Professional Development Director

Job Overview

As the architect and leader of the Professional Development Program for all business and technology students, you will design, execute, and improve initiatives that include coaching, workshops, internships, employer engagement, and data reporting, while aligning with ACU's Christian mission.

• Architect, lead, and ensure the execution of the Professional Development Program.
• Oversee all aspects of the Internship Program, coordinating application processes and student internship tracking.
• Serve as a member of the Operations Leadership Team.
• Schedule and conduct coaching sessions, workshops, and connection events (≈4 professional development workshops per semester; 2‑3 faculty inserts per month; 55 one‑on‑one student coaching meetings monthly).
• Leverage technology platforms to send announcements, reminders, and coordinate alumni employer visits (4‑6 per semester). Host the annual college‑wide career fair (≈80 employers and 400+ students).
• Collect, report, and analyze student employment data and employer feedback to provide statistics, outcomes reports, and inform curricular and program development.
• Engage student organizations and facilitate networking opportunities across the college community.
• Collaborate with academic program leads, the ACU Career Center, Student Development, and External Engagement teams to secure employer connections and fundraising.
• Strategize development and expansion of an alumni employer network.

The above responsibilities are essential, though additional duties may be assigned as needed.

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in coaching or Human Resources; master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of teaching, training, or coaching experience; extensive HR, training, or coaching experience a plus.
• Outstanding presentation and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, especially for one‑on‑one coaching.
• Exceptional organizational and time‑management skills.
• Dependable, proactive, with strong initiative.
• Ability to work well with diverse peers, faculty, and staff; positive attitude and record of excellence as a team member.
• Attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.

Experienced in coaching young adults through teaching and mentorship, employing a student‑centered approach and demonstrating emotional maturity, stress resilience, and strong communication.

• Computer software training:
  Google Suite, Banner, Handshake, Canvas, Linked In, Glassdoor, etc.
• Attend NACE or other professional development conferences.

• Endure extended periods of desk/computer work.
• Conduct back‑to‑back teaching sessions for multiple hours.
• Emotionally strong, mature, and able to handle high volume and high‑speed demands.

ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.

ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university's financial and physical assets. Therefore, Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security‑sensitive positions.