SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:

All interested applicants should attach a resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Center for Career Development at Rice University is a recognized leader in career education, serving one of the most talented and diverse student populations in the country. The CCD is committed to innovation, equity, and empowering students to chart meaningful professional paths. This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative, high-impact team at a pivotal time of growth and transformation.
The Associate Director of Career Development plays a strategic and student-centered leadership role within Rice University’s Center for Career Development (CCD), building a career development ecosystem at Rice. Reporting to the Senior Associate Director of Career Development, this individual advance the professional success of Rice students and alumni through individualized career counseling, high-impact programming, and cross-campus collaborations. This role is pivotal in shaping and enhancing the career development ecosystem at Rice University.
The Associate Director leads career development events, teaches career decision-making courses, and strengthens partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to expand career opportunities and prepare students and alumni for meaningful careers. This is a visible and high-impact role within a dynamic team that is committed to equity, innovation, and excellence in career education.

WORKPLACE REQUIREMENTS:

This position is offered as a hybrid full-time role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Regular office hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, and require occasional evening or weekend hours, depending on the needs of the office. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.
Hiring Range: $76,000–$80,000 annually, dependent upon qualifications and experience
*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 3+ years of experience in university recruiting, career services, or related student affairs roles

SKILLS:

• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport across diverse student, alumni, employer, and faculty/staff audiences
• Knowledge of labor market trends, hiring practices, and equity-focused advising models
• Strong organizational and project management abilities
• Demonstrated experience in individual and group career counseling and administering/interpreting career assessments (e.g., MBTI, Strong Interest Inventory)
• Strong organizational, project management, and presentation skills, with demonstrated success leading workshops, outreach efforts, and high-impact initiatives
• Ability to relate effectively with students, staff, and faculty
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and career services platforms (e.g., 12twenty, Handshake, Symplicity)

• Provide individualized and group career counseling to students and alumni, including interpretation of career assessments
• Design and teach career education courses, workshops, training, signature CCD programs, and specialized initiatives focused on career exploration, planning, and decision-making for students, alumni, faculty, and staff
• Collaborate with campus departments, faculty, and employer partners to integrate career development across academic and co-curricular experiences
• Develop and facilitate workshops and presentations for student groups, classes, and faculty/staff partners
• Liaise with stakeholders in chosen areas of career pathways, providing tailored programs and career coaching to help students explore, prepare for, and connect with opportunities in specific industries and functional areas
• Support the planning and execution of career fairs, employer events, and on-campus recruiting activities
• Represent CCD on university committees and at professional conferences or associations
• Collaborate with internal teams to track and report program outcomes and contribute to departmental strategic initiatives
• Provide operational support for major events, such as Career Expos, and assist colleagues during peak periods
• Support budgeting and resource planning in alignment with departmental priorities
• Perform all other duties as assigned