Manager, Career & Professional Development

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

Job Description

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Manager for Career & Professional Development is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing comprehensive career and professional development initiatives that serve alumni across all career stages. Embedded within the Alumni Relations team, this role strengthens lifelong engagement by equipping alumni with resources, connections, and opportunities that support career mobility, leadership development, and professional success. The position serves as a strategic connector among alumni, students, employers, faculty, and campus partners to advance institutional goals related to alumni engagement, employment outcomes, and reputation.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities but collaborates with student workers, volunteers, and campus partners as needed.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

The Manager operates within the Department of Alumni Relations and works closely with colleagues across Center for Career & Professional Success, The Office of the Secretary, and Schools/Colleges. The role interacts frequently with students, recent graduates, student leaders, campus departments, alumni volunteer groups, and external stakeholders. The Manager exercises sound judgment, discretion, and initiative in program development, external engagement, and cross‑functional collaboration. Work is primarily strategic and programmatic in nature, requiring strong relationship‑building skills, data‑informed decision‑making, and the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously. The role has institution‑wide impact and regularly interfaces with senior administrators, alumni leaders, employers, and campus stakeholders.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Design, implement, and manage a comprehensive suite of career and professional development programs and services for alumni at all career stages, including early‑career, mid‑career, and executive‑level professionals.
• Develop and execute a strategic vision for alumni career engagement that aligns with institutional priorities, Alumni Relations goals, and workforce trends.
• Plan, coordinate, and deliver high‑quality programming, including workshops, webinars, panels, mentoring initiatives, networking events, and industry‑focused career experiences (virtual and in person).
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with employers, alumni, industry leaders, professional associations, and campus units to expand career opportunities and experiential learning connections.
• Serve as a subject‑matter resource for alumni career development, including career transitions, leadership development, entrepreneurship, graduate education pathways, and professional skill‑building.
• Collaborate closely with Student Career Services, Academic Affairs, Development, Corporate Relations, and other campus partners to ensure a seamless career development ecosystem bridging students and alumni.
• Develop and manage alumni mentoring, shadowing, and career‑navigation initiatives that connect alumni with students and fellow alumni.
• Establish and oversee systems to track alumni career engagement, program participation, employer partnerships, and outcomes using CRM and data‑management tools.
• Analyze engagement and outcome data to assess program effectiveness, identify trends, and recommend continuous improvement strategies.
• Support alumni volunteer leadership and advisory groups related to career development, professional affinity networks, and industry councils.
• Contribute to alumni communications by developing career‑focused content, success stories, toolkits, and digital resources in collaboration with communications staff.
• Manage program logistics, timelines, and budgets to ensure efficient and compliant use of resources.
• Represent Alumni Relations at institutional events, conferences, and external meetings, serving as a liaison for career‑related initiatives.
• Stay current on labor‑market trends, best practices in alumni career services, and emerging professional development models to inform innovation.
• Ensure that career and professional development initiatives are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and global locations of alumni.
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of Alumni Relations and institutional priorities.

CORE COMPETENCIES:    

• Advanced knowledge Historically Black Colleges University of office and administrative practices and principles.
• Working knowledge of event planning
• Skill in operation of computers, related software applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Raisers Edge, Give Campus and Workday).
• Knowledge of standard office equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with a diverse population.
• Must be detailed oriented and organized.
• Ability to exercise discretion and ensure a high-level of confidentiality.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious work relations with faculty, staff, residents, students, event clients and the public.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• 1-6 years of progressive administrative and office management experience.
• Ability to complete periodic weekend work hours

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Salary Range: $65,000.00- $75,000.00