Johns Hopkins University
Senior Director, Doctoral & Postdoctoral Life Design
Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21276
Job Req ID : 115749
Senior Director, Doctoral & Postdoctoral Life Design
At Johns Hopkins University, we are driven by an ambitious goal: to empower our doctoral and postdoctoral scholars to navigate their careers with purpose and confidence. The Doctoral Life Design Studio embodies this vision as a dynamic, future-focused hub where scholars can explore diverse career possibilities, forge lasting connections, and utilize innovative tools to thrive in academic and non-academic arenas.
Life Design at Hopkins goes beyond traditional career development; it is a transformative process that nurtures curiosity, fosters growth, and opens doors to new opportunities. The Department of PHutures is seeking a
Senior Director, Doctoral & Postdoctoral Life Design.
As the Senior Director, you will play a pivotal role in realizing this vision, ensuring that the Studio serves not only as a resource hub but also as a catalyst for meaningful personal and professional development. Your leadership will cultivate an environment that empowers scholars to actively design their futures with intention and impact.
In this role, reporting to the Assistant Vice Provost for Integrative Learning and Life Design, you will lead a dedicated team committed to transforming the career trajectories of all our doctoral and postdoctoral scholars. This position requires a blend of strategic vision and operational excellence to ensure that our Life Design offerings consistently meet and exceed the evolving needs of the academic community.
You will collaborate closely with university leadership, faculty, staff, and alumni to design and implement innovative programs, digital platforms, and impactful events that equip scholars with the clarity and confidence to navigate their professional futures. Your oversight will encompass a comprehensive portfolio of services aligned with the university’s mission to prepare scholars for careers that create lasting, real-world impact both within and beyond academia.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Mentorship
Partner closely with the Assistant Vice Provost (AVP) to shape and execute the strategic vision for career education and Life Design initiatives.
Collaborate with deans, faculty, and university leadership across JHU, particularly within the Schools of Medicine, Public Health, Nursing, Engineering, and Arts & Sciences, to seamlessly integrate Life Design principles into academic programs and institutional planning.
Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team of Life Design professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
Provide personalized coaching and support to team members, facilitating their professional growth and leadership development.
Set clear, ambitious goals for the team, implement measurable performance metrics, and conduct regular progress assessments to drive accountability and excellence.
Drive operational efficiency by aligning team efforts with institutional objectives and implementing strategies to optimize processes and enhance productivity.
Ensure consistency in leadership practices and service delivery across all areas of responsibility.
Represent Johns Hopkins University on internal and external committees, and at local, regional, and national conferences, workshops, and thought leadership forums, enhancing the institution's reputation as a pioneer in PhD and postdoctoral career education.
Program Oversight & Innovation
Spearhead the design, implementation, and continuous refinement of cutting-edge career programs, workshops, and curricula tailored to the diverse needs of doctoral and postdoctoral scholars.
Lead a comprehensive strategy for Doctoral and Postdoctoral Life Design programs, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and scholar needs.
Direct the evolution and expansion of existing career curriculums, maintaining compliance with grant requirements and PhD program objectives.
Integrate modules across all programs that enhance scholars' essential skills and prepare them for diverse career paths.
Develop and implement skills and career-focused programs that result in tangible, application-ready deliverables and materials for learners.
Ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are woven into all program designs to foster a truly inclusive environment.
Lead the execution of career and identity-based conferences, fostering networking opportunities and professional growth.
Seek, cultivate, and nurture partnerships with industry experts, thought leaders, alumni, and renowned research entities to strengthen networks and facilitate meaningful interactions, learning experiences, and career opportunities for scholars.
Oversee, enhance, and expand signature programs, including the Empower Your Pitch research communication contest, grant writing modules, and career resiliency workshops.
Develop new, forward-thinking programs that address emerging needs in the job market and scholarly community.
Maintain and expand expertise in doctoral and post-doctoral professional and career development.
Collaborate with faculty and academic leadership to integrate career education into the curriculum.
Stay abreast of emerging trends in career development and the job market, incorporating this knowledge into program design and delivery.
