Director of Public Service Careers

Job Requisition:

JR101379 Director of Public Service Careers (Open)

Job Posting Title:

Director of Public Service Careers

Department:

CC00255 WM001 | WMUA | Career Development

Job Family:

Staff - Career Services

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular (benefited)

Job Requisition Primary Location:

Cohen Career Center

Primary Job Posting Location:

William & Mary

Job Description Summary:

The Office of University Advancement creates the conditions for opportunity – human, financial & experiential – by garnering and stewarding the resources that advance William & Mary.

The Office of Career Development & Professional Engagement empowers students and alumni to explore professional possibilities and navigate lifelong career development.

The Director of Public Service Careers is a leader on the Office of Career Development & Professional Engagement team which is housed in the Office of University Advancement at William & Mary.

The Director reports to the Senior Director of Career Readiness and is responsible for strategic program development & administration as well as career advising and programming for students in their pursuit of careers in the public service field including government, education, nonprofit and public safety, as well as other related areas. The Director will work in partnership with other academic programs across campus to develop innovative methods to engage the undergraduate and graduate student populations in public service and education careers and industries.

In partnership with the Office of Career Development & Professional Engagement colleagues, the Director advances external relations, campus recruitment, and employer development to expose W&M students to public service industry environments. The Director manages career development programs, designs workshops and curricular strategies, plans trips and programming and advises undergraduate students on career-related topics such as career exploration, resumes and cover letters, technical and case interviews, search strategies, and more.

This position is based in Williamsburg and is expected to work in person in the office on campus.

Learn more about University Advancement and download the full position description at https://advancement.wm.edu/come-work-with-us/open-positions/index.php.

Job Description:

Salary: $70,000-$80,000, commensurate with experience and internal alignment.

For full consideration, submit application materials by the review date. Applications received after the review date will be considered if needed. A resume and cover letter are required for this position.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Higher Education, Student Personnel, Counseling or higher education related field.

• Significant experience in career services (typically 7+ years).

• Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills and a proven ability to establish rapport with students, faculty, alumni, employers and staff colleagues.

• Demonstrated public relations/marketing abilities.

• Strong computer skills including familiarity with career development platforms and software packages.

• Knowledge of all public service career areas and the associated student development life cycle.

• Experience with project and event management (typically, 5+ years).

• Experience in supporting students across all schools and curricula to explore public service career opportunities (typically 5 years).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience leading a team, supervising staff, and professional development.

• Previous experience working in a centralized career services model with a background in public service career services, employer engagement and development, programming, career development, career advising and supervision.

• Experience with career services management platforms and tools, e.g., Symplicity, 12Twenty, Purple Briefcase, etc.

Conditions of Employment:

• This position is subject to additional hours beyond the typical workday, to include evenings and weekends.

• Flexibility and ability to travel as needed.

 

Job Duties:

50% - Strategic Development and Administration:

• Maintain knowledge of employment trends and career opportunities in public service industries, specifically government, non-profit, human services and education. Demonstrate general understanding of all public service career areas, as well as the associated student development life cycle.

• Work collaboratively with the Director of Employer Development & Engagement, Director of Internships & Applied Learning, as well as the Senior Director of Development for Career Initiatives to support students in their career readiness at all stages.

• Lead, organize and implement industry trips and excursions supporting students' exposure to public service industries including government & diplomacy, education, nonprofit and public safety.

• Support students and their interests in securing internships and applied learning opportunities in collaboration with the Director of Internship and Applied Learning.

• Collaborate in campus events involving employers, alumni, and families to engage those stakeholders in our services and programs.

• Create and maintain a network in relevant professional associations at the state, regional, and/or national level representing the Office of Career Development & Professional Engagement.

45% - Career Advising & Programming:

• Serve as a subject matter expert in career advising for students pursuing public service careers using knowledge and understanding of career development practices and awareness of the National Association of Colleges and Employers policies and procedures.

• Create and present workshops and programs appropriate to the development of career-related skills and information both generally and specifically for students pursuing public service.

• Support students and alumni on self-assessment, career decision-making, career exploration, resume writing, interviewing, networking and other career-related skills.

• Conduct individual/group career advising sessions regarding job-search strategies, career management, and industry trends to facilitate career success and readiness.

5% - Performance Management:

• Ensure performance expectation are clear, effectively communicated, and relevant to the goals and objectives of the Public Service Careers unit and Office of Career Development & Professional Engagement.

• Provide all staff frequent, constructive feedback, including interim evaluations as appropriate.

• In collaboration with staff, design professional development plans to assure staff have the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to accomplish duties and goals.

• Verify that the requirements of the performance planning and evaluations system are met and that evaluations are completed by established deadlines with proper documentation.

• The Director Supervises an Assistant Director.

Equal Opportunity Statement  

EEO is the Law.  Applicants can learn more about William & Mary’s status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal

Background Check Statement 

William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Benefits Summary Statement 

William & Mary offers our employees a full array of benefits including retirement, health insurance with options for expanded dental and vision along with group and optional life insurance with coverage for spouse and children, flexible spending accounts, and an EAP (Employee Assistance Program). Our employees enjoy additional university benefits such as educational assistance, professional development, wellness benefits, and a robust holiday schedule. All employees have access to fitness facilities on campus. Staff members also have access to the university libraries, and much more. To learn more, go to:  https://www.wm.edu/offices/uhr/benefits/index.php?type=none

Additional Job Description:

Job Profile:

JP0541 - Senior Career Counselor - Exempt - Salary - S12

Qualifications:

Compensation Grade:

S12

Recruiting Start Date:

2026-02-23

Review Date:

2026-04-25

Position Restrictions:

Continuing E&G funded position and not term-limited

EEO is the Law.  Applicants can learn more about William & Mary’s status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal

 

Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check. 

 

Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.