Eckerd College is currently seeking candidates for the position of Director of the Career Center to join our Student Success team at our waterfront property along the Boca Ciega Bay in St. Petersburg, Florida, in our relationship-focused community. As the Director, you will provide strategic leadership for career development services that support students’ exploration of purpose, preparation for post-graduate success, and connection to meaningful career pathways.
The Director collaborates closely with faculty, academic departments, and staff across campus to align career readiness initiatives with the college’s academic mission and ensures that the Career Center functions as a vibrant hub for student engagement, employer connections, alumni networking, and faculty collaboration, preparing students to apply their liberal arts education in diverse and evolving professional contexts. The Director’s ability to grow regional, national, and global networks that help students progress in their career goals will be critical to their success in the role.
The role requires the incumbent to possess demonstrated experience building collaborative relationships and effective programs with academic departments and faculty and a proven ability to develop relationships with outside employers and other regional partners. The Director will have an understanding of the value of a liberal arts education and its application in various career fields as well as excellent interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills. Knowledge of career development theories, employer engagement, and assessment strategies and a proven ability to develop programs that engage diverse student populations and promote equitable access to career resources is necessary for success in this position.
The Eckerd College Career Center empowers students and alumni to thrive beyond graduation and develop the confidence to apply their transformative liberal arts education to change the world. Join an inclusive and collaborative team to help every student discover their unique professional story.
This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling, or a related field, plus a minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in career services or a closely related area. The equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

• Develop and lead a comprehensive career development strategy that integrates academic learning with professional exploration and preparation through collaboration with Student Success and Academic Affairs.
• Cultivate strong relationships with faculty to embed career education into the academic curriculum through classroom workshops, discipline-specific programs, and co-curricular initiatives.
• Oversee the delivery of individualized career advising, resume and interview preparation, job and internship search support, and graduate school planning.
• Collaborate with academic advising and faculty mentors to help students articulate the value of a liberal arts education in professional and graduate settings.
• Participate in recruitment and orientation events to educate students and their families about the impact of the Career Center on student development and sense of purpose.
• Expand and maintain partnerships with employers, alumni, and graduate institutions to increase experiential learning, internships, jobs, and mentorship opportunities.
• Supervise a team of career advisors and administrative staff, ensuring professional development and accountability.
• Utilize data to assess and improve career center programs, monitor outcomes, and inform strategic planning.
• Lead signature events such as career fairs, employer panels, networking receptions, and industry-specific workshops.
• Partner with offices such as Alumni Engagement, Community Engagement, and Global Education to offer impactful career programming.
• Manage Career Center operations, including budget, technology platforms, and marketing and communications strategies.