Job description

Wingate, NC

Wingate University serves more than 3,400 students on two campuses. Wingate is an equal employment opportunity employer. Wingate’s main campus is located on 500+ acres of beautiful landscape and is only 25 minutes from the Charlotte metropolitan area. Learn more at University in Charlotte, NC | Quick Facts About Wingate.
Position Summary:

The Director of Career Services serves as the primary student-facing leader who transforms career readiness from concept to reality through direct coaching, innovative programming, training, and strategic student support systems. This role combines deep expertise in career development with program leadership capabilities, ensuring Wingate students receive personalized guidance that connects their purpose discovery to meaningful career outcomes.

Wingate University is committed to making educational excellence synonymous with career success in North Carolina. The Director of Career Services ensures that students experience seamless, high-impact career guidance throughout their academic journey.

This position reports directly to the SVP Career Pathways and works collaboratively with the VP for Student Services, Associate Vice Provost for Purposeful Pathways, and Assistant Director of Operations. The role requires regular partnership with Academic Affairs, Student Success, Alumni Relations, and external employer partners.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Student Services & Career Coaching

• Provide high-level career coaching and guidance to students across all academic disciplines and career stages
• Design and deliver workshops, seminars, and programming that build essential career readiness skills (resume writing, interviewing, LinkedIn, networking, salary negotiation)
• Lead individual and group career counseling sessions that help students translate purpose discovery into actionable career planning
• Develop specialized support programming for first-generation college students and other underrepresented populations
• Create and maintain resources that support student career exploration and decision-making

Program Leadership & Innovation

• Lead the peer mentor program, including recruitment, training, supervision, and ongoing development of student career mentors
• Design and implement innovative career readiness initiatives that differentiate Wingate’s student experience
• Collaborate with Student Success teams to integrate career guidance into broader student support ecosystems

Student Pathway Management & Tracking

• Implement systems for tracking student engagement, progress, and outcomes throughout their internship and career search journey
• Coordinate with academic departments to ensure career services align with disciplinary career pathways and industry requirements
• Manage student referral systems and ensure seamless handoffs between career services, academic advising, and other student support functions
• Support and enhance Handshake platform utilization to maximize student engagement and employer connections
• Collaborate with IT teams to ensure seamless integration of career services platforms
• Train students, staff, and faculty on effective use of career services technology tools

Employer Relations & Industry Connections

• Partner with Assistant Director of Operations and Associate Vice Provost to facilitate meaningful employer-student connections
• Support the team on career fair participation, employer information sessions, and on-campus recruiting activities
• Support employer engagement initiatives by preparing students for industry interactions and professional networking

Cross-Institutional Collaboration

• Partner with Alumni Relations to leverage graduate networks for student mentorship and career opportunities
• Collaborate with Faculty to ensure career services support Faculty needs
• Support Enrollment teams by demonstrating career outcome effectiveness to prospective students and families

Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in career services, preferably in higher education
• Demonstrated expertise in career coaching, counseling, and student development
• Experience designing and delivering career readiness programming and workshops
• Strong understanding of current job market trends, hiring practices, and employer expectations
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with ability to connect with diverse student populations
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners
• Experience with career services technology platforms and student information systems

How to apply

To apply, upload a current resume and cover letter, to be included with your application.

In compliance with applicable law and University policies, Wingate University prohibits discrimination in its employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and veteran status and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply. At this time, we are currently seeking candidates with legal authorization to work in the U.S.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: Wingate University abides by all federal and state laws prohibiting employment discrimination solely on the basis of a person’s race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age (over 40), sex, marital status or physical handicap, except where a reasonable, bona fide occupational qualification exists. Wingate University is committed to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act and its amendments. Wingate University expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability or veteran status.