"Project Specialist"

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, the Project Specialist in the Saddleback College Career Center supports the development, promotion, and coordination of experiential learning opportunities including internships, community-based learning, and grant-funded programs. The position assists in preparing students to participate in work-based learning experiences and provides outreach, coaching, and administrative support for programs that connect students with career-related opportunities. The Project Specialist collaborates with campus partners and external stakeholders to support student participation, track program outcomes, and advance the objectives of experiential learning initiatives.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Prepare and coach students to apply for community-based learning opportunities, internships, and grant-funded programs by providing guidance on resumes, cover letters, interviewing techniques, job search strategies, and professional online presence.
• Track student attendance, participation, and expressed interest in community-based learning, internships, and other experiential learning activities.
• Conduct classroom presentations and outreach to promote experiential learning opportunities and programs such as Samueli and College Corps.
• Plan and coordinate marketing and promotional efforts for experiential learning initiatives, including events, workshops, digital outreach, and informational materials.
• Serve as a liaison with the Economic Workforce Development (EWD) team and other campus partners to help advance the objectives of the Work-Based Experiential Learning (WBEL) program.
• Assist in maintaining databases of internship, community-based learning, and experiential learning opportunities.
• Track and report student applications, placements, and outcomes, including internship-to-employment conversions and other program metrics.
• Assist students in completing and submitting Dreamers Service Incentive Grant (DSIG) experiential learning requests and related documentation.
• Provide student support services through virtual and in-person formats, including assisting with Zoom office hours for the Advanced Technology and Education Park (ATEP) remote student services as needed.
• Support the coordination of workshops, information sessions, and events related to career development and experiential learning.
• Maintain program records and assist with data collection and reporting to support program evaluation and grant requirements.
• Follow Saddleback College and District policies, procedures, and applicable regulations related to student services and grant-funded programs.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Career development and job search strategies, including resume writing, interviewing techniques, and professional networking.
• Principles and practices related to experiential learning, internships, and community-based learning programs.
• Student support services within a higher education environment.
• Basic marketing and outreach strategies for promoting programs and services.
• Data tracking, recordkeeping, and basic reporting methods.

Ability to:

• Provide guidance and coaching to students regarding career preparation and experiential learning opportunities.
• Plan and organize outreach activities, workshops, and program promotions.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Maintain accurate records and track program data.
• Use common office technologies and virtual communication tools, including video conferencing platforms.
• Work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES

Preferred: Experience supporting career services, workforce development, student services, internships, or related programs in a community college or higher education setting.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Work is performed primarily in an office or student services environment with occasional travel across campus locations or to outreach events. Duties may involve frequent interaction with students, faculty, staff, and community partners. The position may include both in-person and virtual service delivery.

Physical Requirements: Duties require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office environment, including sitting or standing for extended periods; operating a computer and other office equipment; and occasionally lifting or moving materials weighing up to 25 pounds. Vision: Ability to see within normal visual range with or without correction. Hearing: Ability to hear within normal audio range with or without correction.

Supplemental Information

Work Schedule: TBD – Schedule and shift vary and are subject to change in accordance with the department's needs.

Hours per Week: Up to 25

Employment Conditions and Information:

This is a short-term, temporary, hourly Non-Bargaining Unit (NBU) assignment, not to exceed 160 days and 960 hours per fiscal year (July 1st through June 30th). Short-term, temporary NBU positions may only be used on an intermittent, seasonal, or project basis. Education Code Section 88003 states "Short-term employee means any person who is employed to perform a service for the district, upon the completion of which, the service required or similar services will not be extended or needed on a continuing basis."

After successful completion of the onboarding requirements, an individual may be employed by the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) as a short-term, temporary NBU employee. Employment will be on an “if and as needed” basis, as determined by the SOCCCD. The assignment may be shortened or extended at any time, due to departmental needs, with little to no notice. NBU employment is at-will, and either party may terminate this working relationship at any time. Neither party shall be required to provide any reason for the separation. NBU employees shall not have reemployment rights or recourse to petition to be reinstated.

NBU employees are limited to working in a single position for a single department and site (assignments are onsite only).

NBU employees are paid on a monthly basis. The payroll reporting period is from the 1st of the month to the last day of the month. NBU employees are paid on the 10th of the following month.

Example: For the following reporting period: January 1st through January 31st, the NBU employee will be paid on February 10th.

NBU employees who work more than 1000 hours per fiscal year are required to contribute to the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), through payroll deduction. The SOCCCD does not intend to employ NBU employees for more than 960 hours during any fiscal year.