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Johns Hopkins University
Assistant Director, Doctoral Life Design, School of Medicine & OPTIONS
🇺🇸
Hybrid - Baltimore, Maryland
🕑
Full-Time
💰
$66K - $116K
💻
Other
🗓️
November 13th, 2026
Canvas
IRB
Edtech.com's Summary
Johns Hopkins University is hiring an Assistant Director, Doctoral Life Design, School of Medicine & OPTIONS. This role leads professional development initiatives and career education for doctoral students in the School of Medicine, including managing the OPTIONS Program for biomedical sciences Ph.D. students to enhance career exploration and skill-building.
Highlights
- Lead and manage the OPTIONS Program, delivering career exploration and skill-building curricula for biomedical doctoral students.
- Develop and implement innovative workshops, digital resources, and personalized advising for School of Medicine doctoral students.
- Collaborate with academic departments, faculty, alumni, and external partners to expand career development opportunities.
- Utilize data-driven strategies to assess and improve career program effectiveness and student outcomes.
- Manage program communication, marketing, and digital platforms including Canvas and Helios.
- Represent the OPTIONS Program at national conferences and secure alignment with NIH T32 training grant standards.
- Required qualifications include a Master's degree and five years of experience in business development, sales, HR consulting, or recruiting.
- Preferred qualifications include a Ph.D. in a STEM field and experience advising Ph.D. students and postdoctoral fellows.
- Starting salary range from $66,215 to $116,130 annually, with a targeted salary of $80,000 commensurate with experience.
- Works within the Doctoral Life Design Studio, reporting to the Executive Director, with a hybrid work schedule predominantly on-site.
Assistant Director, Doctoral Life Design, School of Medicine & OPTIONS Full Description
Assistant Director, Doctoral Life Design, School of Medicine & OPTIONS
Baltimore, MD, United States
Job description
Working at JHU
Affiliated Office Address
Baltimore, MD, United States
Requisition ID
122874
Date Created
October 23, 2026
Job Family
Academic & Student Services
Job Subfamily
Career Services & Life Design
Job Function
Student Services
Exempt Status
Exempt
Shift Type
Full Time
Schedule
Mon - Fri / 08:30am - 05:00pm
Worksite
01-MD:Homewood Campus
Work Modality
Hybrid: On-site 60-89% of hours worked (Ex: 3-4 out of 5 days/week)
Johns Hopkins University is leading an ambitious transformation in life design, experiential learning, and mentoring, and is seeking an Assistant Director of Doctoral Life Design, School of Medicine & OPTIONS. Our mission is to ensure that every doctoral student—regardless of background, academic discipline, or social capital—navigates their academic journey and career path with clarity and purpose.
Reporting to the Executive Director of the Doctoral Life Design Studio, the Assistant Director will shape and advance professional development initiatives for all doctoral students in the School of Medicine (SOM). This includes leading innovative career education and programming across SOM doctoral programs and collaborating on key events and initiatives to foster doctoral students’ career design.
Within this portfolio, the Assistant Director will also serve as Program Lead for the OPTIONS Program, a curriculum-based initiative tailored specifically for Ph.D. students in the biomedical sciences. The OPTIONS Program is required for scholars in seven Ph.D. programs across JHU, and also serves biomedical science departments in the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences (KSAS) and the Bloomberg School of Public Health (BSPH), creating a unified approach to career and professional development across JHU’s biomedical sciences community.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
Options Program Leadership
- Lead the OPTIONS Program, overseeing development, programming, marketing, content creation, and logistics to engage and support doctoral students in the biomedical sciences across JHU, in alignment with the T32-grant descriptions of career exploration “phases.”
- Develop and implement innovative, research-based career exploration and skill-building curricula tailored for biomedical doctoral students and postdoctoral trainees.
- Manage career development curriculum for OPTIONS-required students through online platforms (Canvas), ensuring structured, cohort-based learning and tracking student progress with data-informed assessments.
- Manage the co-curricular administration of OPTIONS in Helios, including evaluating assignments according to a learning goals rubric.
- Communicate with participating programs to hone mechanisms for student understanding of and participation in OPTIONS.
- Design and implement a structure for “Phase 3” of OPTIONS (for year 4+ biomedical Ph.D. scholars) focused on Experiential Learning and Career Preparedness.
- Ensure OPTIONS aligns with NIH T32 training grant standards, supporting compliance and bolstering professional development for students in T32-funded programs. Collaborate with funding agencies and manage resources effectively to secure support for OPTIONS programming.
- Facilitate T32-Supplement funded graduate resiliency training workshops (“BioGREAT”) for OPTIONS scholars (3 per year).
- Represent the OPTIONS Program at national conferences, sharing best practices and insights on program implementation and scaling with external audiences.
- Assemble and distribute bi-weekly OPTIONS Newsletter in collaboration with Assistant Director, Data & Operations.
- Drive OPTIONS program expansion by cultivating partnerships with new academic departments, increasing program reach and engagement within biomedical Ph.D. programs across Johns Hopkins.
Career Programming & Advising
- Lead the development and execution of innovative workshops, courses, digital resources, and coaching initiatives to empower all SOM doctoral students to explore diverse career paths within and beyond academia, enhancing career awareness, skill-building, and readiness.
- Develop and implement career exploration and skill-building opportunities tailored for doctoral students and postdoctoral trainees across SOM programs.
