Assistant Director II - Center for Career, Vocation, & Leadership

The University of Pikeville is seeking qualified candidates for the position of a grant-funded Assistant Director within the Center for Career, Vocation, & Leadership.

The Assistant Director for the Center for Career, Vocation, & Leadership is responsible for the strategic oversight and operational management of the college's student engagement initiative (First Year/Second Year Experience, Admissions, employer/student engagement), with a primary focus on supporting the function of career preparation programming at the University of Pikeville.

This position will play a pivotal role in enhancing student career development by fostering meaningful skill-building experiences that align with academic goals and industry needs.

Responsibilities:

- Partner with campus units such as student success, alumni relations, admissions, advancement, intercultural programs, counseling center, residence life, international education, First-Year Experience, new student orientation (GROWL), and financial aid to support career-related initiatives across campus.

- Plan and deliver educational programming related to career, vocation, and leadership with students.

- Collaborate with campus partners to advance the vocation initiative at UPIKE.

- Assist students and other constituents with job search, employment skill development, and professionalism as needed.

- Oversee planning of campus visits, career fairs, campus Career Travel project, etc.

- Engage with community partners and stakeholders to assist in directing career-ready programming.

- Collaborate with Community Engagement and Campus Employment to ensure students are ready to begin internship placements.

- Direct data-informed decision-making with strong analytical capabilities.

- Oversee management of career services software (e.g., Handshake, Symplicity) and CRM tools.

- Develop results-driven strategies focused on continuous program improvement and impact reporting.

- Provide career counseling and advising to students regarding internship opportunities, career goals, and professional development.

- Assist students in developing professional skills, such as resume writing, interviewing, and networking.

- Offer guidance on academic planning and career pathways.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree in higher education, counseling, communications, or a related field; master’s preferred.

- Proven experience in career services, student engagement, or related fields.

- Strong understanding of student development and career supports.

- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.

- Strong organizational and project management skills.

- Proficiency in data analysis and reporting.

- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

- Passion for student success and career development.

This is a full-time position with competitive compensation and benefits. This position is ideal for an energetic higher education professional who thrives on cross-campus collaboration, student mentorship, and data-driven strategy implementation. The best candidate will seamlessly balance hands-on career advising and event execution with employer networking and data tracking to elevate student career success.

Important Notes:

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applications received on or before 10/06/2026 will be given priority consideration.

Resume and other application materials will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates. Please, specifically address the qualifications, competencies and desired qualifications in your resume and application materials.

The University of Pikeville is committed to providing a safe and productive learning, living and working community. To achieve this goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history.

The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or the admission of students.

For more information about the University of Pikeville, please visit http://www.upike.edu . In addition to the application, interested applicants are requested to attach to their application a letter of interest, current curriculum vitae, copies of their transcripts, and the contact information for three to five professional references.