Employer Relations Associate/Career Counselor

Campus Title: Employer Relations Associate/Career Counselor State Job Title: Staff Associate Department: Career Center Job Code: HA5300 FLSA Status: Exempt Funding: [contact details available in the full listing] Bargaining Unit: APA Job Type: Full-Time Permanent Timeframe: 52 Weeks Shift: Monday-Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm (some evenings, weekends & travel required) Regular Days Off: Saturday and Sunday Supervision Received: Reports to the Director of Career Center Supervision Exercised: None Salary: $58,000-$63,000 Annually (salary…

commensurate with education and experience)

General Statement of Duties:

The Employer Relations Associate/Career Counselor provides inclusive, student-centered career advising while building and sustaining strategic partnerships with employers, alumni, and community organizations to expand equitable access to internships, employment, and experiential learning opportunities. This position plays a critical role in advancing student success by integrating career development into educational experience and strengthening connections between students and the workforce. The role directly supports institutional priorities by preparing students to successfully transition from college to career and by aligning academic experiences with evolving workforce needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Duties include but not limited to:

Essential:

Employer & Workforce Engagement

Develop and sustain strategic relationships with local, regional, and national employers to expand internship and employment pipelines.
Serve as a key liaison between the University and industry, ensuring alignment between workforce needs and student preparation.
Increase access to equitable, high-quality experiential learning opportunities for all students.

Programming & Experiential Learning

Design and facilitate innovative workshops, programs, and events that integrate career readiness into the student experience.
Lead and support large-scale initiatives such as career fairs and professional development programs with an emphasis on access and engagement.
Collaborate with faculty and academic departments to embed career development into curricula and co-curricular experiences.

Student Success & Career Development

Deliver inclusive, high-impact career counseling that supports diverse student populations in all phases of career exploration, decision-making, and post-graduate planning.
Guide students in connecting academic learning with career pathways, emphasizing skill development, career readiness competencies, and lifelong adaptability.
Utilize data-informed and evidence-based practices, including assessment tools, to support student goal setting and outcomes.

Campus Collaboration & Strategic Initiatives

Partner with faculty, staff, and campus stakeholders to align career services with institutional goals and academic priorities.
Contribute to University-wide initiatives including orientation, retention efforts, and student success programs.
Represent the Career Center on committees and cross-functional teams that support strategic plan implementation.

Marketing, Outreach & Communication

Oversee and guide student interns in delivering consistent, strategic messaging across communication channels.
Leverage digital platforms and marketing strategies to increase awareness and utilization of career services.

Impact Statement

This role is instrumental in ensuring that all students graduate with the knowledge, skills, and professional connections necessary for career success. By bridging academic experiences with workforce opportunities, the position directly contributes to improved student outcomes and stronger employer partnerships.

Non-Essential:

Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree.
Minimum of 1-3 years of experience in employer relations, career development, recruiting, or counseling preferred.
Highly motivated, energetic, and goal driven professional.
Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to effectively engage employers, students, alumni, faculty, and community partners.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to present, facilitate, and tailor messaging to varied audiences.
Proven organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Experience planning and executing programs or events, including workshops, career fairs, or networking initiatives.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with career services platforms, CRM systems, or data management tools.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, demonstrating initiative, adaptability, and a solutions-oriented mindset.
Knowledge of employment trends and workforce needs.
Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends and to travel as needed for employer engagement and events.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree in higher education, counseling, or a related field.

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Employer Relations Associate/Career Counselor

Westfield State University

577 Western Ave, Westfield, MA 01085, USA