Director of Center for Career Development and Life Design

About Hollins University

Hollins University is an independent, liberal arts university in Roanoke, Virginia offering undergraduate education for women, selected graduate programs for men and women, and community outreach initiatives. Founded in 1842 as Virginia's oldest chartered women's college, Hollins provides abundant opportunities to every undergraduate student for research, study abroad, and leadership training, and guarantees access to real-world experience through internships around the globe supported by an extensive and active alumnae network.

New Strategic Plan

Recently approved by its Board of Trustees, Hollins University’s new student-centered strategic plan is committed to myriad forms of experiential learning and an exemplary four-year program of life skills and career development. The Center for Career Development and Life Design (the “Center”) will play a pivotal part in ensuring delivery of an exceptional program that is truly distinctive, compelling, and best-in-class.

The Director Role

Reporting to the Dean of Experiential Learning/Executive Director of Career Development in the Academic Affairs division, the Director will manage all planning, operational, budgetary, and educational aspects of the Center. Supervising three professional staff and ten student Career Connectors (peer mentors), the Director will help design and deliver pioneering career development that is well-integrated into the Hollins educational program.

The ideal candidate will be a creative, collaborative, and dynamic leader with proven educational and managerial experience who has the capacity to build and scale out new systems, work processes, and programs in a fast-paced, “start-up” office culture. Additionally, as the campus grows increasingly diverse, the Director must maintain a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and well-being, so that students of all backgrounds and aspirations are well-served and positioned for success at Hollins and beyond.

Specific Responsibilities

• Manages all planning, operational, budgetary, and educational aspects of the Center to ensure efficient, relevant, and effective programs and services are provided to its constituencies
• Develops short and long-range operating plans including budgets, programs and services, staffing, technology and other equipment, and office space
• Provides guidance and leadership to staff including training, evaluation, and professional development for the Center’s Associate Director, Events and Promotions Manager, Coordinator, and student Career Connectors
• Plans, coordinates, and manages all university events that prepare students for employment and provide networking or mentoring opportunities
• Oversees the Hollins Signature Internship Program – collaborating closely with alumnae to generate high caliber internships in New York; Washington, D.C.; Richmond, VA; and other geographic areas
• Develops strong, ongoing relationships with employers, particularly those that hire recent college graduates
• Participates in professional development activities to ensure professional growth and knowledge needed to provide effective leadership and program development
• Works with Dean/Executive Director on enhancing collaborative relationships with other campus departments and offices, Alumnae Board and regional alumnae chapters, and regional businesses and organizations
• Assists Dean/Executive Director as needed with strategic planning initiatives and special projects

The ideal candidate will be:

• able to articulate the value of a liberal arts education in the workplace
• committed to women’s advancement and an educational environment where living and learning are integrated
• an encouraging mentor for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as alumnae/i
• familiar with trends in the changing world of work, as well as in career development (e.g. the application of design thinking to career development life design)
• able to design and deliver innovative programs that provide outstanding career preparation for diverse students on various paths
• an emotionally intelligent leader who can bring out the best in a team while developing new organizational systems in a fast-paced, productive environment
• capable of both seeing the big picture and paying close attention to detail
• a keen researcher and analyst of data, as well as a creative problem-solver
• an excellent writer who can generate instructional guides, reports, and marketing materials
• a compelling public speaker for diverse audiences, ranging from prospective students and families to campus colleagues to employers and community partners

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree
• Minimum of five years of experience in career planning, human resources, or talent development, or a combination of these areas and experience in alumnae/i relations and development, student affairs, community organizing, and/or marketing and communications
• Experience in program development, supervision and evaluation, budgeting, and relevant workplace technologies
• Excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal, customer service, detail, accuracy, organizational, multitasking, project management, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
• Proven abilities to meet deadlines, make sound judgments, manage confidential and sensitive matters, and work effectively with multiple constituencies
• Abilities to build systems and adapt to change
• Demonstrated success working with diverse populations
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Valid United States driver’s license with minimal violations
• Final candidates will be subject to a motor vehicle background check

Preferred Experience

• College career centers, employer relations, and internship management
• Handshake or other career management platforms
• Data analytics – tracking both student interactions with career centers and career outcomes for recent graduates and alumnae/i

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, salary requirement, and contact information for three references to hollinshr@hollins.edu. Review of applications will begin April 1, and will continue until the position is filled.

Hollins University is an equal opportunity employer. Hollins values diversity in its community, and strongly encourages applications from members of underrepresented populations.