- Meet with SOM doctoral students to offer personalized career advice and support, boosting their confidence, clarity, and professional connections.
- Provide accessible, high-quality digital resources, including online career guides and self-paced modules, to support doctoral students’ independent career exploration and professional development.
- Plan and co-lead career conferences to create networking, professional growth, and knowledge exchange opportunities.
- Oversee and enhance professional and career development content on the Doctoral Life Design Studio website, manage social media outreach for portfolio events and initiatives, and author blog articles, ensuring all content aligns with brand standards and current trends.
- Support Ph.D. recruitment efforts for SOM departments by creating marketing materials, engaging with prospective and admitted students, and participating in events across virtual, hybrid, and in-person formats.
- Create accessible and inclusive opportunities that support SOM doctoral students from all backgrounds.
- Support and/or co-lead DLDS university-wide initiatives, such as Career Impact Award, Horizons by Hopkins, and Empower Your Pitch!
Stakeholder Engagement & Outreach
- Collaborate with Ph.D. program directors and faculty to advocate for and raise awareness of career curriculum programming, building partnerships to assess needs and deliver tailored services.
- Foster strong partnerships with key stakeholders across the university, including academic departments, alumni, faculty, and student organizations, to expand access to career resources and mentoring opportunities.
- Proactively establish and strengthen external partnerships with key organizations and groups in the field, significantly enhancing collaborative opportunities and the overall impact of programs.
- Engage senior leadership, funding partners, and stakeholders to advocate for the integration of career development initiatives within the university’s strategic priorities.
- Cultivate strong connections with alumni and industry professionals to enhance program impact and broaden the professional network for SOM doctoral students.
- Collaborate closely with the Associate Director, Postdoctoral Life Design, on programming suited for the needs of both SOM doctoral and postdoctoral scholars.
Data, Assessment & Operations
- Champion a data-driven approach by utilizing surveys and assessment tools to measure the impact, reach, and effectiveness of career programs across the SOM doctoral portfolio. Ensure continuous improvement and alignment with the office’s vision and national best practices.
- Design and implement evaluation strategies to monitor student satisfaction and career readiness, leveraging feedback to refine and optimize curriculum offerings, including student listening sessions and surveys.
- Gather and analyze feedback from students, postdocs, faculty, and industry partners to refine programming and support strategic direction.
- Collaborate with cross-departmental teams to enhance data tracking systems and ensure effective communication of program progress to stakeholders via technology platforms.
- Research and analyze career training initiatives at peer institutions through benchmarking, literature reviews, and stakeholder interviews, integrating best practices into program development.
- Conduct periodic portfolio reviews to assess the success of strategies, make informed adjustments, and support a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
- Conduct research on career development outcomes, securing institutional approvals (e.g., IRB) as needed, and applying findings to strengthen program effectiveness and student outcomes.
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Within this role, the candidate will lead the OPTIONS Program for biomedical sciences doctoral students, requiring experience with curriculum-based professional development, program management, and cross-institutional collaboration.
- Our ideal candidate thrives in an environment that combines the mission-driven orientation of higher education with the operational rigor of a results-driven organization: they manage multiple concurrent workstreams, are energized by complexity, and proactively seek innovative solutions.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master's Degree.
- Five (5) years direct experience in business development, sales, HR consulting, or recruiting with large-scale organizations.
- Additional related education may substitute for required experience permitted by the JHU equivalency formula. Additional related experience may substitute for required education, as permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ph.D. in a STEM field, such as Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, Public Health, Education, or a related discipline.
- Experience in career advising or coaching specifically for Ph.D. students and postdoctoral fellows.
- Experience in business development, sales, HR consulting, or recruiting with large-scale organizations.
Classified Title: Sr. Life Design Educator
Job Posting Title (Working Title): Assistant Director, Doctoral Life Design, School of Medicine & OPTIONS
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/04/ME
Starting Salary Range: $66,215 - $116,130 Annually ($80,000 targeted; Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Mon - Fri / 08:30am - 05:00pm
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Homewood Campus
Department name: Doctoral Life Design Studio
Personnel area: University Student Services
Total Rewards
The referenced base salary range represents the low and high end of Johns Hopkins University’s salary range for this position. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. Exact salary will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, market conditions, education/training and other qualifications. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.
Education and Experience Equivalency
Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines: JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job.
Applicants Completing Studies
Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date.
Background Checks
The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate's conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job-related qualification or function.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
EEO is the Law
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf
Accommodation Information
If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the Talent Acquisition Office at [email protected]. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit: https://accessibility.jhu.edu/.
Vaccine Requirements
Johns Hopkins University requires all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Exceptions to the flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry.
The following additional provisions may apply, depending upon campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.
The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.
The referenced base salary range represents the low and high end of Johns Hopkins University’s salary range for this position. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. Exact salary will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, market conditions, education/training and other qualifications. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.
Education and Experience Equivalency
Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines: JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job.
Applicants Completing Studies
Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date.
Background Checks
The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate's conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job-related qualification or function.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
EEO is the Law
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf
Accommodation Information
If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the Talent Acquisition Office at [email protected]. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit: https://accessibility.jhu.edu/.
Vaccine Requirements
Johns Hopkins University requires all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Exceptions to the flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry.
The following additional provisions may apply, depending upon campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.
The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.
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