Career Specialist

Mcmurry-University; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

McMurry University is seeking a Career Specialist to develop scaffolded experiential learning opportunities for students and to help them build skills for success in academics and work settings. The role guides programs for First Year and Sophomore students, coordinates internships, and supports postgraduate placements.

The position includes individual career counseling, maintaining records, delivering workshops, and sustaining career resources.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in counseling or related field is required.
• Experience in college career services or career development in a business environment is preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop programs for First Year students focusing on Discovery and Exploration, including strengths assessment and career discovery.
• Develop programs for Sophomore students focusing on Building Essential Skills and Readiness, including shadowing and micro-internships.
• Coordinate internship experiences with faculty, students, and sponsors to create experiential learning opportunities.
• Research, identify, recruit, engage, and sustain internship and postgraduate opportunities for students.
• Conduct individual career counseling covering interests, values, skills, and post-graduate planning.
• Maintain student records and communicate with faculty advisors.
• Develop and deliver internship and career workshops, programs, and career fairs.
• Maintain accessible career resources in the library and online.

Skills

Career development

Partnership building

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Student-centered philosophy

Independent work

IT skills (MS Office/Jenzabar)

Education

Master’s degree in counseling, student services administration, higher education, human resources or related field

Job description

Job Summary

The Career Specialist develops and administers scaffolded experiential learning opportunities for students and will assist students, current and past, in developing skills and gaining experiences they need for success in academic and work settings.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop programs for First Year students focused on Discovery and Exploration. This includes working with students on strengths assessment, personality traits and career discovery.
• Develop programs for Sophomore students focused on Building Essential Skills and Readiness. This includes working with students to align personal and professional goals, developing experiential opportunities including shadowing and micro-internships.
• Coordinate internship experiences for students working with faculty, students, and sponsors providing necessary resources to develop successful experiential learning opportunities appropriate for the level of the student.
• Research, identify, recruit, engage, and sustain opportunities for students’ internships and postgraduate job placements.
• Conduct individual career counseling with students including assessment of interests, values and skills, experiential learning opportunities, major exploration, and post-graduate planning.
• Maintain student records and communicate to faculty advisors (i.e., student tracking).
• Develop and implement internship and career-related workshops, programs, fairs, etc.
• Maintain accessible resources for students and faculty (in career library and online via the Globe and website).
• Conduct program evaluation and assessment including articulating goals, objectives, and outcomes; data collecting and benchmarking; and report writing.
• Develop policies, forms, and publications as needed.
• Design and provide faculty development opportunities related to experiential learning and career development.
• Develop and monitor departmental budgets.
• Oversee management of accessible database for students, alumni, and faculty.
• Participate in determining the marketing of programs and communicate to the campus community student experiences.
• Stay current on job trends, job search techniques, etc. and provide input on new program development that aligns with trending opportunities.
• Serve on campus committees as appropriate and represent the college to off-campus groups, businesses, and agencies.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Required knowledge, skills and abilities :

• Extensive knowledge of student development and career development
• Experience building partnerships with businesses, agencies, and schools
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills especially those in the areas of collaboration, conflict resolution, problem solving and decision making
• Strong organization and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and constituents
• An inclusive student-centered philosophy of providing services and resources
• Ability to work well without close supervision
• Proficient computer skills (Microsoft Office, Jenzabar or other student information systems)

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in counseling, student services administration, higher education, human resources or related field from an accredited institution
• Previous experience in college career services or similar experience in career development in a business environment

EEO Statement

McMurry University is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the university community and prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, disability or veteran status, in employment or the provision of services, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is also prohibited pursuant to University policy.