Explore and implement innovative program delivery methods, including virtual reality, gamification, and AI-assisted learning.
Develop a suite of on-demand, self-paced learning resources to complement in-person programming.
Implement effective project management practices to ensure timely execution and optimize resource allocation across all initiatives.
Strategic Engagement & Relationship Building
Lead and manage the Career Champion Initiative, guiding the team to effectively implement and optimize the program.
Collaborate with the Employer Partnerships team to develop partnerships that enhance internship opportunities and job placements for scholars.
Foster consistent, meaningful, and proactive interactions with faculty and the vast alumni community.
Engage with thought leaders, innovators, and key stakeholders to position JHU as a leader in PhD and postdoctoral life design.
Data Management & Strategic Insights
Develop and implement a comprehensive data management and assessment strategy for the Doctoral Life Design Studio.
Utilize data-driven insights to continuously evaluate, refine, and enhance career programs.
Establish and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Objectives and Key Results (OKRs).
Use data to guide decision-making and identify emerging trends.
Benchmark performance against peer institutions and national best practices.
Provide regular, actionable reports to AVP, highlighting program impact and areas for growth.
Foster a culture of data-informed decision-making within the team.
Ensure compliance with institutional data governance and privacy standards.
Special Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Demonstrated ability to lead and manage organizational change initiatives.
Proven ability to design and scale innovative career programs.
Expertise in utilizing Learning Management Systems (LMS) and emerging technologies.
Strong track record of leading interdisciplinary collaborations.
Skilled in conducting needs assessments and staying current with industry trends.
Demonstrated ability to manage and develop high-performing teams.
Proficiency in navigating complex interpersonal dynamics.
Experience in establishing and maintaining high standards of accountability.
Proven success in cultivating strategic partnerships.
Strong analytical skills to evaluate complex situations.
Experience conducting program evaluations and impact assessments.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Creative and strategic approach to using digital platforms.
Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Adept at managing multiple projects and priorities.
Experience managing budgets and resources.
Demonstrated ability to lead change initiatives.
Ability to think creatively and propose innovative solutions.
The Ideal Candidate Profile
Our ideal candidate is a visionary leader who thrives on transforming challenges into opportunities for meaningful change.
The ideal candidate embodies a blend of innovation, adaptability, and strategic thinking.
In addition, the ideal candidate possesses:
A proactive and creative mindset that anticipates needs.
An unwavering commitment to continuous improvement.
The ability to flourish in a dynamic environment.
A growth mindset that values feedback.
Natural talent for fostering trust and respect.
Compassionate leadership that meets professional needs.
Proficiency in leveraging technology to maintain connectivity.
Excellence in modern work models.
Exceptional skill in forming and nurturing strategic relationships.
Deep understanding of diverse stakeholder needs.
An unyielding drive to elevate the institution beyond the status quo.
The ability to align initiatives with the university's long-term objectives.
Minimum Qualifications
Master’s Degree required in a related field.
Three years of related work experience.
Serving diverse populations of doctoral or postdoctoral trainees.
Understanding of nationally recognized practices for university career and life design.
Success in developing institutionally effective and strategic partnerships.
Demonstrated leadership skills.
Knowledge of highly selective college or R1 university settings.
Familiarity with the operations of employers.
Preferred Qualifications
PhD or equivalent terminal Degree.
Five to ten years of senior leadership experience in career services or professional development within higher education.
Expertise in doctoral and postdoctoral career development.
Experience conducting needs assessments and market research.
Proficiency in advanced data management and assessment strategies.
Experience representing institutions at national conferences.
Experience managing budgets and resources.
Proven ability to collaborate with faculty and academic leadership.
