Director, Student Career Center (on-site)

Hiring range: $100,800 - $126,000. Offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

About UC Merced

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting-edge, 21st-century research institution. Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced provides world-class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the San Joaquin Valley and throughout the state.

In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program to supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design, and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

About The Role

The Director of the Student Career Center provides visionary and strategic leadership for a comprehensive career services operation at UC Merced. This role is central to achieving student career readiness, experiential learning, and post-graduate success outcomes in alignment with the University's strategic goals. The Director leads a team of career professionals, cultivates employer and community partnerships, and champions data-informed program development that reflects the student population UC Merced serves.

The Director serves on the center's leadership team, collaborating with the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Associate/Assistant Directors, career specialists, faculty, alumni, and external stakeholders to develop and execute strategic initiatives. This role requires a forward-thinking leader who embraces innovation in career services delivery, including digital platforms, artificial intelligence tools, and virtual engagement while maintaining a deeply human-centered approach to student career development. This position reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Strategic Planning and Operations.

This position must be available to travel for employer development, alumni engagement, and industry meetings and conferences. It has an on-campus work modality unless away for business purposes and must be available for events on weekends and/or evenings. The initial applicant review will take place on or around July 20th.

Responsibilities

• Employer Development & Relations: Leads the development and execution of strategies that advance the University's priorities related to employer engagement and student post-graduate success. Provides leadership for the design, implementation, and assessment of programs that support student career exploration and industry alignment. Drives a comprehensive approach to employer, alumni, parent, and community engagement to expand access to internships, jobs, and experiential learning opportunities at regional, national, and international levels across diverse industries. Partners with alumni and employers to strengthen student professional development and career outcomes, while proactively building corporate relationships to enhance the University's brand and expand placement opportunities for students and graduates. Regularly travels to build and sustain strategic partnerships with employers, increasing visibility and access to opportunities that support student and alumni placement outcomes.
• Strategic Leadership & Program Development: Leads the development and execution of a multi-year strategic plan for the Student Career Center, aligned with institutional and divisional priorities for career readiness and post-graduate outcomes. Partners closely with academic leadership, faculty, alumni, the Graduate Division, and advisory boards to advance integrated career pathways. Develops and scales co-curricular career initiatives in collaboration with Academic Affairs and student organizations. Champions the use of AI-enabled career tools, virtual engagement platforms, and digital resources to enhance student access and outcomes. Provides leadership in setting performance goals and fosters a culture of continuous improvement, while supporting staff and student professional development and growth.
• Budget & Operations Management: Provides strategic oversight of the center's budget, ensuring responsible management of career-readiness programming, technology investments, and operational expenses. Identifies and pursues external funding opportunities, including grants, corporate sponsorships, and alternative revenue streams to advance center priorities. Ensures full compliance with university policies, employment law, and NACE ethical standards and recruiting guidelines.
• Assessment, Data & Reporting: Leads the center's assessment strategy, including first-destination survey implementation, employer engagement metrics, and program effectiveness evaluation. Leverages data to inform continuous improvement and communicate impact to university leadership and key stakeholders. Prepares and presents reports on career outcomes, placement rates, and employer engagement trends. Oversees the management and optimization of career management systems to support data integrity, reporting, and user experience.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited institution; and/or Master’s degree in a related field from an accredited institution (preferred).
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in career services, employer relations, or human resources; or equivalent combination.
• Minimum of three years in a supervisory role within career services or a related function.
• Driver's License required under SB1100.
• Demonstrated success in employer relations, business development, or talent acquisition partnerships.
• Knowledge of career services, employer, alumni, and faculty needs and expectations, recruiting and staffing methods, and employment trends.
• Strong knowledge of career development theories, adult development theory, career decision making, and job search techniques.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills; comfort presenting to executive audiences.
• Familiarity with strategic enrollment and student retention management and its relationship to career outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret labor market data, outcomes metrics, and program KPIs using tools like LinkedIn Insights, NACE data, or Tableau.
• Proficiency with career management platforms and student information systems.
• Experience integrating AI-powered career tools (e.g., resume AI, job matching platforms, virtual mock interview tools) into service delivery.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience serving or advocating for first-generation, underrepresented, or underserved student populations.
• Experience with fundraising, grant writing, corporate sponsorship development, or alternative revenue experience.

Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California, visit UCnet.

Background check required.