Career Development Specialist

Penn State University

2d • $51,000 - $74,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Penn State Brandywine’s Advising and Career Development office invites applications for a Career Development Specialist, a key role dedicated to supporting students’ career growth from matriculation through graduation. We seek a professional who brings energy, diligence, resourcefulness, and genuine care to helping students explore career pathways, build professional skills, and pursue meaningful opportunities. The specialist serves as the primary campus contact for all career-related services, including one-on-one coaching, document review, classroom presentations, and campus-wide events and programming. In close collaboration with faculty and staff, the specialist ensures that Brandywine students can fully access and benefit from the University’s career development resources. This position may offer a flexible work arrangement that blends remote and on-campus work. Questions about flexible work options can be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Requirements

• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated capacity to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Experience coaching students with varied life experiences and learning needs.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate partnerships with faculty, other campus units, and employer representatives.
• Bachelor's Degree
• 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Provide career coaching and counseling to students and alumni: assess goals, skills, and interests; support exploration of graduate school options, career pathways, and employment opportunities; guide the development of résumés, cover letters, and other professional materials.
• Design, coordinate, and facilitate workshops and programs that support career exploration and skill-building—delivered independently, in partnership with staff and faculty (especially internship coordinators), or in collaboration with University Career Services.
• Collect, track, and analyze data to assess the impact of career development activities and student outcomes; use findings to strengthen programming.
• Represent the campus at recruitment events and engage with community organizations to build networks and identify career opportunities for students.
• Communicate regularly with the Brandywine community about career-related events, internships, employment opportunities, and partnerships.
• Crosstrain with academic advising staff to support new student advising.
• Supervise and mentor student employees, including hiring, training, and ongoing development.

Benefits

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level