Associate Director of Career Services, World Campus

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State World Campus Student Affairs is in search of a strategic thinker with a strong understanding of online learning environments, an ability to build meaningful partnerships, and a passion for helping all students-especially those who may encounter unique obstacles-prepare for career success as our Associate Director of Career Services.

The Associate Director of Career Services will play a key leadership role in designing, implementing, and managing career development initiatives tailored to the unique needs of online learners in a higher education environment. This position will lead strategic initiatives and manage the daily operations of our virtual Career Services unit, supporting more than 19,000 online learners at World Campus. This position will focus on leading and ensuring high-quality delivery of virtual career counseling/coaching, building strong employer partnerships, and expanding career readiness opportunities-particularly for students who may face additional barriers to career success, such as first-generation, military/veteran, and low-income learners. The Associate Director will collaborate with academic departments, faculty, alumni, and other external partners to integrate career services into the online student experience and ensure scalable, accessible support.

The Associate Director will bring energy, vision, and a collaborative spirit to a role that blends direct student support, employer engagement, and team leadership. This work is grounded in the belief that every student should have access to the tools, resources, and connections needed to thrive in their career journey.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Key Responsibilities:

Employer Engagement & Partnership Development

• Build and sustain relationships with local, national, and international employers to connect students with meaningful job and internship opportunities.

• Create engagement strategies that encourage employers to recruit from our online learner community.

• Plan and deliver employer networking events, panels, career fairs, and virtual recruitment activities.

Leadership & Strategic Initiatives

• Lead the development of innovative, accessible career programming that supports student success in a virtual environment.

• Stay informed on trends in career services and higher education, applying best practices to improve student outcomes.

Supervision & Team Development

• Supervise and mentor two career counselors, fostering a collaborative, supportive, and results-oriented team culture.

• Ensure counselors have the resources and training needed to provide excellent virtual career support.

Career Support for Students Facing Barriers

• Provide career coaching, workshops, and professional development resources that address common challenges-such as navigating a job search with limited networks, transitioning from military to civilian careers, or balancing work, school, and family responsibilities.

• Offer programming that is open to all students but intentionally designed to be relevant and responsive to those experiences.

Collaboration & Campus Partnerships

• Work closely with academic programs, student affairs, alumni relations, and other career offices to create seamless pathways from education to employment.

• Partner with faculty, staff, and alumni to expand mentorship, job shadowing, and career exploration opportunities.

Assessment & Continuous Improvement

• Track student engagement, hiring outcomes, and employer relationships to assess the impact of services.

• Use data and feedback to refine programs and ensure they meet the evolving needs of online learners.

Additional Position Information: Work will be primarily performed remotelywith some monthly in-person meetings and/or student events that will require travel to University Park, PA. Work hours will vary based on student need and events which may include periodic evenings and/or weekends.

Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Self-starter with keen attention to detail; a collaborative, compassionate leader who inspires confidence and trust

• Proven leadership experience, including managing and mentoring staff.

• Knowledge of career development theories and practices, including understanding of barriers faced by non-traditional-aged and/or online learners.

• Experience developing and fostering employer relationships and partnerships.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and employers in a fast-paced environment and prioritize tasks efficiently.

• Experience with data analysis and reporting tools.

• Familiarity with career services software (e.g., Nittany Lion Careers, LionLink, etc.).

• Experience providing coaching or advising student populations in a higher education setting.

How to Apply:

• For full consideration for this position, please have materials submitted by November 21.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

SALARY & BENEFITS

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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