What are the responsibilities and job description for the Part-Time Career Coach position at The College of New Jersey?
To enrich education through diversity, The College of New Jersey is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The College has a strong commitment to achieving diversity among faculty and staff, and strongly encourages women and members of underrepresented groups to apply.
The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) Career Center is seeking dedicated and experienced Part-Time Career Coaches to support both students and alumni in their career exploration, career development, internship search, and achievement of professional career goals. The ideal candidate will have a passion for guiding individuals through various stages of their career journey, from identifying interests and skills to securing internships and preparing for the job market. This role requires relevant industry experience to provide informed, practical advice on navigating chosen fields.
Main Responsibilities:
- Career Counseling and Advising:
- Provide one-on-one and group career coaching sessions (virtual and in-person) to students and alumni, assisting them with career exploration, goal setting, and decision-making.
- Guide students and alumni in developing and refining resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles.
- Conduct mock interviews and offer constructive feedback to enhance interviewing skills.
- Utilize and promote career development resources such as Handshake, The Big Interview, and FOCUS2 to help students and alumni navigate their career paths effectively.
- Stay informed about industry trends and job market developments to provide relevant advice and resources.
- Promote Career Center events and activities to enhance student and alumni engagement with available resources and opportunities.
- Internship and Job Search Support:
- Assist students and alumni in identifying and applying for internships and job opportunities aligned with their academic and career goals.
- Provide guidance on the effective use of job search platforms and networking strategies.
- Leverage industry knowledge to connect students and alumni with relevant resources and tools to navigate the internship and job search process successfully
- Career Resource Development:
- Contribute to the creation and updating of career-related resources, including handouts, guides, and online content.
- Assist in maintaining the Career Center’s online job board and other digital resources, particularly through Handshake.
- Administrative and Reporting Duties:
- Maintain accurate records of coaching sessions with students and alumni.
- Assist with data collection and reporting on outcomes and program effectiveness.
- Participate in regular team meetings and collaborate with other Career Center staff on various projects and initiatives.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Career Counseling, Human Resources, Psychology, Education).
- Relevant industry experience in one or more fields related to the areas of study or career interests of students and alumni.
- Previous experience in career counseling, advising, or related roles, preferably in a higher education setting.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with a diverse population of students and alumni.
- Knowledge of career development theories, job search strategies, and employment trends.
- Familiarity with career-related tools and platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Handshake, The Big Interview, FOCUS2).
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Commitment to student and alumni success and professional growth.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Counseling, Career Development, or a related field.
- Experience working with college students, young professionals, and alumni.
- Certification in career coaching or related areas (e.g., NCDA Certified Career Counselor, GCDF).
Work Schedule:
- This is a part-time position, with approximately 5-10 hours per week. Flexible hours based on the needs of the Career Center, students, and alumni. Some evening or weekend hours may be required.
Employer Qualifications:
- Final offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of background check and reference checks.
About TCNJ
TCNJ is a highly selective institution that has earned national recognition for its commitment to excellence. Founded in 1855, TCNJ has become an exemplar of the best in public higher education and is consistently acknowledged as one of the top comprehensive colleges in the nation. TCNJ currently is ranked as one of the 75 "Most Competitive" schools in the nation by Barron's Profiles of American Colleges and is rated the No. 1 public institution in the northern region of the country by U.S. News & World Report. TCNJ was named the #10 value in public higher education by the Princeton review in 2009 and, in 2006, was awarded a Phi Beta Kappa chapter - an honor shared by less than 10 percent of colleges and universities nationally. A strong liberal arts core forms the foundation for programs offered through TCNJ's seven schools - Arts & Communication; Business; Education; Humanities and Social Sciences; Science; Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science; and Engineering. TCNJ faculty members are teacher-scholars who share a commitment to liberal learning. TCNJ is located within an hour, by train, of New York City and Philadelphia. The College's campus is set on 289 tree-lined acres in suburban Ewing Township and is known for its natural beauty and has 39 major buildings.
Contact Information
Qualified candidates should apply below and submit a letter of interest, resume (CV), as well as the names and contact information for three professional references. Applications will be considered until a viable finalist has been found.
In accordance with the New Jersey First Act P.L. 2011 c.70, effective September 1, 2011, new public employees in certain positions (faculty exempt) are required to obtain New Jersey residency within one (1) year of employment. Applicants must meet the requirements listed.