JOB SUMMARY:
The Coordinator of Career & Professional Development supports the strategic initiatives of the Career and Professional Development Center by providing career advising, coordinating professional development programs, and facilitating employer engagement efforts. This role involves delivering individualized and group career coaching, organizing career-related events and workshops, and maintaining career resources such as Handshake and the Career Closet. The coordinator collaborates with faculty, staff, and external partners to enhance career readiness initiatives and create meaningful career opportunities for students and alumni. Reporting to the Director of Career & Professional Development, this position plays a key role in preparing students for career success and ensuring the effective delivery of career services.
MAJOR DUTIES:
Advising & Counseling (35%)
• Provides individual and group career advising to students, focusing on career exploration, resume and cover letter development, interview preparation, job and internship search strategies, and graduate school applications.
• Utilizes assessment tools (e.g., Focus 2 Career) to assist students in identifying career paths and opportunities.
• Offers guidance on professional networking, social media management, and portfolio development.
• Supports undecided students with academic and career advising to help them make informed decisions.
• Refers students to appropriate resources for further career exploration and development.
Internships & Campus Employment (25%)
• Assists in developing, implementing, and managing the campus employment program, ensuring a variety of job opportunities are available for students.
• Serves as a point of contact for students seeking internships and on-campus employment, providing guidance and support throughout the application process.
• Collaborates with campus departments, local businesses, and industry partners to create and promote internship opportunities that align with students' academic and career goals.
• Collaborates with Human Resources and Financial Aid to assist students with the on-campus application process, including marketing job postings, helping with onboarding procedures, and training.
• Provides training to work-study students and campus employers to ensure students are developing and honing skills needed for their future careers, and campus employers are properly evaluating and providing necessary feedback on student performance.
• Develops and manages internship programs, tracking student participation, outcomes, and employer/faculty feedback.
• Evaluates and assesses the effectiveness of employment and internship programs, making recommendations for improvements based on data and student feedback.
• Builds relationships with faculty and academic departments to integrate internship opportunities into academic programs and ensure alignment with learning outcomes.
Career Programs & Events (20%)
• Collaborates with the Director to create, organize, market, and coordinate career-related events, including workshops, mock interviews, and employer recruitment sessions.
• Develops and delivers educational materials and presentations for career development in collaboration with student groups, faculty, and employers.
• Coordinates campus recruitment visits, including interviews, information sessions, and other engagement activities with employers.
• Manages the logistics and promotion of events to ensure high student participation and successful outcomes.
• Updates educational content for online learning modules and digital badge programs; assesses student work for program completion.
Program Management (15%)
• Maintains and updates the employer database and manages job postings through platforms like Handshake.
• Coordinates internship and cooperative education programs, working closely with students, employers, and faculty to ensure alignment with academic and career goals.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional employment regulations, including work-study program guidelines.
• Monitors and assesses career services activities, producing reports and evaluating program effectiveness to inform future improvements.
Administrative & Miscellaneous (5%)
• Supervises and trains student employees and interns within Career & Professional Development.
• Manages the inventory of career resources, ensuring a student-friendly and professional environment.
• Maintains professional development through membership in relevant associations and attendance at industry events.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
• Knowledge of the structure and operations of higher education institutions, including student affairs and career development.
• Knowledge and ability to lead workshops, training sessions, and discussions.
• Knowledge of the event planning process and appropriate risk assessment measures.
• Knowledge of basic marketing.
• Ability to create, organize, and implement programs and initiatives that support career services.
• Ability to work independently with skill in decision-making and problem-solving.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and report data for grant reporting and institutional annual reports.
• Ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships with employers, campus community groups, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to supervise student staff and lead initiatives that promote a supportive campus environment.
• Ability to deliver outstanding customer service.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with students, faculty, staff, and employers.
• Skill in oral and written communication, with the ability to present to varied audiences.
• Skill in providing guidance, resources, and support to students.
• Skill in the management of multiple projects running simultaneously.
• Skill in the operation of computers and job-related software programs.
• Skill in interpersonal relations and in dealing with the public.
• Skill in organizing and prioritizing tasks effectively.
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES AND/OR COMPENTENCIES
• Knowledge of Dalton State College and University System of Georgia policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of theories and best practices related to career services and career development.
• Knowledge of related federal policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The Director for Career & Professional Development assigns work in terms of unit goals and objectives. Performance is reviewed through reports, feedback, and overall results in advancing career and professional development initiatives.
GUIDELINES
Guidelines include college policies and procedures, University System of Georgia policies and procedures, Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) requirements, and funding policies set by the Business Procedures Manual (BPM). These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.
COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK
• The work requires program coordination, student engagement, and employer relations to support career development initiatives for students and alumni.
• Managing career programming, employer partnerships, and student employment resources contributes to the complexity of the role.
• The position involves advising students, coordinating events, and maintaining career services platforms to enhance career readiness and employment outcomes.
• Collaboration with faculty, student organizations, and external partners ensures alignment with institutional goals and workforce trends.
CONTACTS
Interacts with faculty, staff, students, employers, alumni, and community members to exchange information and support students' career development and college’s strategic plan.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is primarily in an office environment, with on-campus and occasional off-campus activities. Some physical activity and travel are required.
SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
This position may supervise a work study student or intern within the Career & Professional Development Center.
$20.87/hour
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Career Counseling, Education, Human Resources) required or equivalent combination of education and experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Master’s degree in related field (e.g., Education, Human Resources, Higher Education Leadership)
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in career counseling, career services, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of career development theories and practices, including experience with career assessment tools (e.g., Focus2 Career).
• Proficiency in career management platforms (e.g., Handshake) and other relevant technologies.
Application link: https://bit.ly/DSCoordinatorCPD
Application deadline: Tuesday, September 30, 2025