Career Development Specialist

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

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.

Key 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 resumes, 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.

Competencies for Success

• 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.

Application Instructions

For full consideration, applicants must submit a cover letter and resume with their application.

Campus Information

Penn State Brandywine - a thriving residential campus - is located on 112 acres, 20 miles west of center city Philadelphia. Penn State Brandywine alumni are part of Penn State's worldwide 700,000+ alumni network. We offer 14 major programs, six of which require internships for graduation. Penn State Brandywine is located in Media, PA, a popular suburb of Philadelphia, named one of the best places to live in Pennsylvania. Media is just 20 minutes from the Philadelphia Main Line and 45 minutes to center city. As a staff member at Penn State Brandywine, you will enjoy access to the arts, entertainment, sports, State Parks, Arboretums, restaurants, nightlife, and community events of the greater Philadelphia region while working alongside talented individuals from all walks of professional life.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

SALARY & BENEFITS

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

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. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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