Project Specialist (SC - Career Resource Center)

Number: 202401235 Office, Division, or School: SC - Division of Counseling Services Department or Operating Unit: SC - Career and Re-Entry Center Closing Date: 11/22/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Culture of Care : 1 At the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD), we foster a Culture of Care grounded in connection, collaboration, inclusion, and service. We seek employees who contribute to a welcoming, student-centered environment and who understand the important role every position plays in advancing student success and strengthening our District community. Our employees build meaningful relationships, demonstrate empathy and professionalism, and promote a culture of belonging, engagement, and mutual respect.1 1 Join SOCCCD and be part of a community dedicated to connection, purpose, and impact. We are seeking collaborative professionals committed to supporting students, creating meaningful experiences, and contributing to an inclusive and supportive workplace. Every employee helps shape a Caring District-one where students, colleagues, and the broader community feel valued, respected, and empowered. If you are passionate about service and making a positive difference, we invite you to bring your talents to our team.1 1 Application Instructions : Complete all sections and fields on the application and attach all required documents - incomplete applications may not be considered. Include all relevant education, training, and/or experience on the application. Do not include any personally identifiable, confidential, or otherwise unrequested information that does not pertain to job related factors (e.g., social security number, date of birth, pictures, etc.) on your application or attached documents. For job postings with a close date, all applications received by 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on the job posting close date, will receive consideration. For job postings with an initial screening date, all applications received by 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on the job posting initial screening date, will receive priority consideration; however, typically the job posting will remain open, and continue to accept applications, until the position is filled. Description 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. Report to work as schedule to assigned job. 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. 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. 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 hearing 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 1 st through June 30 th ). 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 within one department and at one worksite. ASL Interpreters and Art Models are the only exceptions to the single-worksite requirement. NBU employees may not work remotely and must be supervised while performing their assigned duties. NBU employees are paid on a monthly basis. The payroll reporting period is from the 1 st 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 1 st through January 31 st , the NBU employee will be paid on February 10 th . 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. Notice to all Candidates for Employment : 1 The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) will not sponsor any visa applications.1 1 Employees must reside in California while employed with the SOCCCD.1 1 California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System : 1 A California Public Employees Retirement System ("CalPERS") retiree may not accept employment as a CalPERS retired annuitant (i.e., "extra help" or "interim or acting for a vacant position") with the SOCCCD until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting employment in a position that qualifies for membership in CalPERS with the SOCCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.1 1 Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the SOCCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS.1 1 Disability Accommodations : 1 If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling (949) 582-4850 or sending an e-mail to hrinfodesk@socccd.edu .1 1 Attendance Requirement : 1 All SOCCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.1 1 Campus Crime and Safety Awareness : 1 Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at www.ivc.edu or www.saddleback.edu . Paper copies are available in the Human Resources office upon request.1 1 Non-Discrimination Notice : 1 The SOCCCD provides access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, military and veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.1 1 California Fair Chance Act : 1 The SOCCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the SOCCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.1 1 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access : 1 The SOCCCD is looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community. 1 1 The SOCCCD is committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed in their classes and as such, to eliminating institutional barriers that disproportionately impact students of color. Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment where students, staff, and faculty from diverse backgrounds can thrive academically and professionally.1 1 Irvine Valley College (IVC) serves approximately 21,584 students, reflecting a rich diversity: 41% Asian, 2% Black/African-American, 21% Hispanic/Latino, 8% Southwest Asian and North African, 5% two or more races, and 21% White in Fall 2024. 1 1 Similarly, Saddleback College (SC) serves around 25,789 students, with demographics showing 12% Asian, 2% Black/African-American, 29% Hispanic/Latino, 5% two or more races, and 47% White in Fall 2024.1 1 These numbers underscore the importance of our commitment to eliminating equity gaps across all student demographics through implementing dynamic, student-centered practices and policies. To support the academic and career success of our diverse student body, we seek a candidate who will actively contribute to our mission of inclusivity and support. The ideal candidate's values will align with SOCCCD's goals for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO).1 1 Equal Employment Opportunity : 1 The District is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and providing a workplace that is compliant and free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants are evaluated for employment without regard to ethnicity or race, color, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, age, veteran status, political or organizational affiliation, or any other protected characteristic in compliance with federal and California law.1 1 THE SOCCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER