The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Iowa State University is seeking an Assistant Director of Career Services to lead a dynamic, student-focused office that connects students and alumni with employers in agriculture, natural resources, and life sciences. This role provides strategic leadership for career development programs, fosters strong employer partnerships, and delivers high-quality advising and professional development opportunities for students from recruitment through graduation and beyond.

The Assistant Director will oversee staff and student employees, guide the planning and execution of major recruiting and networking events including the CALS Career Fair, and develop initiatives that prepare students to be competitive in the workforce. The role also manages employer relations, career programming, and marketing efforts, and ensures data-driven decision-making through the collection and analysis of graduation outcomes. Success will require balancing the priorities of our 14 academic departments and understanding the wide-ranging career goals of their students. The position reports to the CALS Associate Dean for Academic Innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the CALS Career Services office, supervising staff and student employees.
• Set and implement strategic goals, policies, and procedures.
• Build employer partnerships and expand career, internship, and networking opportunities.
• Advise students and alumni on career planning, job searches, internships, and professional skills.
• Deliver workshops, presentations, and career development programs.
• Oversee marketing, communications, and CyHire postings.
• Plan and manage the CALS Career Fair, interview days, and other recruiting events.
• Collect and report graduation outcomes and employment data.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and campus partners to integrate career services into programs.
• Monitor workforce trends to guide programming and outreach.
• Represent the college on university and college committees.

Level Guidelines

• Aware of key annual objectives of department or work unit
• Understands linkage between daily activities and achievement of annual objectives of department/work unit and explains to direct reports
• Focus on ISU’s mission and meeting department or work unit goals
• Supervises a small department or work team
• Often is a working supervisor with direct, previous experience performing work of those supervised
• Has full management responsibility for direct reports, specifically the authority to hire, fire, and counsel; may share part of responsibility with higher level management
• Requests approval for financial actions beyond a limited scope per policy

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree 
• Minimum 5 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree.
• Experience supervising professional staff, graduate and undergraduate student employees.
• Experience building and maintaining strong relationships with various stakeholder groups, including students, academic advisors, faculty, alumni, and employers.
• Experience with program development and outreach, including planning and delivering events, workshops, classes, and networking opportunities.
• Demonstrated success in connecting individuals with career opportunities or partnering with employers to identify and fill talent needs

Why Choose ISU

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
• Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

Interested candidates should click the 'APPLY TO THIS POSITION' icon to submit your resume and cover letter. 

This is a unique opportunity to join CALS and build on the proven strengths of its Career Services office while introducing fresh ideas to meet the evolving needs of students, alumni, and employers. You’ll help modernize career guidance by integrating AI tools and leveraging data analytics to better understand student outcomes. This role calls for creativity in building partnerships, cultivating employer relationships, and developing innovative networking opportunities for our different student populations. You’ll work with departments across the college, expand cross-campus collaborations, and connect career services more deeply to student success. If you thrive on creating connections, generating opportunities, and making an impact, this is your chance to lead the way. The successful candidate will work closely with CALS offices, including Recruitment, Pathways to Innovation and Leadership, Study Abroad, Collaborative Partnerships, and Scholarships. 

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.