Career Specialist

Athens State University; Athens (AL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Athens State University seeks a Career Specialist who helps students build career readiness through programs, events, and guidance, coordinating with faculty, employers, and partners.

You will advise on job search strategies, organize career fairs, and track outcomes to support internships and employment opportunities for transfer and adult learners in Alabama.

Qualifications

• 3+ years relevant experience; 1 year directly related to providing career guidance.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate career-focused events and panels with student clubs, partners, faculty.
• Assess student progress toward career readiness and post-grad prep.
• Maintain accurate notes for students in career programs.
• Provide coaching and career exploration discussions.
• Collect and analyze outcomes data and labor market trends.
• Stay current with industry trends to inform advising.
• Facilitate career workshops and learning sessions.
• Coordinate career fairs and employer visits.
• Guide job-search strategies and techniques.
• Collaborate with community partners for internships and job placement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

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.

Position Information

Department/College

Department/College Enrollment and Student Services

Position Title

Job Category

Job Category Staff

Posting Number

Posting Number 00534

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Full or Part Time

Full or Part Time Full-Time

Other

Temporary

Temporary No

If Temporary, number of months

Position Summary Information

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 Alabama’s 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

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONSREQUIRED :

• 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

Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

University Information

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. Approximately 3,000 students each semester have selected Athens State because of its neighborly environment where over 50 majors and degree programs are offered, with courses taught by a supportive and exceptional faculty. Approximately 95% of the students are enrolled in at least one online course. The typical student is a working adult who commutes. Recently, the University was named the Most Affordable College in Alabama by The Best Schools, as well as a 2024 Great College to Work For by ModernThink. Athens State offers undergraduate degree programs in Liberal Arts, Teacher Preparation, and Business. The University employs more than 392 full and part-time employees with approximately 88 full-time faculty members in three colleges: College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, and College of Education. 83% of the full-time faculty members hold a terminal degree. Athens State 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 Society’s “Top 20 Events in the Southeast” including the Athens Storytelling Festival and the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention.

EEO Statement

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 Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Services, 300 N. Beaty St., Athens, AL 35611, 256- 233-8175.

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.

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

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.

Additional Information

Athens State University participates in the E-verify System to verify employment eligibility for all newly-hired employees.

Review of applications will begin as soon as possible and remain

For assistance, contact the Human Resources Office at 256-216-3333 or email us at [e-mail].

Posting Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
  • Chronicle of Higher Education web or print ad
  • Higher Ed Jobs.com
  • Special Publication or Professional Journal
  • Athens State University website (Athens.edu)
  • Personal or Employee Referral
  • Local newspaper ad
  • Other
  • Inside Higher Ed