New

Career Success Specialist

Ferris State University

United States, Michigan, Big Rapids

1201 South State Street (Show on map)

Nov 06, 2026

Position Title:	Career Success Specialist
Location:	Big Rapids (Main Campus)
Department:	61302 - CAPS -Career & Professional Success
Advertised Salary:	$48,232. See Job Summary on details for salary placement. Salary commensurate with education, experience and other requirements, etc.
Benefits:	Comprehensive benefits package (health care, vacation, etc.). Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position. Admin / Admin Temp Benefit Plans
FLSA:	Exempt
Temporary/Continuing:	Temporary
Part-Time/Full-Time:	Full-Time
Union Group:	N/A
Term of Position:	12 Month
At Will/Just Cause:	Just Cause
Summary of Position:	Ferris State's Career and Professional Success is seeking applicants for the Career Success Specialist position within the Division of Student Affairs. The Career Success Specialist provides current student engagement opportunities that support career exploration, job readiness, and transition into the workplace. Work is primarily provided through one-on-one meetings, small groups, classroom presentations, and events. This is a highly collaborative, team-based position that requires strong communication and leadership skills. This position will report to the Director of Career and Professional Success. The Career Success Specialist maintains a visible presence on campus and may work occasional evenings and weekends. This position is primarily in-person. Offers are determined based on a review of the candidate's qualifications, including education, training, experience, and internal pay equity considerations. Placement within the range will generally be based on the following factors: Entry-Range: Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and core requirements of the position. Mid-Range: Candidates with three or more years of directly related professional experience who demonstrate proficiency in the key responsibilities of the role. Upper Range: Candidates with seven or more years of directly related experience, advanced knowledge, specialized skills, certifications, or expertise that provide significant value to the position. Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate's overall qualifications, experience, and alignment with the University's compensation philosophy in consultation with Human Resources. The selected candidate for this position must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire without employer assistance or sponsorship, now or in the future. The University will not assist with any F-1 EADs, OPT, H-1B, etc.
Position Type:	Staff
Required Education:	Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Required Work Experience:	One year of professional experience in a role providing direct support to people.
Required Licenses and Certifications:
Physical Demands:	Office Environment Balancing Bending Carrying Driving Lifting Moving Pulling/Pushing Reaching Standing Twisting
Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered:	Additional Education and/or certifications preferred: Counseling, Social Work, or Education degree. Certified Coach, Global Career Development Facilitator, or any related coaching certification. Additional Work Experience preferred: career coaching, career services, and student support work experience at an educational institution.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:	Conduct Life Design Coaching, which may include providing and interpreting career assessments, career decision-making, career planning, job shadowing, and other support services. Conduct Career Coaching, which may include job search strategies, resume and cover letter development, graduate school preparation, and other support services. Maintain student records, appointments, cases, referrals, and alerts within Navigate in a timely and sensitive manner. Implement workplace essential skills training through high-impact learning experiences for students. Create content and assets, including marketing flyers, university-wide communications, standard operating procedures, storytelling, PowerPoint presentations, and videos. Co-plan signature events, including the Career Success Conference and Expos, Senior Series, and Torchbearer Ceremony. Coordinate events, including vendor contracts, purchasing, reservations, advertising, assessment, and communications. Assist with First Year Peer Coaching program administration, case management, and student support. Manage classroom presentation requests, materials, and presenters, and conduct classroom presentations. Manage and troubleshoot the following technology platforms: 12twenty, Focus2, Forage, and Career Readiness Inventory Technology Management. Maintain current and relevant career knowledge through self-directed professional reading, professional networking, and participation in professional development courses and training. Represent Career and Professional Success at various events, recruitment activities, and information tables. Attend monthly All Student Life Meetings and serve on committees within Student Affairs and the University. Comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Serve as a Campus Security Authority and Responsible Employee as defined by the Clery Act, Title IX, and University policy. Supervise student employees and interns. Operate a university or personal vehicle safely while carrying out job responsibilities. Will authorize, pursuant to university policies and procedures, a driving record check, and will meet the driving authorization requirements through the course of employment in a position where you are authorized to drive a vehicle as part of your duties. Carries out responsibilities in accordance with university policies and applicable laws. Responsible for maintaining confidentiality of information pursuant to university policies and/or state or federal laws. Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically. Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives. Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.
Marginal Duties/Responsibilities:
Skills and Abilities:	Utilize coaching techniques that include appreciative inquiry, self-reflection, and goal setting. Demonstrate knowledge and insight into current trends in career development, career readiness, and occupations. Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, including the ability to develop persuasive resumes and cover letters. Demonstrate excellent communication, teamwork, attention to detail, and follow-through. Demonstrate the ability to plan and coordinate small and large events, including events supported by committees. Demonstrate strong presentation and facilitation skills. Demonstrate the ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a team. Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, socioeconomic, and life experiences.
Required Documents:	Cover Letter Resume Unofficial Transcript 1
Optional Documents:
Special Instructions to Applicants:	Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of unofficial transcript of Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Transcript must include: Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript.
Initial Application Review Date:	11/16/2026
Open Until Position is Filled?:	Yes
Posting Close Date:
EEO Statement:	Ferris State University, an Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to cultivating an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences within its community, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. For more information on the University's Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.
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