University of Miami
Associate Vice President, Career Services
University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, United States
Associate Vice President, Career Services — University of Miami
Position:
Associate Vice President, Career Services
Location:
Coral Gables, FL
Website:
https://welcome.miami.edu/
The University of Miami is embarking on a transformative moment in career services, as the university leadership seeks a dynamic and visionary leader to reimagine the institution’s career development model. The Associate Vice President, Career Services (AVP) will be charged with balancing centralized strategy with school-specific needs, harnessing data and technology, and cultivating robust employer and alumni partnerships. The incoming leader will have the exciting opportunity to transform career services at the University of Miami by building a cohesive, outcomes-driven infrastructure that seamlessly connects academic learning with workforce readiness. This role offers the chance to unify decentralized efforts, elevate student engagement, optimize resources, and strengthen data-informed decision‑making. The first year will be a critical period for setting the foundation—assessing team strengths, introducing structural enhancements, and delivering visible early successes that inspire confidence among students, faculty, employers, and alumni.
This leadership transition represents a rare and forward‑looking opportunity to appoint an innovation‑driven career services executive who can shape the future of the field. The ideal candidate will harness data, technology, and cross‑sector collaboration to design agile, future‑ready strategies that empower students to thrive in a rapidly evolving workforce. With vision and analytical rigor, they will align academic experiences with career outcomes while fostering dynamic engagement across the campus community and external partners. By forging strong cross‑campus alliances, translating insights into action, and championing equity, inclusion, and global pathways, this leader will elevate career readiness as a defining pillar of the University of Miami student experience.
Purpose of the Position This position is responsible for transforming and strengthening the University of Miami’s career ecosystem. The Associate Vice President, Career Services, provides visionary leadership to develop and guide a cohesive, university‑wide career services operation that enhances support for undergraduate and graduate students, ensuring they are career‑ready and positioned for post‑graduate success.
The Associate Vice President oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of the university’s career services programs aligned with academic affairs and university priorities. Through collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, including Career Services teams in 11 schools and colleges, academic and student affairs, admissions, alumni, corporate relations, and university operations, the Associate Vice President designs and implements a comprehensive strategy that empowers students to develop an individualized career path, fosters employer relationships, and integrates career readiness into the student learning experience.
A key aspect of this role is building robust partnerships with alumni and employers while working with academic and administrative units to embed career readiness throughout the student journey. This includes the development and delivery of explicit career instruction within the curriculum, the expansion of experiential learning opportunities such as internships, co‑ops, and project‑based learning, and the cultivation of a network of engaged employers who provide meaningful career pathways for students. The Associate Vice President also leads efforts to activate and engage the alumni community in mentoring, networking, and recruiting initiatives to support student career success. This position will drive a holistic approach to student career development and success through the coordination and mobilization of central and distributed resources across the university in close collaboration with the leaders and teams in the various units.
The Associate Vice President oversees the Toppel Career Center and collaborates with career professionals across schools and colleges to cultivate an innovative, student‑centered ecosystem focused on career outcomes.
This position employs a data‑driven approach to analyze metrics, refine programs, and enhance operational workflows. The Associate Vice President drives strategy, fosters cross‑campus partnerships, and leverages insights to embed career readiness into every phase of the student experience. This position may also oversee other initiatives that support student development and preparation for life beyond graduation. This role reflects the University’s commitment to integrating career development into academics and advancing post‑graduate success.
Key Responsibilities As the University of Miami reimagines its career services model, this role will serve as the architect and driver of a comprehensive, university‑wide strategy that positions career readiness as a cornerstone of the student experience. The leader will be charged with advancing an integrated approach that connects academic learning with workforce outcomes, expands employer and alumni engagement, and embeds career development across curricula and co‑curricular initiatives.
