Associate Director of Career & Professional Development

Associate Director of Career & Professional Development

Department: LAW School of Law

Advertised Salary Range:

Part/Full Time:
Full Time

About UofSC

From the Upstate to the Low country, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning.

All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Inclusive Excellence Statement

Advertised Job Summary

The Associate Director of Career & Professional Development (C&PD) advises students and alumni in developing an individualized career development plan, forming a sense of their professional identity, and maximizing employment prospects based on individual interests, abilities, and opportunities. The Associate Director utilizes strong communication skills to interact extensively with students, student organizations, alumni, and employers. The Associate Director collaborates with law school faculty, staff, employers, and alumni to plan, direct, and implement a comprehensive series of career programs, workshops, and networking events.

Minimum Qualifications (Classified and Unclassified positions)

Preferred Qualifications

• J.D. with at least three years practice experience OR other degree with at least seven years experience in law school career services or legal recruitment.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Demonstrate exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trusted relationships and work professionally with students, alumni, employers, faculty, and staff. Foster a welcoming, supportive environment and effectively adapt to diverse personalities, backgrounds, and individual needs.

• Maintain relevant professional expertise, including knowledge of traditional and nontraditional legal employment opportunities, NALP principles and standards, and the hiring criteria and practices of various legal employment settings. Continuously expand knowledge across a broad range of legal practice areas to effectively support student career planning.

• Exhibit strong planning and organizational skills by effectively navigating the school's employer/student software platform, prioritizing responsibilities, meeting deadlines, and managing multiple projects simultaneously.

• Exercise sound judgment by evaluating options, solving complex problems, and developing strategies to achieve employment goals in response to changing legal markets and economic conditions.

• Demonstrate creativity, innovation, and enthusiasm in identifying new approaches to career development, enhancing student services, and optimizing legal employment outcomes.

• Maintain a student-centered approach by responding effectively to evolving needs, providing high-quality career guidance, and supporting positive employment outcomes through collaboration, professionalism, and continuous improvement.

Job Close Date

08/16/2026

Special Instructions to Applicant

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors.

Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

We are only accepting applications submitted by August 16, 2026.

The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:

• Health and Life Insurance

• Retirement Programs

• Paid Tuition

• Dependent Scholarships

• Annual Leave

• Sick Leave

• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)

• Paid Parental Leave

• Professional Development Opportunities

To learn more about why you should work at USC.

EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.