Associate Director of Career & Professional Development

Associate Director of Career & Professional Development

This position is responsible for advising students and alumni on career development, building professional identity, and maximizing employment prospects based on interests, abilities, and opportunities.

The Associate Director of Career & Professional Development advises students and alumni, collaborates with faculty and employers, and plans and implements career programs, workshops, and networking events to support students' career goals.

• Student Advising:
  Provide career counseling to current students and alumni, including guidance on job search strategies, resume and cover letter writing, and interview preparation.
• Educational Content Development & Delivery:
  Develop and implement educational programming and events, such as the 0L Summer program, and plan networking opportunities.
• Employer Relations:
  Assist in executing the office’s employer relations strategy by connecting with legal employers, cultivating contacts for state, regional, and national opportunities, and representing the School of Law at conferences and professional development programs.
• Public‑Sector Programs:
  Lead efforts to promote and engage government and public‑interest employers and develop materials to educate students on application strategies and career paths.
• Digital Resources:
  Collaborate with the Communications Team to create online resources that help students develop job‑search skills and understand the competencies needed for law‑school graduates.
• Additional duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 4+ years of related experience, or equivalent combination of certification, training, education, and experience.
• Preferred: J.D. with at least three years of practice experience, or another degree with at least seven years of experience in law‑school career services or legal recruitment.

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, building trusted relationships with students, alumni, employers, faculty, and staff.
• Knowledge of traditional and non‑traditional legal employment opportunities and hiring practices.
• Strong planning and organizational skills, managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines.
• Sound judgment to evaluate options, solve complex problems, and develop strategies in changing legal markets.
• Creativity, innovation, and enthusiasm for identifying new approaches to career development.
• Student‑centered approach, responding effectively to evolving needs and providing high‑quality guidance.

• In‑person, Monday through Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm with an hour for lunch each day.
• willing to work a flexible schedule to meet department needs.
• Hours per week: 37.5
• Part/Full Time:
  Full Time

Campus:
Columbia, SC

Annual Salary: $63,557 – $85,000 (commensurate with experience)

• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• Paid Parental Leave
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave

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

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae

• List of References and Contact Information

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.