Classified Title:
Director Professional & Career DevelopmentJob Posting Title (Working Title):
Senior Director, Doctoral & Postdoctoral Life DesignRole/Level/Range:
ACRP/04/MGStarting Salary Range:
$87,400 - $152,900 Annually (Commensurate with experience)Employee group:
Full TimeSchedule:
M-F 8:30am-5pmExempt Status:
ExemptLocation:
Hybrid/Homewood CampusDepartment name:
PHuturesPersonnel area:
University Student Services
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Director, Doctoral & Postdoctoral Life Design
At Johns Hopkins University, we are driven by an ambitious goal: to empower our doctoral and postdoctoral scholars to navigate their careers with purpose and confidence. The Doctoral Life Design Studio embodies this vision as a dynamic, future-focused hub where scholars can explore diverse career possibilities, forge lasting connections, and utilize innovative tools to thrive in academic and non-academic arenas.
Life Design at Hopkins goes beyond traditional career development; it is a transformative process that nurtures curiosity, fosters growth, and opens doors to new opportunities. The Department of PHutures is seeking a
Senior Director, Doctoral & Postdoctoral Life Design.
As the Senior Director, you will play a pivotal role in realizing this vision, ensuring that the Studio serves not only as a resource hub but also as a catalyst for meaningful personal and professional development. Your leadership will cultivate an environment that empowers scholars to actively design their futures with intention and impact.
In this role, reporting to the Assistant Vice Provost for Integrative Learning and Life Design, you will lead a dedicated team committed to transforming the career trajectories of all our doctoral and postdoctoral scholars. This position requires a blend of strategic vision and operational excellence to ensure that our Life Design offerings consistently meet and exceed the evolving needs of the academic community.
You will collaborate closely with university leadership, faculty, staff, and alumni to design and implement innovative programs, digital platforms, and impactful events that equip scholars with the clarity and confidence to navigate their professional futures. Your oversight will encompass a comprehensive portfolio of services aligned with the university’s mission to prepare scholars for careers that create lasting, real-world impact both within and beyond academia.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Mentorship
Partner closely with the Assistant Vice Provost (AVP) to shape and execute the strategic vision for career education and Life Design initiatives.
Collaborate with deans, faculty, and university leadership across JHU, particularly within the Schools of Medicine, Public Health, Nursing, Engineering, and Arts & Sciences, to seamlessly integrate Life Design principles into academic programs and institutional planning.
Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team of Life Design professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
Provide personalized coaching and support to team members, facilitating their professional growth and leadership development.
Set clear, ambitious goals for the team, implement measurable performance metrics, and conduct regular progress assessments to drive accountability and excellence.
Drive operational efficiency by aligning team efforts with institutional objectives and implementing strategies to optimize processes and enhance productivity.
Ensure consistency in leadership practices and service delivery across all areas of responsibility.
Represent Johns Hopkins University on internal and external committees, and at local, regional, and national conferences, workshops, and thought leadership forums, enhancing the institution's reputation as a pioneer in PhD and postdoctoral career education.
Program Oversight & Innovation
Spearhead the design, implementation, and continuous refinement of cutting-edge career programs, workshops, and curricula tailored to the diverse needs of doctoral and postdoctoral scholars.
Lead a comprehensive strategy for Doctoral and Postdoctoral Life Design programs, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and scholar needs.
Direct the evolution and expansion of existing career curriculums, maintaining compliance with grant requirements and PhD program objectives.
Integrate modules across all programs that enhance scholars' essential skills and prepare them for diverse career paths.
Develop and implement skills and career-focused programs that result in tangible, application-ready deliverables and materials for learners.
Ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are woven into all program designs to foster a truly inclusive environment.
Lead the execution of career and identity-based conferences, fostering networking opportunities and professional growth.
Seek, cultivate, and nurture partnerships with industry experts, thought leaders, alumni, and renowned research entities to strengthen networks and facilitate meaningful interactions, learning experiences, and career opportunities for scholars.
Oversee, enhance, and expand signature programs, including the Empower Your Pitch research communication contest, grant writing modules, and career resiliency workshops.
Develop new, forward-thinking programs that address emerging needs in the job market and scholarly community.
Maintain and expand expertise in doctoral and post-doctoral professional and career development.
Collaborate with faculty and academic leadership to integrate career education into the curriculum.
Stay abreast of emerging trends in career development and the job market, incorporating this knowledge into program design and delivery.
Explore and implement innovative program delivery methods, including virtual reality, gamification, and AI-assisted learning.