With a student‑centered and innovation‑driven mindset, the role will oversee the design and delivery of high‑impact programs, experiential learning opportunities, and data‑informed practices that strengthen student success and employability. In partnership with faculty, deans, alumni, and industry leaders, the incumbent will cultivate a vibrant ecosystem of support and opportunity—ensuring equity, inclusion, and global pathways remain central to the University’s mission.
Responsibilities of the Role
Develop and execute a university‑wide strategy for career advancement aligned with institutional goals and the evolving job market.
Expand employer and alumni engagement, coordinating career services across professional schools, and establishing relationships with new and diverse employers.
Collaborate with academic deans, vice provosts, alumni engagement leadership, and university operations leadership to connect students with potential employers.
Serve all full‑time undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates, through career coaching, workshops, and employer partnerships.
Oversee the integration of career services into academic, student affairs, and alumni initiatives.
Embed explicit career instruction into academic curricula in collaboration with faculty and instructional designers.
Expand experiential learning opportunities, including internships, co‑ops, service learning, and employer‑sponsored projects.
Develop and maintain a network of engaged employers who provide internships, job opportunities, and real‑world learning experiences.
Leverage alumni engagement to support mentoring, career panels, job shadowing, and recruitment pipelines.
Provide strategic and operational leadership.
Identify, pilot, and scale high‑impact initiatives to improve student career readiness and employability.
Maintain a student‑centered, forward‑thinking operation, play a key role in student retention and success, oversee assessment functions, communicate outcomes to stakeholders, and be accountable for career preparedness at the University of Miami.
Ensures internal control oversight and compliance with laws and regulations, safeguarding of assets, compliance with University policies and procedures, reliability of internal and external reporting, and efficiency and effectiveness of operations. Creates an effective control environment, conducts risk assessment, implements, and monitors controls.
This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all‑inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.
Skills and Competencies The successful candidate will bring a robust portfolio of skills and experiences that position them to lead career services into its next era of innovation and impact. This role requires a deep understanding of career development theory, labor market dynamics, and best practices in student career readiness, coupled with the ability to translate those insights into actionable strategies across academic and co‑curricular settings. The ideal leader will demonstrate exceptional organizational and strategic planning capabilities, a proven record of cultivating employer and alumni partnerships, and the vision to expand experiential learning opportunities at scale. Equally important are strong interpersonal and communication skills, a commitment to equity and belonging, and the ability to inspire and develop cross‑functional teams.
By leveraging data‑informed decision‑making, fostering collaboration across diverse constituencies, and embedding career instruction into the student experience, this leader will ensure that career preparedness becomes a defining strength of the University of Miami.
Skills and Competencies Required for the Role
Deep understanding of career development theory, labor market trends, and best practices in career readiness and post‑graduate success.
Proven ability to embed career instruction into curricular offerings and co‑curricular programming.
Experience developing and scaling experiential learning opportunities such as internships, co‑ops, service learning, and project‑based learning.
Strong track record of cultivating and sustaining partnerships with employers and alumni to support student career outcomes.
Exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and organizational skills with the ability to lead cross‑functional teams and manage complex initiatives.
Data‑informed decision‑making skills, including the ability to assess program effectiveness and communicate outcomes to stakeholders.
Excellent interpersonal communication, and collaboration skills, with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse internal and external constituencies.
Commitment to developing and enhancing a community of support and belonging in career development and student success initiatives.
Ability to direct, manage, implement, and evaluate department operations.
Ability to establish department goals and objectives that support the strategic plan.
Ability to effectively plan, delegate, and/or supervise the work of others.
Ability to lead, motivate, develop, and train others.
Experience and Professional Qualifications
Master’s Degree in a relevant field or the equivalent education and experience.
Minimum 10 years of relevant progressive leadership experience in talent acquisition, career services, employer relations, or a related area within the corporate or nonprofit sector.
Demonstrated success in designing and implementing institution‑wide strategies that integrate career development, experiential learning, and employer engagement.
Compensation Compensation commensurate with experience.
