Assistant Director for Vocational Discernment 999236

The Career Development Office seeks an Assistant Director to advance Xavier University’s Ignatian approach to vocational discernment and career development. This position helps students explore their values, interests, and strengths through reflection, experiential learning, and meaningful career opportunities that build career readiness. The Assistant Director serves as the primary career coach for Exploratory students and supports those considering major changes, while also leading the Musketeer Career Accelerator initiative. Working independently, this role develops and delivers innovative programming, fosters strong relationships with students, faculty, and staff, and promotes Xavier’s Ignatian vocational discernment work within the university and to external partners.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Develop, promote, deliver, and assess vocational discernment programming and resources for students, faculty, staff and other stakeholders.
• Advise and coach a designated caseload of students to ensure their academic and career success, addressing topics such as career assessments, major and career exploration, job and internship search, graduate school planning, and professional skill development.
• Implement and deliver the Musketeer Career Accelerator initiative, collaborating closely with the Director to ensure its success.
• Represent Xavier and Career Development at recruiting at external events and locations, such as high schools, career fairs, and presentations about Xavier’s vocational discernment model.
• Collaborate with deans, academic departments, faculty, and other campus partners to coordinate and deliver career readiness services tailored to the needs of Exploratory students.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

•  Bachelor’s degree in Higher Education, College Student Personnel, Counseling, Religious Studies, Theology, Communications or related field.
• 1–3 years of professional experience in at least one of the following areas of career development, career services, or vocational exploration,  vocational discernment, counseling, campus ministry, or spiritual direction.
• Demonstrated familiarity with practices of discernment and reflection, preferably in the Ignatian tradition.
• Demonstrated familiarity with career development and education and/or college student development.
• Experience building and maintaining collaborative relationships including with students and campus partners.
• Demonstrated ability to develop goals, create missioned-aligned programming, and assess outcomes; and to contribute independently to the culture of holistic student support with minimal direct supervision.

 PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s Degree or higher in Higher Education, College Student Personnel, Counseling, Religious Studies, Theology, Communications or related field.
• 1-3 years of professional experience in both career development/career services and vocational discernment/spiritual guidance roles.
• Working knowledge of student development theories, particularly related to sense of belonging, wellbeing, and self-efficacy.
• Experience utilizing student information and tracking systems, such as Handshake or Banner.
• A demonstrated commitment to Jesuit education values, including cura personalis, social justice, and the integration of faith and reason in student formation.

To ensure consideration, qualified/interested applicants must submit a cover letter describing the applicant’s qualifications for the position, resume and the names and contact information of three professional references on Xavier University's website by August 19, 2025. Applications will be accepted until the position closes at the University's discretion.  

BENEFITS:

Xavier University offers a wide array of complementary and affordable benefit options to meet the financial, educational, health, and wellness needs of you and your family. Eligibility varies by position and employment class.

• Comprehensive insurance plans including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
• Tax advantaged accounts including health savings account, flexible spending accounts, and dependent care account.
• Financial security via life and long-term disability insurance, accident and illness insurance, and retirement savings plans.
• Generous paid time off work options including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Tuition remission for employees and their eligible dependents.