter, technical depth for the assessment, and strategic vision for the leadership round.

4. Post-Interview Follow-Up

Always send a personalized thank-you note within 24 hours of each interview. Reference a specific topic discussed during the call to demonstrate your active listening and genuine interest in the role.

By following these steps, you demonstrate a high level of professionalism and attention to detail that sets you apart from the average applicant.

Typical Interview Process

1. Resume screening
2. HR call
3. Skill interview
4. Final manager interview
5. Offer

Tip: Research the company's products and culture.

Global Market Intelligence & Relocation Insights

At JobSetuu, we specialize in helping talent navigate the global job market. Here is what you need to know about the current landscape in Global and beyond:

The demand for skilled professionals is increasingly borderless. For roles based in Global, understanding the local cost of living, visa requirements (if applicable), and cultural nuances is vital. If this is a remote role, consider the time zone alignment and the asynchronous communication culture of the hiring organization.

Relocation Support: Many forward-thinking companies offer relocation packages that include moving stipends, temporary housing, and legal assistance with work permits. When evaluating an offer, look beyond the base salary—consider the total compensation package, including equity, bonuses, and healthcare benefits.

Work-Life Balance Trends: Hybrid and remote work have become standard in many regions. Research the local labor laws and common practices regarding work hours and vacation time to ensure the role aligns with your lifestyle goals.

Leveraging JobSetuu's tools can help you compare salaries across different cities and understand the "purchasing power" of your potential offer, ensuring you make an informed decision for your long-term career path.

Skills & Competency Roadmap for Professional Development

To remain competitive in Professional Development, we recommend focusing on the following core competencies over the next 12-18 months:

• Technical Mastery: Deepen your expertise in the core tools and languages relevant to your field. For developers, this might be cloud architecture; for marketers, it might be data-driven attribution modeling.
• AI Augmentation: Learn how to leverage generative AI and automation tools to increase your productivity. Understanding how to integrate these technologies into your workflow is becoming a non-negotiable skill.
• Leadership & Strategy: Even in individual contributor roles, the ability to think strategically and lead projects from inception to completion is highly valued. Focus on stakeholder management and high-level project planning.
• Data Literacy: The ability to interpret data and use it to drive decisions is essential across all business functions. Familiarize yourself with data visualization and basic analytical concepts.

By investing in these areas, you not only prepare yourself for the role you are applying for today but also build a resilient foundation for the opportunities of tomorrow.

Apply via JobSetuu

Discover your next career milestone on JobSetuu. This Director of Career Services position is part of our commitment to bringing you the most relevant and high-impact job openings globally. At JobSetuu, we simplify your job search by aggregating premier listings and providing the tools you need to stand out. Don't miss the chance to elevate your professional journey—explore more opportunities and career insights on our platform today.