The Senior Director of Career Development oversees all aspects of student placement, career programming, and corporate engagement at the Graduate School of Management (GSM). This key leadership role develops and implements career development strategies, builds robust partnerships with employers, and ensures student placement goals are met. The Senior Director creates a comprehensive program to connect the School with industry partners, generating internships, career opportunities, and other pathways for students, while preparing them for competitive MBA and master’s-level positions.
Department Overview
The Senior Director of Career Development is a senior management role responsible for leading the efforts to achieve the Graduate School of Management’s student career placement goals. Acting as a strategic planner, program architect, and team leader, this role drives the career programs and initiatives essential to the Graduate School of Management’s success.
Apply By May 9, 2026 at 11:59pm; Review of applications will begin April 23, 2026, and interviews may occur any time after that date.
Minimum Qualifications – For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
- Bachelor’s degree in business, counseling, or other related field.
- Seven plus years of experience in career services, recruiting, or corporate relations
- Demonstrated success in building and managing diverse teams and career programming with measurable outcomes.
- Dynamic communicator with experience presenting to large groups of individuals and connecting with senior corporate executives.
- Proven success supporting talent placement and hiring outcomes with a strong understanding of career development practices and employer engagement strategies within a business school or corporate setting.
- Strong leadership, management, analytical and planning skill, with the ability to design and execute complex programs and strategies while developing and supporting team members.
- Skilled in engaging with diverse groups and collaborating effectively with students, faculty, staff, cross-functional teams, and external stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in business, counseling, or related field.
- 9+ years with director-level positions leading either graduate business career development teams or corporate recruiting experience with MBA hiring responsibilities and possessing a track record of strong placement outcomes or performance against recruiting targets.
- Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, paired with a high level of professionalism and integrity.
- In depth knowledge of the corporate world and hiring needs from hiring best practices, ideal candidate skills and attributes, and recruiting programs, timelines and requirements.
- Knowledge of the legal and technical aspects of employment and immigration law.
Key Responsibilities
- 40% – Strategic Planning and Staff Leadership
- 40% – Corporate, Alumni and Partnership Cultivation
- 20% – Operations
POSITION INFORMATION
- Salary or Pay Range: $94700.00 – $177300.00
- Salary Frequency: Monthly
- Salary Grade: Grade 24
- UC Job Title: CAREER SVC MGR 1
- UC Job Code: 000297
- Number of Positions: 1
- Appointment Type: Staff: Career
- Percentage of Time: 100
- Shift (Work Schedule): M – F 8:00AM – 5:00PM
- Location: Gallagher (GALLAGHER)
- Union Representation: 99 – Non-Represented (PPSM)
- Benefits Eligible: Yes
- This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)
Benefits
Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.
If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit’s employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html
- High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family’s needs
- UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
- Extensive leave benefits include Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
- Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
- WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
- On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
- Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
- Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here
Physical Demands
- Standing – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Walking – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Sitting – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Bending/Stooping – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Squatting/Kneeling – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Twisting – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Reaching overhead – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Keyboard use/repetitive motion – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Mental Demands
- Sustained attention and concentration – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Complex problem solving/reasoning – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Ability to organize & prioritize – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Communication skills – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Numerical skills – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Constant Interaction – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Customer/Patient Contact – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Multiple Concurrent Tasks – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Work Environment
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position
- This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
- This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging
At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.
As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn’t match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks
