Career Services Specialist

Western Technical College is a preferred employer in the 7 Rivers Region and is committed to providing a safe and respectful workplace for all co-workers. As an open-access institution, we proudly serve learners from all walks of life, recognizing that diverse backgrounds and lived experiences enrich our community and strengthen our mission. We are committed to creating a sense of belonging where everyone feels empowered to be themselves and supported in their personal and professional growth. This means actively identifying and removing barriers to opportunity and providing pathways to social and economic advancement. Western is deeply connected to the communities we serve, and we believe in the power of education to drive positive change. We seek individuals who are passionate about teaching and learning, dedicated to student success, and eager to collaborate in building a more vibrant, equitable community. If you share these values and are ready to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to explore this opportunity at Western.

Summary of Position: Responsible for the comprehensive coordination of career services-related events. Plans and administers the marketing, promotion, and program management of essential career services-related events. This position plays a key role in connecting students with career resources, overseeing the operational functions of Career Services, and ensuring seamless program delivery. The Specialist also provides career coaching and advising to students, contributing to institutional goals related to enrollment, retention, and graduate success.

This is a hybrid eligible position that would allow for 1-2 days a week working from home after the training period.

• Maintain and uphold the College values of Learning, Excellence, Accountability, Diversity, Student Success, Teamwork, Integrity, and Respect. Regular attendance is required.
• Perform office functions, which may include but are not limited to: respond to internal/external customers and staff; create and modify documents, records, and reports using College standard software; maintain hard copy and/or electronic filing system; monitor inventory and budget information; schedule, coordinate, and prepare materials for meetings and/or appointments.
• Complete all required College training and responsible for maintaining the skills necessary to complete the essential functions of the position as defined by the department.
• Student Success is the cornerstone of Western’s culture. The college may assign employees as needed to other areas or additional duties to foster this success.
• Coaching and Advising - Supporting Action/Task May Include:
• Coach and advise students utilizing the Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF) model to help them assess their personal attributes, determine career goals, and develop an appropriate action plan.
• Refer to appropriate on-campus and external resources utilizing established coaching model.
• Review resumes/cover letters, conduct mock interviews for students, and provide individualized instruction on best practices.
• Event and Program Coordination - Supporting Action/Task May Include:
• Coordinate career fairs and other student and employer events from outreach to evaluation, including analyzing student and employer feedback to plan data-driven and responsive events and programs and managing program budget.
• Assess student participation and faculty engagement in department events and programming to ensure equitable access and meaningful outcomes.
• Serve as employer connection to the college and coordinate employer outreach for events and programs.
• Work with marketing department to create promotional materials and implement career services outreach and conduct follow-up surveys.
• Develop and maintain employer relationships to increase job postings on Handshake (job search technology platform), networking opportunities, and informational sessions for students
• Collaborate with Coordinator and Manager to align employer engagement efforts with institutional policies.
• Manage Student Government budget allocation for department.
• Software and System Management - Supporting Action/Task May Include:
• Serve as software coordinator ensuring seamless deployment and use of software systems by managing updates, training, users, running reports, collecting, and analyzing data as it related to employer contacts, students, and grant reporting.
• Utilize the CRM student retention system to track all facets of student success
• Document Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), create annual report, serve as primary initial point of contact for department inquiries
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate Degree in related field OR
• Education in related field combined with appropriate occupational experience totaling 2 years OR
• Related occupational experiencing totaling 2 years
  
  

This position reports to: Manager - Career Services

Starting annual salary range based on education and experience: $23.61 - $30.24

This position would include competitive salary, along with a wide variety of benefits available to full-time Western Technical College Employees. These benefits include: health, HRA, dental, life, retirement - Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), voluntary vision, supplemental Allstate insurance (accident, critical illness and cancer), pet insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance plans, flexible spending account for health & dependent care, employee assistance program (EAP), Employee Wellness Incentive, Education Reimbursement, and tax-sheltered retirement annuity programs - 457 & 403(b). We offer a range of paid leave including Bereavement, Casual Illness, Personal, Vacation, Holidays, Summer Fridays, Shut Down, Parental paid leave, Military paid leave, Volunteer leave, and Leave donation.

This is a hybrid eligible position that would allow for 1-2 days a week working from home after the training period.

Applicant review will begin: Monday, January 5, 2026

Start Date of: January 2026

Copies of Transcripts from regionally accredited colleges or universities are acceptable during the application process (originals will be required upon hire)

Western is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Our mission is to provide relevant, high quality education in a collaborative and sustainable environment that changes the lives of students and grows our communities. Western is committed to providing a safe and respectful workplace for all employees.

An Equal Opportunity/Access/Employer And Educator

Western Technical College is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status. Reasonable accommodation will be provided in the job application process to enable a qualified applicant to have an equal opportunity to be considered for a job as is provided to all Western employees. If you want to request an accommodation please contact the EEO/AA Compliance Officer at (608)785-9274.

Non-Discrimination Notice

Skills

Western Technical College, in compliance with state and federal law, does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, disability, marital status, sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity, veteran status, genetic testing or other legislated categories in employment, admissions, programs, or activities. Western prohibits retaliation against any individuals who bring forth any compliant, orally or in writing, to the College or government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination. Western provides assurance that lack of English reading/speaking skills will not be a barrier to admittance and participation in the College. General inquiries regarding the College’s non-discrimination policies may be directed to:

John Heath

Director of Human Resources

Western Technical College

111 7th Street North

La Crosse, WI 54601

608-785-9464

WI Relay: 711