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: Bachelor’s 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: P 40 To view salary schedules visit: resources/salary-schedule-tables/ Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Posting Detail Information