Application Process Interested and qualified candidates are welcome to submit a resume and cover letter to:
UniversityofMiamiCareers@kornferry.com
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Associate Vice President, Career Services
Location:
Coral Gables, FL
Website:
https://welcome.miami.edu/
The University of Miami is embarking on a transformative moment in career services, as the university leadership seeks a dynamic and visionary leader to reimagine the institution’s career development model. The Associate Vice President, Career Services (AVP) will be charged with balancing centralized strategy with school-specific needs, harnessing data and technology, and cultivating robust employer and alumni partnerships. The incoming leader will have the exciting opportunity to transform career services at the University of Miami by building a cohesive, outcomes-driven infrastructure that seamlessly connects academic learning with workforce readiness. This role offers the chance to unify decentralized efforts, elevate student engagement, optimize resources, and strengthen data-informed decision‑making. The first year will be a critical period for setting the foundation—assessing team strengths, introducing structural enhancements, and delivering visible early successes that inspire confidence among students, faculty, employers, and alumni.
This leadership transition represents a rare and forward‑looking opportunity to appoint an innovation‑driven career services executive who can shape the future of the field. The ideal candidate will harness data, technology, and cross‑sector collaboration to design agile, future‑ready strategies that empower students to thrive in a rapidly evolving workforce. With vision and analytical rigor, they will align academic experiences with career outcomes while fostering dynamic engagement across the campus community and external partners. By forging strong cross‑campus alliances, translating insights into action, and championing equity, inclusion, and global pathways, this leader will elevate career readiness as a defining pillar of the University of Miami student experience.
Purpose of the Position This position is responsible for transforming and strengthening the University of Miami’s career ecosystem. The Associate Vice President, Career Services, provides visionary leadership to develop and guide a cohesive, university‑wide career services operation that enhances support for undergraduate and graduate students, ensuring they are career‑ready and positioned for post‑graduate success.
The Associate Vice President oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of the university’s career services programs aligned with academic affairs and university priorities. Through collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, including Career Services teams in 11 schools and colleges, academic and student affairs, admissions, alumni, corporate relations, and university operations, the Associate Vice President designs and implements a comprehensive strategy that empowers students to develop an individualized career path, fosters employer relationships, and integrates career readiness into the student learning experience.
A key aspect of this role is building robust partnerships with alumni and employers while working with academic and administrative units to embed career readiness throughout the student journey. This includes the development and delivery of explicit career instruction within the curriculum, the expansion of experiential learning opportunities such as internships, co‑ops, and project‑based learning, and the cultivation of a network of engaged employers who provide meaningful career pathways for students. The Associate Vice President also leads efforts to activate and engage the alumni community in mentoring, networking, and recruiting initiatives to support student career success. This position will drive a holistic approach to student career development and success through the coordination and mobilization of central and distributed resources across the university in close collaboration with the leaders and teams in the various units.
The Associate Vice President oversees the Toppel Career Center and collaborates with career professionals across schools and colleges to cultivate an innovative, student‑centered ecosystem focused on career outcomes.
This position employs a data‑driven approach to analyze metrics, refine programs, and enhance operational workflows. The Associate Vice President drives strategy, fosters cross‑campus partnerships, and leverages insights to embed career readiness into every phase of the student experience. This position may also oversee other initiatives that support student development and preparation for life beyond graduation. This role reflects the University’s commitment to integrating career development into academics and advancing post‑graduate success.
Key Responsibilities As the University of Miami reimagines its career services model, this role will serve as the architect and driver of a comprehensive, university‑wide strategy that positions career readiness as a cornerstone of the student experience. The leader will be charged with advancing an integrated approach that connects academic learning with workforce outcomes, expands employer and alumni engagement, and embeds career development across curricula and co‑curricular initiatives.
With a student‑centered and innovation‑driven mindset, the role will oversee the design and delivery of high‑impact programs, experiential learning opportunities, and data‑informed practices that strengthen student success and employability. In partnership with faculty, deans, alumni, and industry leaders, the incumbent will cultivate a vibrant ecosystem of support and opportunity—ensuring equity, inclusion, and global pathways remain central to the University’s mission.