Develop a suite of on-demand, self-paced learning resources to complement in-person programming.
Implement effective project management practices to ensure timely execution and optimize resource allocation across all initiatives.
Strategic Engagement & Relationship Building
Lead and manage the Career Champion Initiative, guiding the team to effectively implement and optimize the program.
Collaborate with the Employer Partnerships team to develop partnerships that enhance internship opportunities and job placements for scholars.
Foster consistent, meaningful, and proactive interactions with faculty and the vast alumni community.
Engage with thought leaders, innovators, and key stakeholders to position JHU as a leader in PhD and postdoctoral life design.
Data Management & Strategic Insights
Develop and implement a comprehensive data management and assessment strategy for the Doctoral Life Design Studio.
Utilize data-driven insights to continuously evaluate, refine, and enhance career programs.
Establish and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Objectives and Key Results (OKRs).
Use data to guide decision-making and identify emerging trends.
Benchmark performance against peer institutions and national best practices.
Provide regular, actionable reports to AVP, highlighting program impact and areas for growth.
Foster a culture of data-informed decision-making within the team.
Ensure compliance with institutional data governance and privacy standards.
Special Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Demonstrated ability to lead and manage organizational change initiatives.
Proven ability to design and scale innovative career programs.
Expertise in utilizing Learning Management Systems (LMS) and emerging technologies.
Strong track record of leading interdisciplinary collaborations.
Skilled in conducting needs assessments and staying current with industry trends.
Demonstrated ability to manage and develop high-performing teams.
Proficiency in navigating complex interpersonal dynamics.
Experience in establishing and maintaining high standards of accountability.
Proven success in cultivating strategic partnerships.
Strong analytical skills to evaluate complex situations.
Experience conducting program evaluations and impact assessments.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Creative and strategic approach to using digital platforms.
Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Adept at managing multiple projects and priorities.
Experience managing budgets and resources.
Demonstrated ability to lead change initiatives.
Ability to think creatively and propose innovative solutions.
The Ideal Candidate Profile
Our ideal candidate is a visionary leader who thrives on transforming challenges into opportunities for meaningful change.
The ideal candidate embodies a blend of innovation, adaptability, and strategic thinking.
In addition, the ideal candidate possesses:
A proactive and creative mindset that anticipates needs.
An unwavering commitment to continuous improvement.
The ability to flourish in a dynamic environment.
A growth mindset that values feedback.
Natural talent for fostering trust and respect.
Compassionate leadership that meets professional needs.
Proficiency in leveraging technology to maintain connectivity.
Excellence in modern work models.
Exceptional skill in forming and nurturing strategic relationships.
Deep understanding of diverse stakeholder needs.
An unyielding drive to elevate the institution beyond the status quo.
The ability to align initiatives with the university's long-term objectives.
Minimum Qualifications
Master’s Degree required in a related field.
Three years of related work experience.
Serving diverse populations of doctoral or postdoctoral trainees.
Understanding of nationally recognized practices for university career and life design.
Success in developing institutionally effective and strategic partnerships.
Demonstrated leadership skills.
Knowledge of highly selective college or R1 university settings.
Familiarity with the operations of employers.
Preferred Qualifications
PhD or equivalent terminal Degree.
Five to ten years of senior leadership experience in career services or professional development within higher education.
Expertise in doctoral and postdoctoral career development.
Experience conducting needs assessments and market research.
Proficiency in advanced data management and assessment strategies.
Experience representing institutions at national conferences.
Experience managing budgets and resources.
Proven ability to collaborate with faculty and academic leadership.
Classified Title:
Director Professional & Career DevelopmentJob Posting Title (Working Title):
Senior Director, Doctoral & Postdoctoral Life DesignRole/Level/Range:
ACRP/04/MGStarting Salary Range:
$87,400 - $152,900 Annually (Commensurate with experience)Employee group:
Full TimeSchedule:
M-F 8:30am-5pmExempt Status:
ExemptLocation:
Hybrid/Homewood CampusDepartment name:
PHuturesPersonnel area:
University Student Services
#J-18808-Ljbffr