Community Development Director Jobs in Wethersfield, CT

Overview:

Quinnipiac University is seeking a dynamic leader to provide institution-wide leadership for career development and experiential learning of the Quinnipiac student experience. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of career education and experiential learning at a university committed to preparing students not only for their first job, but for meaningful, adaptable, and purpose-driven careers.

At Quinnipiac, career development is a shared institutional priority. The Associate Provost, Executive Director of Career Development will lead the evolution of a dynamic, integrated career ecosystem that connects students, faculty, staff, alumni, and external partners across schools and disciplines. Working within a hybrid organizational model that blends centralized leadership with school-based expertise, the Assistant Provost, Executive Director of Career Development will bring coherence, innovation, and strategic direction to the University's career development efforts.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Student Personal and Professional Development in the Office of the Provost, the Associate Provost, Executive Director of Career Development will set a bold vision for career readiness and student success, translating that vision into impactful programs, partnerships, and pathways. The role offers the opportunity to influence institutional strategy, strengthen employer and alumni engagement, expand experiential learning opportunities, and elevate Quinnipiac's reputation for graduate outcomes.

In this role you will serve as a visible campus leader-building relationships across academic and administrative units, guiding the Career Development Council, and mentoring a talented team of career professionals. Through collaboration and creative leadership, the Associate Provost, Executive Director of Career Development will help ensure that every Quinnipiac student has access to integrated academic, experiential and employer-related experiences with clear pathways from education to employment and beyond.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and skilled connector who brings a track record of AI and skills based innovation in career development, higher education, or related fields. They will have demonstrated success in building partnerships, leading complex initiatives, and inspiring teams across organizational boundaries. Experience with strategic planning, resource development, storytelling and branding, and data-informed decision-making will be highly valued, as will a deep commitment to student success and equity in career access.

This is a campus-based leadership role that offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of students and the future of Quinnipiac University. If you are energized by the challenge of reimagining career development in higher education and eager to lead at an institution that values collaboration, creativity, and outcomes, we invite you to explore this opportunity.

About Quinnipiac:

Quinnipiac University isaprivate, coeducational institution located 90 minutes north of New York Cityand two hours from Boston. The university currently hasan enrollment of 9,700 students in more than 100 degree programs through its Schools of Business, Communications, Education, Computing & Engineering, Health Sciences, Law, Medicine, Nursingand the College ofArts & Sciences. Our 21 Division I teams haveachieved remarkable success, boasting multiple conference titles. This includesa2023 NCAANational Championship win in ice hockey,athree-time defending national champion women's rugby team,andatrip to the Sweet 16 for our women's basketball team. The Quinnipiac University Poll is nationally recognizedasa leader in public opinion research,and the university is consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Reportand Princeton Review. The Wall Street Journal ranked Quinnipiac #51among the best colleges in the nation,and second in Connecticut, for our exceptional graduation rate, salary impact, learning facilities, career preparationand learning opportunities. 

The university is in the midst of program expansionand renewal for both traditionalandadult learners, the development of innovative strategic partnerships,and just openeda South Quad with three new buildings. 

As Quinnipiac grows, we remain guided by the core values that define our community and shape the experience of every student and employee. 

• We are fiercely committed to ensuring every Bobcat thrives. We are a lifelong partner for every learner. 
• We passionately care about our community. Everyone should feel welcome and valued. 
• We boldly shape our university's future. We will forge a path of impact together. 

These values are the foundation of who we are and reflect the Quinnipiac spirit found across our campuses. For more information, please visitqu.edu. Connect with Quinnipiac on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTokand X.

Responsibilities:

Convener and Cultural Architect

• Convene the Career Development Council and other key administrators and stakeholders around the career preparation vision and architect a growth-mindset culture for career development on campus.
• Work across the schools/college and university offices to unify colleagues around the vision.
• Partner with campus constituencies to raise the profile and impact of Career Development at QU.
• Continuous improvement and implementation of comprehensive communications plan and strategy for the school/college-based career development offices (including website, internal and external communications, social media, etc.).
• Continue to advance career related programs, activities, and opportunities for all students.

Visionary and Explanatory Leader

•  Rally and inspire diverse audiences through clear communication about career development priorities, resources, and goals, and toward a comprehensive shared career development vision-including education, advising, and access to internships and experiential education and connections with employers and alumni-across QU's hybrid career development organizational structure. Develop these concepts as an integral part of the university community.
•  Lead collaborative efforts with existing and future career professionals and campus partners to establish, implement, and scale a career education program that is fully integrated into the student academic and co-curricular experience and is a distinctive feature of a Quinnipiac education.
• Provide strategic leadership and coordination to the Career Development Council.
• Supervise and manage centralized career staff, with the opportunity to make hiring decisions.
• Lead a comprehensive strategy that unites career development, employer engagement, and experiential learning into a cohesive and distinctive QU model
• Collaboratively develop plans to ensure that career development's physical location and spaces are best situated to support the goals and objectives of the programs.
• Expand and highlight global focus and international reach of career services.

Career Data and Career Success Narrator

• Lead collaborative efforts with existing and future QU career professionals and campus partners to establish, implement, and scale a career education program that is fully integrated into the student academic and co-curricular experience and is a distinctive feature of a Quinnipiac education.
• Oversee effective assessment of career development programs and outcomes.
• Ensure that adequate data, success narratives, and report structures are in place so that Quinnipiac can effectively share the story of career success internally and externally.

External Presence

• Serve as primary ambassador for Career Development at QU to generate buy-in and cultivate strong relationships and external constituencies (employers, alumni, parents, etc.) as well as internal constituencies (e.g., students, faculty, staff, etc.).
• Represent Quinnipiac to corporate partners in the state, the Northeast region, and to the nation.
• Actively participate in regional and national professional organizations related to college and university career work.
• With the director of employer relations, grow the employer relations program to expand the number of internship and employment opportunities for students, including the diversity of industries and geographic locations, and ensure they are prepared to succeed in the search and hiring process.

Resource Gatherer

• Build and sustain revenue and funding to support a vision that provides every Quinnipiac student with high quality career readiness.
• Working with the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, develop a fundraising plan and play a direct and active role in executing it (e.g., direct contact with donors, and other potential external funding sources).

Education Requirements:

• Master's degree in higher education, career development, or a related field required
• PhD preferred

Qualifications:

• A demonstrated record of 8-10 years strategic leadership in career development, experiential learning, student success, or related areas within complex organizations.
• Proven ability to build and sustain partnerships with employers, alumni, and external stakeholders to expand career pathways and experiential learning opportunities.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams across centralized and decentralized structures.
• Strong ability to use data, assessment, and labor market insights to inform strategy and demonstrate impact.
• Evidence of innovation and change leadership, including the design and implementation of forward-looking programs or initiatives.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and influence skills, with the ability to engage effectively across academic and administrative communities.
• Experience collaborating with advancement, marketing, and external relations to enhance visibility.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with individuals from varied backgrounds.

Special Instructions to Applicants:
TO APPLY:
Applications must be submitted electronically and include a resume, a cover letter detailing how your experience aligns with the position requirements, demonstrated commitment to intentional leadership that values individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, and contact information for three references.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time faculty and staff which includes tuition remission and a culture that is inclusive and driven by excellence.
Quinnipiac University is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful community.