Director of Career Pathways

Department: Human Resources

Reports To: Chief People Officer

Classification: Exempt

Location: Lane College, Jackson, TN

About Lane College

Founded in 1882, Lane College is a proud Historically Black College with a rich legacy of empowering students through faith, knowledge, and service. As we move boldly toward our Next Level of Excellence, we are dedicated to providing a holistic education that prepares our students to lead with purpose and impact.

Position Summary

The Director of Career Pathways plays a key leadership role in preparing students for meaningful, purpose-driven careers. This dynamic and innovative professional will oversee the design, implementation, and assessment of a comprehensive career development program that supports all students from their first year through graduation—and beyond.

We are seeking a results-oriented, student-focused leader who is passionate about career readiness, employer engagement, and creating equitable pathways to success. The Director will collaborate across academic and student affairs to integrate career development into the student experience and serve as a visible and accessible resource to students, alumni, and employers.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the vision, strategy, and daily operations of the Career Pathways office.
• Align career development initiatives with Lane College’s strategic goals, including student success, retention, and post-graduation outcomes.
• Cultivate a culture of early and continuous career planning across the campus.

Career Programming & Student Support

• Develop workshops, seminars, and events focused on resume writing, interviewing, networking, job search strategies, and graduate school preparation.
• Deliver one-on-one and group coaching tailored to diverse student populations, including first-generation and non-traditional students.
• Implement and maintain career readiness tools and platforms (e.g., Handshake, Big Interview).

Employer Engagement & Partnerships

• Build and strengthen relationships with employers to increase job, internship, and experiential learning opportunities.
• Coordinate on-campus recruitment, career fairs, employer information sessions, and networking events.
• Represent Lane College in local, regional, and national employer and workforce development networks.

Data, Assessment & Reporting

• Track and report student engagement, placement outcomes, and employer participation.
• Assess program effectiveness and use data to drive continuous improvement.
• Manage annual reports and contribute to accreditation and institutional planning processes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Higher Education, Counseling, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in career services, employer relations, workforce development, or a closely related field.
• Proven leadership, supervisory, and team-building skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a student-centered mindset.
• Experience working with diverse student populations and promoting equity in career development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Higher Education, Counseling, Business, or a related field.
• Familiarity with career management systems (e.g., Handshake) and data reporting tools.
• Knowledge of current labor market trends and workforce development strategies.
• Experience developing corporate or community partnerships.

Why Join Lane College?

Lane College is more than a workplace—it’s a purpose-driven community. As a member of our team, you’ll be part of an institution that values equity, student empowerment, professional growth, and the transformative power of education. Help us shape futures, one career at a time.