Director of Career Development (4983C) - Jacobs Institute

About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff, who are among the most talented and accomplished anywhere, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and Mac Arthur Fellows. Since our founding in 1868, we have been an engine for innovation - driving intellectual, economic, and social progress that benefits California, the U.S., and beyond.

Together, we change the world.

At Berkeley, the best careers are built on a foundation of continuous learning and growth. We actively support professional development by providing all full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours of paid time per year and providing space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups.

We invite applicants who are inspired by our Principles of Community and who are eager to be part of our exciting Strategic Plan, which charts Berkeley's next era of excellence.

Learn more about some of our accomplishments at Points of Pride.

The Berkeley Master of Design (Berkeley MDes) is a professional graduate degree offered in partnership between the College of Engineering and the College of Environmental Design, with a curriculum focused on designing emerging technologies and the social and cultural contexts in which these technologies are shaped.

Berkeley MDes is a studio-based program in which students are immersed in community, collaboration, and hands‑on learning. Over three semesters and one summer, students complete a total of eight required core courses and four electives. In the final semester, students develop and present a thesis project that represents the culmination of their intellectual journey in the program.

MDes is housed in Jacobs Hall, a 24,000 square foot building equipped with design studios and equipment rooms featuring the latest in digital fabrication technologies. Second and third semester MDes students have dedicated studio desks and full 24/7 access to the MDes Studio.

Jacobs Hall is managed by the Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation (Jacobs Institute) which operates a makerspace open to all UC Berkeley students, conducts undergraduate courses in design innovation, and supports learning and making at the intersection of design and technology through grants, public programming, and community building. The Jacobs Institute and MDes collaborate across their operations in order to leverage common knowledge and practices.

The Director of Career Development will lead the planning and delivery of career development programs and services that help students translate their academic experiences into meaningful career opportunities. This role provides strategic career advising and counseling while building strong relationships with students, alumni, and employers to create connections and opportunities that support students' professional success.

The First Review Date for this job is:
August 24, 2026 - Open Until Filled

Career Development Program Design, Implementation, and Management

• Design and implement a suite of career development services and programs that provide students and alumni with a career advantage. Collaborate closely with the MDes Faculty Director(s), MDes Director of Academic Affairs and the Jacobs Institute Senior Director of External Affairs, as well as the College of Engineering, College of Environmental design, campus, and external partners to identify opportunities for synergy with existing programs.
• In collaboration with the MDes Faculty Director(s) and staff leadership, research, develop, and execute new career development programs and outreach services for MDes students and alumni.
• Manage career program improvement processes. Regularly conduct needs assessments, and evaluate program effectiveness. Collaborate with faculty and other members of the University community to update, enhance, or eliminate programs and services.
• Extend select programs and services to the undergraduate population, including the…