Director, Engineering Career Assistance Center at Cockrell School of Engineering

Director, Engineering Career Assistance Center at Cockrell School of Engineering

Hiring Department:
Cockrell School of Engineering

Position Open To:
All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled

Hours:

40

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Earliest

Start Date:

Immediately

Position Duration:
Expected to Continue

Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

As a top-10 engineering school with the No. 1 program in Texas, the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) has been a global leader in technology innovation and engineering education for over a century. With 11 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs, over 20 research centers and a faculty community that boasts one of the highest number of National Academy of Engineering members among U.S. universities, Texas Engineering has launched some of the nation's most accomplished leaders and pioneered world-changing solutions in virtually every industry, from space exploration to energy to health care.

Situated in the heart of Austin - named "America's Coolest City" by Expedia and "The Best Place to Live in the U.S." by U.S. News and World Report - the Cockrell School embodies the city's innovative spirit. Major companies with Austin campuses, such as Dell, Apple, IBM, Samsung, Google and many others, continue to recruit Cockrell School students at a remarkable rate, launching thousands of successful careers and developing Texas Engineers into industry leaders.

UT Austin provides outstanding employee benefits and total rewards packages that include:

• Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
• Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
• Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with 8.25% employer matching funds
• Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs:
  Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
• Robust free training access through Linked In Learning, plus professional conference opportunities
• Tuition assistance
• Expansive employee discount program, including athletic tickets
• Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with a staff
• Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin Cap Metro buses with a staff

The Director, Engineering Career Assistance Center (ECAC) provides strategic leadership, innovation, and direction for career services and the Cooperative Education (Co-op) Program within the Cockrell School of Engineering. This position oversees comprehensive career development programs, employer relations, and experiential learning initiatives designed to equip students with the skills, experiences, and connections necessary for success in a rapidly evolving global workforce. The Director is responsible for leading a high-performing team, ensuring delivery of student-centered, and industry-aligned services that reflect cutting-edge practices in higher education career development and employer engagement.

Provide individual and group advising on career exploration, internships, co-ops, job searches, and graduate school planning, while guiding students in developing career readiness competencies, professional branding, and job search strategies tailored to the engineering industry. Stay informed on emerging workforce trends and technologies that shape the future of engineering careers to ensure students are prepared to thrive in a dynamic, evolving professional landscape.

Plan, coordinate, and evaluate services, resources, and events that connect students with employers and experiential learning opportunities. Ensure all programs align with and adhere to university, state, and national standards for career services. Utilize data analytics and assessment tools to inform strategic decisions, measure program effectiveness, and continuously enhance the quality and impact of career and co-op initiatives.

Lead the implementation of best practices in career education, integrating AI-driven career tools, skills-based hiring trends, and competency-based learning into the student experience. Continuously benchmark ECAC's programs against peer institutions to ensure continued excellence, innovation, and relevance. Actively engage in professional networks and organizations to share insights, exchange ideas, and adopt emerging practices in career development for STEM fields.

Recruit, mentor, and supervise a team of professional and student staff dedicated to delivering exceptional career services. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement that encourages creativity and excellence. Provide ongoing professional development opportunities to ensure staff remain current on emerging best practices, technologies, and trends in career…