Position Information

See job posting here:  https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs/job/Charlottesville-VA/Senior-Director--Financial-Services-Careers_R0071183

The Senior Director plays a critical role in supporting MBA students exploring and pursuing financial services careers while fostering strong relationships with top employers. Through personalized, one-on-one coaching, they will listen to students’ journeys and aspirations, empathize with their challenges, and help them plan. By providing thoughtful feedback, sharing their own experiences, and offering strategic career guidance, the Senior Director will empower students to navigate the job search with confidence. They will also stay ahead of industry trends, lead industry-focused workshops, and serve as a key connector between students and employers—helping companies meet their hiring needs while preparing students for competitive internships and full-time opportunities.

Darden MBA students explore career paths in one or more areas in the broad sector of financial services, including:

• Asset or Investment Management/Research, including OCIO and Private Wealth Management (Family Office roles included)
• Private Equity and Venture Capital (Investment & Fund Management)
• Real Estate
• Insurance
• Treasury & Risk Management, including Financial Advisory & Consulting and Accounting Services
• Hedge Funds
• Commercial banking, corporate or consumer lending, credit rating agencies, and other diversified financial services

While this role focuses on financial services outside of investment banking & capital markets, fintech & payment services and venture capital operating or CXO opportunities, professionals with backgrounds in these areas are welcome to apply, particularly if they bring broader financial services expertise. 

The Senior Director will develop and execute a vision for a deeper engagement between students and employers in this global industry. Ideal candidates may have experience in:

• Career coaching or career services experience, advising MBA students on financial services career paths and strengthening employer relationships
• Consulting for financial services firms, with expertise in hiring trends, industry demands, and MBA career transitions
• Leadership roles in professional development or MBA hiring within a financial services firm
• University relations or campus recruiting, hiring MBAs for financial services roles, understanding employer needs and coaching students effectively
• Financial services roles in private equity, asset management, or real estate, with a passion for mentorship, career development, and employer relationship building

The Senior Director, Financial Services Careers, joins a team of 7 sector coaches in: consulting, investment banking, marketing & general management (including fintech), technology, healthcare/energy/non-profit/sustainability, entrepreneurship, specialized or off-Grounds searches, and international job searches.

This position is based in our Charlottesville office, with potential hybrid flexibility during the summer (late May to late July) at the discretion of leadership and based on business needs.

Responsibilities:

• Coach MBA students interested in financial services career paths through individual advising, small group sessions, and targeted career development resources (one-on-one coaching approximately 40%)
• Expand Darden’s industry presence by building relationships with alumni, executives, and recruiters—enhancing job sourcing, strengthening partnerships, and promoting the school’s brand
• Advise financial services employers on effective strategies for hiring Darden MBA talent, providing industry insights to enhance their recruiting success
• Leverage industry expertise and professional connections to facilitate student access to job opportunities, mentorship, and career guidance (employer engagement activities approximately 35%)
• Improve the quality of career outcomes for students pursuing financial services by increasing job placement speed and enhancing compensation results
• Design and deliver career programming (e.g., classroom learning series, workshops, industry panels, online resources) to introduce students to financial services employers and career opportunities
• Join forces with a high-impact team of career coaches to strengthen industry insights, improve best practices, and holistically support students, employers, and key stakeholders
• Collaborate with the Mayo Center and the Batten Institute to connect students with experiential learning opportunities. Ensure students are aware of and actively engage in programs such as the Private Equity Initiative, Venture Capital Initiative, Mayo Center Fellowship, Breakthrough Scholars Program, Darden Venture Fellows Program, and Darden Capital Management to gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and industry exposure
• Support the Breakthrough Scholars program by advising scholarship recipients, coordinating with Darden Foundation and Mayo Center teams, and advancing career pathways in private equity, venture capital, and asset management.
• Mentor student organizations, including the Finance Club, Entrepreneurship & Venture Capital Club, Darden Capital Management Club, Real Estate Club, and Private Equity Club, providing industry insights and career support
• Partner with the Business Development and Recruiting Operations teams to strengthen employer relationships, expand corporate partnerships, and create high-impact career opportunities for students
• Support rotating strategic and operational projects that enhance career coaching and department efficiency, including student programming, employer engagement, technology, data analysis, and process improvements