Career Readiness Specialist - Akron

Stark State College • Stark State College - Akron, OH

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Stark State College is seeking a student-focused, relationship-driven Career Readiness Specialist to help students, prospective students, alumni, and community members explore career pathways, develop career-readiness skills, and connect their education with employment opportunities. The role connects academic programs, students, and regional employers to strengthen career preparation and workforce opportunities across the College. In addition to core Career Readiness Specialist responsibilities, this position is the primary Workforce and Career Readiness partner for the Akron Campus, Arts & Sciences, CDL at the Springfield location, and Automotive programs.

The role is based at Stark State College’s Akron location and is a non-exempt, 250-day contract position. It is offered on a one-year renewable contract basis and is initially funded through a Title III grant, with the College anticipating gradually assuming a greater share of funding over the grant period. Renewal depends on available funding and institutional needs; continued employment is not guaranteed. Typical hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with adjustments possible based on student and department needs. Specialists must work 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at least one day per week.

The Specialist provides individualized career coaching, builds partnerships with academic programs and employers, develops work-based learning opportunities, and coordinates career-readiness programming. The role also supports the College’s Career Coaching Ecosystem, uses career-services and College technologies to support students and assess outcomes, contributes to grant activities, and collaborates on enrollment, retention, student success, and workforce development initiatives.

The salary range is $43,914 to $57,089 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Candidates selected for employment must reside in Ohio or be willing to relocate to Ohio.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Higher Education, Counseling, Business Management, Human Resources, Education, or a related field.
• Valid Ohio driver’s license.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication, presentation, and customer service skills.
• Ability to develop productive relationships with students, faculty, academic leaders, employers, and community partners.
• Strong organizational, project coordination, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications, spreadsheets, reporting tools, and virtual meeting platforms.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, protect confidential information, and work effectively with diverse student populations and stakeholders.
• Must reside in Ohio or be willing to relocate to Ohio if selected for employment.
• Must work 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at least one day per week.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Higher Education, Counseling, Business Management, Human Resources, Education, or a related field.
• Six months of experience providing career-planning assistance in a college- or university-related setting; intern or practicum student experience may count.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized career coaching and career exploration to students, prospective students, alumni, and community members.
• Assist with career assessments, occupational exploration, career planning, résumés, cover letters, interview preparation, LinkedIn profiles, job-search strategies, and professional development.
• Serve as the primary Workforce and Career Readiness partner for the Akron Campus and assigned Arts & Sciences, CDL, and Automotive programs.
• Collaborate with academic leaders, faculty, department chairs, and program coordinators to identify student needs and integrate career exploration, readiness, and employment preparation into academic and co-curricular experiences.
• Establish and maintain relationships with regional employers, workforce organizations, and community partners to understand hiring needs, communicate employment trends, and expand career exploration, recruiting, and employment opportunities.
• Develop and promote internships, apprenticeships, co-ops, Learn-and-Earn opportunities, and other work-based learning experiences; partner with faculty and employers to align them with student interests, academic programs, and workforce needs.
• Plan and facilitate career-readiness workshops, employer panels, career fairs, recruiting events, occupational information sessions, classroom presentations, and other programming.
• Participate in implementing and continuously improving the College’s Career Coaching Ecosystem and collaborate with College staff to strengthen career development services.
• Use Career Services platforms and College systems, including Handshake, Coach, Career Coach, Big Interview, Starfish, and other applicable technologies, to support coaching, employer engagement, work-based learning, student participation, and career outcomes.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to assessment and continuous improvement efforts.
• Contribute to assigned Title III/SPARC grant activities, including career-readiness initiatives, employer engagement, work-based learning, Career Coaching Ecosystem implementation, data collection, documentation, reporting, and performance outcomes.
• Participate in enrollment, retention, student success, and workforce development initiatives.
• Represent Workforce and Career Readiness with employers, community organizations, workforce partners, and other stakeholders, and support consistent Career Services practices across College locations and academic divisions.

Benefits

• Medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Paid life and AD&D insurance
• State pension/retirement through OPERS or STRS
• Paid time off
• Sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Paid Stark State tuition
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program

What This Job Offers

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