Associate Director for Career Development

Posting Details

This position is designated as Exempt from the Human Resources Act (EHRA).

Posting Details

Benefits of Working at UNCW

At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, we are driven by a clear purpose: to empower student success, advance innovation, and strengthen the communities we serve. Guided by our strategic vision and commitment to excellence, UNCW offers a dynamic and collaborative environment where employees can make meaningful contributions while growing their careers.

Located in coastal North Carolina, UNCW combines the energy of a thriving academic community with the natural beauty of nearby beaches and outdoor spaces. Here, professional opportunity is balanced with an exceptional quality of life-creating a workplace where you can thrive both personally and professionally.

As a member of the Seahawk community, you'll benefit from a culture that values well-being, lifelong learning, and connection. UNCW offers a competitive and flexible benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and professional growth. From comprehensive health coverage and retirement options to generous paid leave, tuition opportunities within the UNC System, learning and development opportunities, and wellness programs, UNCW is committed to helping you thrive both at work and in your personal life.

Hiring Range Determined based on qualifications and/or experience. Working Title Associate Director for Career Development External Link to Posting https://jobs.uncw.edu/postings/41131 Vacancy Number E1631 Position Number 1823 Location of Workplace Main UNCW Campus Home Department Career Center - 40020 Division Student Affairs - 40 Division Brief Summary of Work for this Position

The Associate Director for Career Development is responsible for the the strategic planning, implementation, coordination, and control of activities within comprehensive career development functions. This position develops strategic vision and planning for career development, including internal and external initiatives and programs. Strategic direction will be based on career, economic and workforce conditions, current trends and issues in today's and tomorrow's work world, and benchmarking our programs and services with key educational institutions. Goals and initiatives will be aligned with overall department, division and university strategic goals. The Associate Director manages multifaceted relationships with staff, faculty, alumni, and students. This position serves on divisional and institutional committees and is an active member of the Career Center's leadership team. The Associate Director oversees the day-to-day operations of the Career Center and will serve as the point person for overall Career Center matters in the absence of the Director.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• Master's degree from an accredited institution, with emphasis in higher education administration, student affairs, career development, career counseling, or related fields.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible supervision experience in collegiate career services.
• Experience implementing knowledge of career theory and practice in individual and group settings.
• Experience with strategic planning and data analysis, supporting an ability to make complex, independent decisions and programmatic recommendations.
• Experience in leveraging career data to support messages to external and on-campus constituents.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication skills, including one-on-one sessions, and presentations to audiences of classes, campus leaders, faculty groups, community organizations and/or the general public.
• Demonstrated success in relationship building with staff, faculty, students, parents and colleagues. Proven leadership and supervisory skills in a professional environment.
• Innovative thinking and analytical abilities, and demonstrated competency to assess, organize, and prioritize multiple tasks with attention to detail.
• Ability to infuse skill/competency development in programs and services to increase the career readiness of our students and alumni.
• Knowledge of in-depth understanding and application of best practices in collegiate career development, workplace trends, impacts of technology and social media.
• Possess an ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with a wide range of internal and external constituents, including faculty, staff, students and alumni.
• Demonstrated skills in a focused educational and service approach to productive career development, including the ability to provide career coaching and programming to currently enrolled students and alumni, individually and in groups.
• Strong collaboration/team, organizational, program development, interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Ability to maintain the highest level of professionalism and provide exceptional customer service.
• Capability to solicit and analyze student feedback and evaluations, and strategize with other Career Center staff members, student groups, and other campus staff and faculty to determine program offerings and innovations.
• Relevant credentials in career development and services (i.e. NCC, LPC, GCDF, etc.).

Required Certifications or Licensures Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The UNCW Career Center is a comprehensive career development and resource center dedicated to empowering students and alumni as active participants in their own career development. Compelling programs and services help students as they explore their academic and career options, gain experience, and evaluate their options, and engage with the worlds of work and graduate education.

College/School Information

The Career Center encourages students and alumni to:

• EXPLORE

Explore work values, interests, skills, and personality using Career Center resources in order to optimize academic and career planning

• EXPERIENCE

Develop skills and competencies sought by employers, as outlined in the Skill Seeker, through applied learning opportunities

• ENGAGE

Engage and network with faculty and other professionals as well as local, state, national, and global employers to learn how to meet the needs of an ever-changing modern society

• EMBARK

Take responsibility for making informed career decisions and developing further education and employment plans over the lifespan

The Division of Student Affairs consists of thirteen functional departments, each of which is responsible for providing a variety of student support, service, and educational programs which are accessible to all members of the university community. The staff members are dedicated individuals known for their passion and commitment to implementing programs and services that affect student development over the course of a lifetime. Student Affairs provides excellent delivery of student services that are responsive to student needs and promotes the quality of life and education both inside and outside the classroom. We build institutional traditions and lifelong affiliations through creative programs, vibrant student organizations, and a living/learning environment built on core values and uncompromising principles. The Division is a leader and primary spokesperson for students.

"Creating Experiences For Life"

University Information

The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state's coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research, and service. UNCW is distinguished by its commitment to putting students first, supporting world-class faculty and staff, delivering transformative learning experiences, and leveraging its unique proximity to the ocean. Recognized nationally for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking and reflects emerging industries and interdisciplinary innovation.

A public institution with nearly 20,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to-BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation's first bachelor's degree program focused on coastal engineering.

The university's efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of "Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity" institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Founded as Wilmington College in 1947, UNCW moved to its present location in the heart of New Hanover County in 1961. The 660-acre campus is only minutes from Wrightsville Beach and historic downtown Wilmington and features Georgian architecture and designated conservation areas. Wilmington International Airport (ILM) provides commercial air service to cities both domestic and abroad and is just six miles from the UNCW campus.

UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.

EEO Statement

UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents - except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.

Eligibility for Employment

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UNC Wilmington participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Number of Openings Single Incumbent Special Notes to Applicants

PLEASE NOTE: This posting will close at 11:59PM (Eastern time) on the posted closing date. To receive full consideration, please be sure you have fully completed the entire application before you apply for this position.

Applications must be submitted through the online application system to be considered.

Months Per Year 12 Months FTE 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week) Type of Position Permanent Anticipated Ending Date if Time-Limited Positions Job Posting Date 10/15/2026 Posting Close Date 11/04/2026

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • How did you learn of this opportunity with UNCW? (2026)

• UNCW Website

• UNCW LinkedIn Page

• UNCW X Account (formerly Twitter)

• UNCW Employee Referral

• UNCW Instagram Account (UNCW_jobs)

• UNCW Job Alert

• Chronical of Higher Education

• Glassdoor

• Higher Ed Jobs

• Indeed

• Inside Higher Ed

• North Carolina Job Network

• Craigslist

• Career Events/Job Fairs

• Billboards/Marquee

• Other

• • If you selected "Other" to the question above, please explain how you found out about this opportunity. Enter N/A if not applicable.

(Open Ended Question)