Director of Career Resources

Director Of Career ResourcesSkagit Valley College seeks a strategic, student-centered leader to serve as the Director of Career Resources, a key position under the direction of the Associate Dean of Instruction Workforce Programs. The Director is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing comprehensive career readiness services that prepare students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds for successful job search and career success.This full-time, exempt position leads efforts to embed career competencies, build industry partnerships, and expand work-based learning opportunities. The role will serve students across all units, prioritizing professional/technical students preparing to enter the workforce. The Director will collaborate with faculty, staff, and external partners to align career services with workforce demand and the college's equity and student success goals. Responsibilities include coordinating programming, managing the college's job board platform, tracking employment outcomes, and serving as an institutional advocate for workforce readiness.This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position working 40 hours per week, 12 months a year. This position is partially grant-funded. The continuation of this position is contingent upon continued funding. Established in 1926, Skagit Valley College is a comprehensive community college within the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges providing associates and bachelor's degrees, as well as certificates, in high-quality academic transfer pathways, workforce training, basic education for adults, and lifelong learning opportunities. SVC's commitment to civil rights drives our collective work to increase access to higher education, inspire student learning and achievement, and strengthen the communities we serve. SVC seeks leaders, faculty, and staff who are committed to inclusive practices where all students from all backgrounds can thrive via multidisciplinary collaboration.Skagit Valley College is on the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish People's, especially on Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Samish Indian Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe and Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe. Located in a geographically diverse region between the dynamic metropolitan hubs of Seattle and Vancouver, BC, SVC is never far from world-class outdoor recreation, urban arts scenes, and local cultural events. SVC serves our local communities with a campus in Mount Vernon, Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island, and centers in Friday Harbor, a Marine Technology Center in Anacortes, and a Brewing Academy in Burlington.Respect, integrity, open and honest communication, collaboration, and compassion are guiding principles. Skagit Valley College is an innovative community college committed to offering inclusive access to educational opportunities, supporting student achievement, and engaging our community. SVC is nationally known for learning communities and support for high-impact teaching practices that improve the lives of our students. We are committed to creating transformative student learning experiences. We practice a high degree of collaboration among faculty, staff, and administrators to lead initiatives that advance student success and strengthen our communities. We value student and colleague engagement in creating an inclusive, innovative, learning-centered environment.Skagit Valley College offers:An unrelenting focus on our mission to improve the lives of our students and to strengthen the communities that we serve.Support for innovative teaching, learning, and scholarship.Exciting opportunities for personal and career growth.Friendly, supportive, and inclusive work environments.Excellent benefits, including competitive leave packages and an array of health, dental, vision, and retirement plans to meet your current and future needs.Duties and ResponsibilitiesProgram Development and ManagementPartner with faculty to integrate career readiness competencies and job search skills directly into the curriculum of professional-technical programs;Develop and deliver workshops, modules, and classroom programming that prepare students for internships, job placement, and long-term employment;Curate and maintain a repository of industry-specific career resources, including hiring trends, industry-specific application materials, and hiring processes;Facilitate virtual, group, or classroom support for resume writing, job search strategies, and interview preparation;Supervise the Cooperative Education Coordinator, including onboarding, ongoing training, performance evaluation, and goal alignment;Develop and manage the budget for career readiness programs and services;Design services that are responsive to the needs of historically marginalized student populations, including first-generation students, students of color, undocumented students, students with disabilities, and formerly incarcerated students;Implement targeted programming, mentorship, and employer partnerships to reduce barriers to employment;Coordinate closely with Disability Access Services, Community Integration Program, TRIO, and other student support teams to ensure inclusive, integrated services.Technology and Online ToolsAdminister the college's job board platform, ensuring a high-quality pipeline of career opportunities aligned with instructional programs;Train and support students, alumni, faculty, and employer partners in using the platform effectively;Promote the job board as a central, accessible tool for student-employer connections and career exploration;Develop and maintain career readiness resources on Canvas, program websites, and other relevant online platforms.Employer and Industry EngagementEstablish and maintain relationships with employers across local, regional, and national sectors to generate job, internship, and apprenticeship opportunities;Coordinate, plan, and host career-related engagement events including job fairs, employer panels, mock interviews, and industry site visits;Partner with workforce development agencies and economic development organizations to align initiatives and leverage resources.Data Collection and ReportingTrack and analyze employment outcomes, student engagement metrics, and employer participation to assess program impact and guide continuous program improvement;Use qualitative and quantitative data to inform decision-making, support grant proposals, and meet institutional reporting requirements.Strategic Planning and Institutional LeadershipServe as an institutional leader and advocate for embedding career readiness across academic departments and student services;Develop and implement strategic plans that support career development, workforce alignment, and student employment success;Contribute to accreditation, grant writing, and program review processes, especially in areas related to workforce outcomes and post-graduation success.QualificationsMinimum QualificationsBachelor's degree in Higher Education, Human Services, Communications, or a related field OR a combination of equivalent education and experience;Experience in career services, workforce development, or employer engagement in a higher education setting;Experience working with students from diverse backgrounds, including first-generation and underrepresented populations;Demonstrated commitment to advancing equity and access in higher education.Preferred QualificationsMaster's degree in a related field;Experience designing and facilitating career readiness workshops or training;Instructional design and curriculum development;Industry partnership development;Proficiency with career development software and database management.Salary and Benefits: Annual salary rate for this twelve-month, 100% full-time position is $75,000 - $85,000 annually, depending on experience. Contracts are written annually for the period of July 1 to June 30. This position will be filled as soon as practical after a candidate is identified and the salary will be pro-rated for the remaining contract period. Salary, retirement, medical, and insurance benefits are provided in accordance with state regulations and may be subject to change in accordance with legislative mandates. Additional information on benefits can be found at https://fortress.wa.gov/hca/pebbhealthplan/compare.aspx.Priority screening will begin after November 19, 2025. Applications received on or before this date will receive first consideration. Applications received after the screening date may be considered until the position is filled. Please be aware that the College hiring authorities reserve the right to hire one or more candidates and may exercise the option to make a hiring decision prior to the conclusion of the recruitment process. Only candidates selected to interview will be contacted.Interviews with Committee: Week of December 3rd. Finalist Interviews: Week of December 8th. Anticipated Start Date: January 2, 2026.To be considered for this position, applicants must:Meet the minimum qualifications and;Submit a complete application to the online recruitment system at www.skagit.edu that includes the following: The online application, which includes answers to all supplemental questions and contact information for at least three (3) professional references; A current resume; A letter of interest addressing the minimum, desired qualifications, and your education and experience as it supports the responsibilities