IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Upload Resume or Curriculum Vitae for automatic population of information to the application.The contact information, work experience, and education listed on your Resume/CV will be parsed and input into your Montclair application.Review information and double-check all fields containing information that the system parsed – the software is intelligent, but you need to verify that the data is accurate.In the “My Experience” section, you will find a Resume/CV upload option where you can submit your cover letter and all other supporting documents.

Note: If you have an expansive CV, we recommend that you apply manually and only include the positions you have held in the last ten (10) years. You will then be able to attach your Resume/CV, as well as all other supporting documentation in the "My Experience" section of your application.

Job Description

SUMMARY

Reporting to the Assistant Dean, College of the Arts, the Director of Career Development provides strategic leadership and oversight of career development initiatives for students enrolled in the College of the Arts (CART). This role designs, implements, and continuously improves a comprehensive, inclusive, and scalable career development program that enhances the career readiness of students across the fine and performing art disciplines. The Director works collaboratively with faculty, staff, alumni, employers, and campus partners to increase student awareness of career pathways, equip them with tools to be competitive in a rapidly changing creative economy, and expand access to meaningful opportunities both before and after graduation.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Design, develop and execute comprehensive career education programming that is supportive of diverse identities of students, with a focus on increasing accessibility and support for first-generation students.

Assist in the strategic planning, goal setting, and reporting of career development within the college.

Lead initiatives that help students understand and articulate the value of their arts education in relation to market trends and emerging career opportunities within and beyond traditional arts fields.

Create targeted outreach strategies to increase student engagement with career services, especially among students who may not traditionally seek out such support.

Collaborate with employers, internship hosts, and alumni to expand access to professional experiences and ensure students are equipped with skills relevant to the evolving demands of the creative workforce.

Establish partnerships with academic departments to integrate career development into the student experience from orientation through graduation.

Use data to track engagement and outcomes, assess program effectiveness, and identify opportunities to improve outreach, programming, and services.

Leverage industry trends to identify high potential employers, strengthen ongoing partnerships and promote on-campus recruitment opportunities.

Manage and supervise a team that includes career advisors, career development specialists and student interns who provide student support (individually and in group settings).

Serve as the primary administrator of the College’s career development platforms such as Handshake, Big Interview, etc.

Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment where students feel empowered to explore diverse career paths, define success on their own terms, and pursue professional growth with confidence.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Management retains the right to add or change job duties at any time.

QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED:

Master’s degree from an accredited university in a related field.

Minimum four years of professional experience in career counseling within higher education.

Demonstrated experience designing career programs for students in the arts or related disciplines.

Strong understanding of career readiness frameworks, inclusive career development, and the unique challenges and opportunities facing first-generation and underrepresented students.

Proven ability to build and sustain partnerships across campus and with external stakeholders.

Excellent communication, leadership, and program management skills.

Ability to travel to various potential employer partners.

Proactive and detail-oriented.

Ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.

Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed to support events, programming, and student engagement initiatives.  

PREFERRED:

Professional or academic experience in an arts-related discipline (e.g. visual arts, performing arts, design, or related creative industry), with an understanding of the career development needs specific to arts students.

Experience in job placement, employer relations, or internship coordination, preferably with a focus on creative or arts-focused industries.

Familiarity with labor market trends, portfolio development, and non-traditional career pathways relevant to fine and performing arts students.

Experience using career services technology platforms (e.g., Handshake, Big Interview, Focus2, etc.) for service delivery, reporting, and employer engagement.

Knowledge of assessment strategies for evaluating student outcomes, program effectiveness, and continuous service improvement.

Experience supervising professional staff, interns, or peer mentors within a student-centered environment.

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY

Applicants should include a resume and cover letter describing how their background, skills and education match the needs of the University. When applying, please take a moment to carefully read and follow the steps in the application instructions. 

Salary Range

$85,550.86-$98,388.88 Annually

The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance. For further details, please visit: https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/benefits/   

Montclair State University considers factors such as, but not limited to, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s relevant work experience, education, skills, and internal equity, when extending an offer.

Salary offers for internal employees who are part of a collective bargaining unit (CBU) and are applying to a position that is within a CBU will be determined in accordance with contractual provisions. 

Department

Dean's Office, College of the Arts/Student Services

Position Type

Professional - Non-Faculty

Contact Information:

For questions or concerns, please contact Human Resources' Workday Recruiting Support at 973-655-5000 (Option 2), or email talent@montclair.edu.

Inclusion Statement

Montclair State University values access and educational excellence. We are committed to an environment of diverse perspectives which ensures that graduates will be civically engaged, committed to democracy, and prepared to thrive as global citizens. We foster a community that promotes varied experiences and voices. We seek applicants who will contribute diverse ideas and perspectives and who value an environment that promotes educational growth and advancement for all.

EEO/AA Statement

Montclair State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution with a strong commitment to diversity.

Additional information can be found on the website at 
www.montclair.edu/human-resources/about-us/eo-aa-and-diversity/

Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 Policy

Montclair State is required by Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 not to discriminate on the basis of sex or gender, and does not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities.  The requirement to not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities extends to admission and employment. For further details, please visit: https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/job-seekers/