Responsibilities of the Role
Develop and execute a university‑wide strategy for career advancement aligned with institutional goals and the evolving job market.
Expand employer and alumni engagement, coordinating career services across professional schools, and establishing relationships with new and diverse employers.
Collaborate with academic deans, vice provosts, alumni engagement leadership, and university operations leadership to connect students with potential employers.
Serve all full‑time undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates, through career coaching, workshops, and employer partnerships.
Oversee the integration of career services into academic, student affairs, and alumni initiatives.
Embed explicit career instruction into academic curricula in collaboration with faculty and instructional designers.
Expand experiential learning opportunities, including internships, co‑ops, service learning, and employer‑sponsored projects.
Develop and maintain a network of engaged employers who provide internships, job opportunities, and real‑world learning experiences.
Leverage alumni engagement to support mentoring, career panels, job shadowing, and recruitment pipelines.
Provide strategic and operational leadership.
Identify, pilot, and scale high‑impact initiatives to improve student career readiness and employability.
Maintain a student‑centered, forward‑thinking operation, play a key role in student retention and success, oversee assessment functions, communicate outcomes to stakeholders, and be accountable for career preparedness at the University of Miami.
Ensures internal control oversight and compliance with laws and regulations, safeguarding of assets, compliance with University policies and procedures, reliability of internal and external reporting, and efficiency and effectiveness of operations. Creates an effective control environment, conducts risk assessment, implements, and monitors controls.
This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all‑inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.
Skills and Competencies The successful candidate will bring a robust portfolio of skills and experiences that position them to lead career services into its next era of innovation and impact. This role requires a deep understanding of career development theory, labor market dynamics, and best practices in student career readiness, coupled with the ability to translate those insights into actionable strategies across academic and co‑curricular settings. The ideal leader will demonstrate exceptional organizational and strategic planning capabilities, a proven record of cultivating employer and alumni partnerships, and the vision to expand experiential learning opportunities at scale. Equally important are strong interpersonal and communication skills, a commitment to equity and belonging, and the ability to inspire and develop cross‑functional teams.
By leveraging data‑informed decision‑making, fostering collaboration across diverse constituencies, and embedding career instruction into the student experience, this leader will ensure that career preparedness becomes a defining strength of the University of Miami.
Skills and Competencies Required for the Role
Deep understanding of career development theory, labor market trends, and best practices in career readiness and post‑graduate success.
Proven ability to embed career instruction into curricular offerings and co‑curricular programming.
Experience developing and scaling experiential learning opportunities such as internships, co‑ops, service learning, and project‑based learning.
Strong track record of cultivating and sustaining partnerships with employers and alumni to support student career outcomes.
Exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and organizational skills with the ability to lead cross‑functional teams and manage complex initiatives.
Data‑informed decision‑making skills, including the ability to assess program effectiveness and communicate outcomes to stakeholders.
Excellent interpersonal communication, and collaboration skills, with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse internal and external constituencies.
Commitment to developing and enhancing a community of support and belonging in career development and student success initiatives.
Ability to direct, manage, implement, and evaluate department operations.
Ability to establish department goals and objectives that support the strategic plan.
Ability to effectively plan, delegate, and/or supervise the work of others.
Ability to lead, motivate, develop, and train others.
Experience and Professional Qualifications
Master’s Degree in a relevant field or the equivalent education and experience.
Minimum 10 years of relevant progressive leadership experience in talent acquisition, career services, employer relations, or a related area within the corporate or nonprofit sector.
Demonstrated success in designing and implementing institution‑wide strategies that integrate career development, experiential learning, and employer engagement.
Compensation Compensation commensurate with experience.
Application Process Interested and qualified candidates are welcome to submit a resume and cover letter to:
UniversityofMiamiCareers@kornferry.com
#J-18808-Ljbffr