Associate Director of Career Development, UMKC Career Services

Career Services

The Associate Director of Career Development Operations provides leadership for career development programming, career coaching services, front-office operations, and student career-readiness initiatives. This position oversees a team of career coaches, the manager of the Professions Career Escalator program, graduate assistants, and student staff. The Associate Director manages front office operations, including walk-in services, and oversees the Style Studio, the professional clothing closet, including appointments, operating hours, clothing donations, inventory, and related supplies. The position also provides career coaching, develops campus partnerships, assists with the development and instruction of a career development course, and utilizes assessment data to evaluate outcomes and recommend program improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise approximately five professional staff members, including Career Coaches and the Manager of the Professions Career Escalator Program.
• Supervise approximately two graduate assistants and student staff.
• Oversee front office operations, including walk-in appointments and customer service functions.
• Manage Style Studio operations, including appointments, inventory, donations, and supplies.
• Lead the development, delivery, and assessment of career readiness programming, workshops, and events.
• Provide career coaching to students and alumni.
• Assist in the development and teaching of a career development course.
• Analyze career development data and recommend program enhancements.
• Build partnerships across campus to expand student career readiness opportunities.

Skills & Competencies

• Leadership and staff supervision
• Career development and student success programming
• Program assessment and data analysis
• Teaching, training, and presentation skills
• Project and operations management
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Customer service and student engagement

Although rare, occasional early morning, evening, and weekend hours may be required to support program activities, orientations, and special events.

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 6 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, Career Development, Education, Business, or a related field.
• Experience supervising professional staff and student employees.
• Experience with program assessment, data analysis, and continuous improvement.
• Experience developing and delivering workshops, courses, or training programs.
• Experience teaching college-level courses.
• Experience managing career coaching teams or student-facing service operations.
• Experience with Handshake and other career services technologies.

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $70,512 - $87,000 annually.

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Grade: Salary Plan # 012
University Title: Associate Director, Student Support Services
To review the University of Missouri's Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

The application deadline is July 29, 2026.

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Kansas City offers the best of both worlds-a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city's rich history and its modern-day, innovative thinking come together to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. From thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, casual to upscale shopping and champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home. Of course, one of Kansas City's biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world-famous barbecue. Foodies will delight in the culinary scene found throughout the city. Ranging from award-winning chefs to cozy pizza joints, Kansas City definitely is not lacking any flavor.

UMKC's campuses are conveniently nestled in the middle of all the action. Volker Campus is just minutes from the legendary Country Club Plaza, perfect for shopping or restaurants for lunch or after-work happy hours. Surrounded by hip neighborhoods and eateries, the Health Sciences Campus is located downtown near University Health Truman Medical Center and Children's Mercy Hospital.

UMKC is proud to be "Kansas City's university," and the campus and its people celebrate all the characteristics of the surrounding community. To learn more about life in Kansas City and find more resources, visit VisitKC.com.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.