Career Services Assistant

Career Services Assistant

Posting Number: R0004310

Location: Point Loma Campus - San Diego, CA

PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God's kingdom. We therefore encourage applications from culturally diverse candidates.

Benefits:

We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources. This includes benefits such as health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, competitive retirement matching, vacation and sick time, and 15 paid holidays per year. In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community including staff chapel and a robust wellness program.

Job Summary:

The Career Services (CS) Assistant plays a vital role in supporting the mission of the Career Services department by serving as a first point of contact for students, alumni, faculty/staff, and employer partners. The CS Assistant also plays a vital role in implementing innovative marketing and communication strategies that foster student engagement and contribute to the broader communication of Career Services resources and initiatives.

This role requires strong communication, organization, and administrative skills to assist in daily operations, event coordination, marketing, and budgetary support. The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic environment and demonstrate a strong commitment to student success and a student-centered approach to career development.

Salary:

Pay range $20.58 - $22.22

Actual salary offered is determined by the candidate's experience, education, skills, and other factors, including internal equity and university funding resources.

Job Status:

Full time

Job Description:

RESPONSIBILITIES

Stakeholder Communication & Office Support

• Provide full-time coverage of the Career Services office during standard business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM), including daily opening and closing procedures
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all in-person visitors, phone calls, emails, and online inquiries
• Manage and respond to communications from all stakeholders while maintaining accuracy and organization in the shared office calendar and inbox to ensure timely responses, proper scheduling, and effective delivery of resources and support
• Provide courteous and professional service to all stakeholders, responding to general questions and directing specific inquiries to the appropriate team members
• Maintain and monitor office supplies, submitting orders as needed

Marketing, Communication & Social Media

• Develop and implement engaging marketing campaigns to promote Career Services events, programs, and resources across multiple channels, including social media, email, newsletters, websites, and print materials.
• Design and maintain flyers, graphics, and digital content aligned with PLNU and Career Services branding standards.
• Create and distribute monthly newsletters highlighting upcoming events, job and internship opportunities, and ways for students to engage with Career Services.
• Manage and post regularly on social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, LinkedIn) to share information, increase visibility, and strengthen student engagement.
• Curate and publish timely, relevant content that highlights Career Services events, resources, and campus initiatives.

Event Planning & Coordination

• Support the planning, promotion, and execution of career-related events, such as workshops, employer panels, job fairs, and networking events
• Coordinate logistics including venue reservations, catering, materials, parking, supplies, invitations, marketing, vendor management, and setup/teardown
• Maintain accurate event records and manage event registration lists

Scheduling & Calendar Management

• Manage scheduling for career advising, class presentations, workshops, events, and additional student engagement activities
• Communicate with students, faculty, and employers to coordinate availability and confirm details.
• Track and update all departmental activities on myPLNU, Zoom, and Google calendar

Budget & Administrative Support

• Assist in managing departmental budget processes, including processing expense reports, invoices, and purchase orders
• Maintain and update budget tracking spreadsheets for the department's operational Budget
• Reconcile spending and communicate regularly with the Director regarding budget status

Other duties may be assigned to this position on a regular or occasional basis to respond to the needs of the university.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor's degree
• Ability to work well in a team and independently with minimum supervision
• Effective interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to respond to specific student needs and be resourceful
• Ability to maintain confidentiality while adhering to high ethical standards and integrity
• Proficiency with Google Suite (Gmail, Calendar, & Drive), Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), Canva, Workday, Social Media Platforms (Instagram & LinkedIn), and virtual meeting platforms (Zoom & Google Meet)
• Evidence of Christian commitment and active church involvement. In addition, staff agree to live in agreement with PLNU's Community Life Covenant.
• The job offer is contingent on the successful completion of a background check. PLNU will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local 'Fair Chance' laws.

Preferred

• Experience within Higher Education, Career Services, and/or Student Success
• Experience in administrative support, event planning, project management, customer service, social media management, or a related area, demonstrating success in providing high-quality support and coordination.
• Experience developing and executing effective marketing and communications strategies
• Knowledge of basic budgeting processes

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• The work is primarily sedentary and may require sitting for extended periods of time.
• Use of computer equipment: computer keyboard, mouse, and monitor.
• Ability to read documents, email and other correspondence, and reports on paper and computer monitor.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others in person and by phone.
• Ability to stand, stoop, push, pull, and lift up to 20 lbs throughout the day.