The University of Virginia Darden School of Business seeks a Senior Director, Consulting Careers to join its Career Center team. Darden is experiencing strong momentum across its MBA programs, making this an exciting time to join.
Darden is ranked:
- #1 Percentage of Graduates Employed at 3 Months, Class of 2025 (Financial Times, 2026)
- #1 Starting Salary & Bonus Among Public Business Schools (U.S. News & World Report, 2026)
- #1 U.S. Public MBA Program (Bloomberg Businessweek, 2026)
Darden’s Career Center supports more than 1,200 graduate business students (Full-Time, Part-Time, Executive, and Specialty Master’s) through one-on-one career advising, lifelong career management skill development, and comprehensive internship and job search support. The Center engages Full-Time, Residential MBA students at the Goodwin Family Grounds in Charlottesville and working professionals students (Part-Time MBA, Executive MBA, and MS n Business Analytics) at the Sands Family Grounds in Rosslyn, VA. The team is driven by a commitment to student success and believes in the transformative impact of thoughtful career advising and meaningful employer engagement.
The Center partners with nearly 150 organizations that recruit and hire students into careers across consulting, investment banking, general management, marketing, technology, private equity/venture capital, and more. In 2026, the Center expects to manage approximately 1,400 job postings and host 400 in-person and virtual recruiting events. Its corporate engagement model helps organizations meet hiring goals while building long-term relationships with the School and expanding partnerships aligned with student interests.
This Senior Director plays a critical role in supporting MBA students pursuing consulting careers while strengthening relationships with leading consulting firms. Through personalized, one-on-one advising, they listen to students’ goals and aspirations, understand their challenges, and help them build clear, actionable plans. By providing thoughtful feedback, sharing relevant experience, and offering strategic guidance, the Senior Director empowers students to navigate the job search with confidence. They stay ahead of consulting industry trends, lead targeted workshops, and act as a key connector between students and consulting firms-helping employers meet hiring needs while preparing students for competitive internships and full-time roles.
The Senior Director develops and executes a vision for deeper engagement between students and employers within the global consulting industry. Ideal candidates bring experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Career advising or career services, particularly supporting MBA students pursuing consulting careers and building employer relationships
- Deep knowledge of consulting hiring trends, industry demands, and MBA career transitions
- Leadership experience in professional development or MBA hiring within a consulting firm
- University relations or campus recruiting, with a strong understanding of employer needs and effective student coaching
The Senior Director, Consulting Careers, joins a team of career advisors who primarily support Full-Time MBA students across areas including investment banking/finance, marketing and general management, technology, healthcare/energy/non-profit/sustainability, entrepreneurship, and international job searches.
This position is based in Charlottesville, with limited hybrid flexibility during the summer (late May to late July), based on business needs and leadership discretion.
Responsibilities
Student Engagement (approximately 70%)
- Advise MBA students pursuing consulting careers through individual coaching, small group sessions, and targeted career development resources
- Mentor student organizations, including the Consulting Club, providing industry insight and career guidance
- Design and deliver career programming (e.g., classroom sessions, workshops, industry panels, and digital resources) to connect students with consulting employers and opportunities; regularly presenting to audiences from 15-200 students
Corporate Engagement (approximately 20%)
- Leverage industry expertise and professional networks to expand student access to job opportunities, mentorship, and career insight
- Build and sustain relationships with alumni, executives, and recruiters to strengthen Darden’s consulting presence, enhance job sourcing, and elevate the School’s brand
- Advise consulting firms on effective strategies for hiring Darden MBA talent
- Partner with Corporate Engagement and Recruiting Operations teams to strengthen employer relationships and expand high-impact recruiting opportunities
Team & Strategic Contributions (approximately 10%)
- Collaborate with career advisors to strengthen MBA career outcomes, share best practices, and support students and employers holistically
- Contribute to strategic and operational initiatives that enhance career advising and organizational effectiveness, including programming, employer engagement, technology and AI, data analytics, and process improvement
Required Education & Experience
- Master’s degree and 9+ years of relevant experience required; MBA from a top-tier, residential program strongly preferred
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Experience in the consulting profession required; direct exposure to consultant hiring (including case interviewing), talent development, or leadership programs preferred
- Proven ability to build and sustain long-term, strategic relationships with executives, recruiters, and alumni
- Exceptional communication skills, including experience delivering presentations, facilitating workshops, and leading professional development programs
- Strong emotional intelligence, demonstrated through empathy, sound judgment, and effective collaboration in a team environment
- Commitment to the mission, values, and impact of the University of Virginia and the Darden School of Business
About the Position
Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits. This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, with on-site presence required.
About UVA and the Community
To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.
Additional Requirements
A background check will be conducted on all new hires prior to hire. This position will not sponsor applications for immigration now or in the future.
How to Apply
Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0083429. Complete an application with the following documents:
Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.
Internal applicants: Search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website. Review of applications will begin May 29, 2026.
Reference Check Process
Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.
Contact
For questions about the application process, please contact Michele Jarman, Academic Recruiter.
Physical Demands
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.
