Job Duties:
The Career Specialist supports students in developing career readiness by coordinating career-focused programs, events, and engagement opportunities. The role provides individualized and group guidance on career exploration, job search strategies, assessments, and labor market information. This position collaborates with faculty, staff, employers, and community partners to facilitate career pathways, learning opportunities, and successful transitions into internships and employment.
WHY ATHENS STATE UNIVERSITY:
As Alabamas only upper-division university, Athens State serves a mission-centered population of transfer students and adult learners, positioning it uniquely for strategic enrollment growth through innovation, strong partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to access.
With a deep dedication to career-focused education, Athens State is advancing bold initiatives designed to align academic programs with workforce demand. The launch of Career Advantage underscores this commitment-providing adult learners with flexible, high-quality pathways that are closely aligned with employer needs and regional workforce priorities. Through intentional employer engagement, streamlined transfer processes, and student-centered support models, the university is poised to expand its reach and strengthen its role as a catalyst for economic mobility and community impact.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Coordinate career-focused events and activities, such as career/industry panels and networking opportunities, through partnerships with student clubs/organizations, community partners, faculty, and college administrators
- Monitor and assess student progress toward developing critical career readiness skills, post-graduation preparation needs, and provide engagement opportunities that support growth in NACE Career Competencies
- Maintain accurate tracking and notes for students who engage in career development opportunities
- Provide coaching to students and engage them in career-related conversations and explorations
- Assist in the collection, tabulation, and analysis of outcomes data for students, as well as research on employment and market trends
- Stay current with industry trends and labor market information to provide up-to-date advice to students
- Facilitate workshops, classroom presentations, and career-related learning sessions focused on career pathways and workplace readiness
- Support the coordination and execution of career fairs, employer recruitment visits, and on-campus engagement events
- Offer guidance on job search strategies and techniques
- Collaborate with community partners for internship and job placement opportunities
- Perform other related duties as assigned
Required Qualifications:
QUALIFICATIONSREQUIRED:
- Bachelors degree required
- Three years relevant professional experience, with one year directly related to providing career guidance
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS AND JOB REQUIREMENTS :
Preferred:
- Familiarity with guiding principles and practices promoted by prominent career development associations (i.e., National Association of Colleges and Employers, etc.)
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate and manage projects and meet deadlines
- Proven interpersonal communication (oral and written), and customer service skills
- Ability to achieve a high degree of accuracy with great attention to detail
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
- Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment; strong organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills; and proficiency in proofreading, grammar, punctuation, and spelling
- Ability and willingness to adapt to technological and business process changes
WORK CONDITIONS:
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position, such as standing and/or sitting, for up to 65% of the time
- Occasionally tasked with duties that require low postures such as crouching, kneeling, and/or stooping
- Must be able to occasionally adjust or move objects up to 20 pounds in all directions.
- Frequently communicates with others to exchange information
- Occasionally operates a motor vehicle for off-campus job-related duties
- Frequently uses hands/fingers to operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as copier, printer, etc.
- Frequently uses near vision for the use of computers and reading small print
- Occasionally works outdoors
Salary Schedule:
Salary Band: P40
To view salary schedules visit: https://www.athens.edu/about/offices/human- resources/salary-schedule-tables/
Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Unofficial transcripts should be from the college or university which verifies qualifications for the position.
Note: Credential evaluations are needed for all transcripts obtained outside the U.S. before uploading and submitting an application. (Credential evaluators should provide course-by-course evaluations and transcribed in English.)
Upon an offer of employment, official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be submitted. Continued employment is contingent upon receipt of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
To be considered for this position please visit our web site and apply on line at the following link: https://jobs.athens.edu/postings/search
About Athens State University
Located in historic Athens, Alabama, Athens State University offers junior and senior-level coursework to community college graduates and transfer students holding sufficient credits from other institutions. Presently, over 3,100 students have selected Athens State because of its neighborly environment where 50 majors and degree programs are offered, with courses taught by a supportive and exceptional faculty. Approximately 80% of the students are enrolled in at least one online course. The typical student is a working adult who commutes. Recently, the University was featured in the 2015 Best Value Online College Rankings by OnlineU.org for four online programs including computer science, accounting, education and human resources. The University offers undergraduate degree programs in Liberal Arts, Teacher Preparation, and Business. The University employs more than 350 full and part-time employees with approximately 90 full-time faculty members in three colleges: College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, and College of Education. Seventy-five percent of the full-time faculty members hold a terminal degree. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Athens, Alabama is located in north Alabama equidistant between Nashville, TN and Birmingham, AL. Athens is home to several events and festivals that have been featured as the Southeast Tourism Societys “Top 20 Events in the Southeast” including the Athens Storytelling Festival and the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention.
In accordance with Athens State University Policy and guidelines, the applicant chosen for employment will be required to sign a consent form for a criminal background check. Employment will be contingent upon the receipt of a clearance notification from that criminal background check.
Non-Discrimination Policy Statement Athens State University, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. Athens State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, religion, genetic information, or veteran status in employment, or admissions to or participation in educational programs and activities. Inquiries or concerns may be addressed to the Office of the Vice President of Enrollment and Student Support Services, 300 N. Beaty St., Athens, AL 35611, 256- 233-8175.
jeid-70e9f600ec9a5849beba32cb8fb2cce7
