Coordinator of Career Readiness at John A. Logan College – Carterville, Illinois

The Coordinator of Career Readiness coordinates and supports the College’s career readiness programs, including internships and registered apprenticeship opportunities, to advance student employment outcomes. The position applies professional judgment to support students and employer partners, coordinate program activities, and ensure effective delivery of career services and work-based learning opportunities in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Education & Experience Requirements

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Workforce Development, Business, Human Resources, Education, Administration, or a related field required. An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered.

Experience

Two to four years of progressively responsible experience coordinating programs, services, or initiatives related to career readiness, workforce development, employer engagement, or student services.

Preferred Experience

• Experience working in higher education, workforce education, or a community-based organization
• Experience collaborating with employers or external partners
• Familiarity with college programs and curriculum, career pathways, or work-based learning models
• Experience using an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system or student information system, preferred

Essential Functions

Information Management

• Maintain accurate and complete records related to student participation, program requirements, coursework, employer partnerships, financial documentation, and reporting needs to support career readiness and apprenticeship programs.
• Gather, organize, and update student, employer, and program data across required systems and formats to support program operations and reporting.

Communication & Stakeholder Interaction

• Communicate with students, faculty, workforce education staff, employers, community partners, and regulatory entities to share program information, coordinate activities, and respond to inquiries.
• Support employer and community engagement efforts by facilitating communication related to internships, apprenticeships, and work-based learning opportunities.

Process & Workflow Management

• Support and follow established processes for career readiness, internship, and apprenticeship program operations to ensure consistent, timely, and efficient service delivery.
• Assist with documenting workflows, timelines, and program requirements related to career readiness and work-based learning activities.

Technology & Systems Utilization

• Use enterprise systems, databases, and digital tools to track student participation, manage program data, and support reporting requirements.
• Assist with troubleshooting routine system or data issues related to career readiness and apprenticeship records in accordance with established procedures.

Coordination & Project Management

• Coordinate career readiness pathways, including internships, registered and non-registered apprenticeships, and work-based learning opportunities, in alignment with academic programs and regional workforce needs.
• Support the coordination of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs by aligning activities with curriculum, credentials, and degree pathways in collaboration with faculty and academic leadership.
• Coordinate career-related events, workshops, presentations, and outreach activities that support student employment readiness.

Problem-Solving & Decision-Making

• Identify routine program or participant issues and apply professional judgment to determine appropriate solutions within established policies and procedures.
• Escalate complex issues to appropriate leadership or partners while supporting resolution and continuity of program operations.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Support compliance for registered and non-registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs by maintaining required documentation and assisting with regulatory and reporting requirements.
• Monitor program participation and outcomes, including enrollment, retention, completion, and employment placement, to support quality assurance and continuous improvement efforts.

Decision-Making Authority

The Coordinator of Career Readiness exercises independent professional judgment in coordinating day-to-day career-readiness, internship, and apprenticeship program activities within established college policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. The position is authorized to make routine operational decisions related to scheduling, coordinating activities, communicating with students and external partners, tracking data, maintaining records, and resolving routine program or participant issues to ensure effective service delivery.

Decisions involving policy interpretation, regulatory determinations, budget authority, contractual commitments, staffing decisions, or significant programmatic changes are referred to the supervisor or appropriate college leadership for review and approval.

Non-Essential functions of the position

• Assist with special projects or initiatives related to career readiness, workforce development, or institutional priorities as assigned.
• Provide backup support for related career services or workforce education activities during peak periods or staff absences.
• Participate in committees, workgroups, or professional development activities that support continuous improvement of career readiness and workforce programs.
• Support pilot programs, grant-funded initiatives, or temporary projects related to internships, apprenticeships, or employer engagement.
• Assist with the preparation of marketing or informational materials for career readiness programs as requested.
• Perform other related duties consistent with the scope and responsibilities of the position as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge

• Knowledge of career readiness practices, including internships, apprenticeships, work-based learning, and employment pathways.
• Knowledge of workforce development principles, labor market trends, and education-to-employment alignment.
• Knowledge of higher education or workforce education environments, including student services, academic programs, and employer partnerships.
• Knowledge of applicable policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements related to apprenticeship or work-based learning programs.
• Knowledge of equity-focused practices that support diverse student populations, including adult learners, first-generation students, and underrepresented groups.

Skills

• Skill in coordinating programs and activities involving multiple stakeholders, timelines, and requirements.
• Skill in written and verbal communication to effectively share information with students, faculty, employers, and community partners.
• Skill in organizing and maintaining records, data, and documentation across systems and formats.
• Skill in using enterprise systems, databases, and digital tools to track participation, maintain records, and support reporting.
• Skill in planning and coordinating events, workshops, or outreach activities related to career readiness or workforce engagement.
• Skill in analyzing basic data and labor market information to support program alignment and improvement.

Abilities

• Ability to apply professional judgment to coordinate work, prioritize tasks, and resolve routine issues within established policies and procedures.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners to support shared program goals.
• Ability to support students’ career development by explaining pathways, requirements, and opportunities clearly and accurately.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining attention to detail.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, regulations, or workforce needs while maintaining consistent program operations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.

Personal Attributes

• Demonstrates a student-centered and service-oriented approach when supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Exhibits professional integrity and accountability in handling sensitive information, program requirements, and stakeholder relationships.
• Demonstrates collaboration and approachability when working with faculty, staff, employers, and community partners.
• Shows initiative and follow-through in coordinating program activities, managing responsibilities, and meeting deadlines.
• Applies sound judgment and adaptability when responding to changing priorities, program needs, or regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrates attention to detail and organization in managing records, processes, and multiple concurrent activities.
• Maintains a commitment to equity, inclusion, and continuous improvement in supporting student success and workforce readiness.

The following documents must be submitted with the application:

• Resume
• All college transcripts
• Any relevant licenses or certifications
• Three references

John A. Logan College offers a variety of benefits to employees. These benefits include, but are not limited to:

• State Universities Retirement System (SURS)
• Health, vision, and dental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off (personal, vacation, and sick)
• Paid holidays
• JALC tuition waiver after 6 months of employment

Interested? Complete an application and submit the items listed above. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 618-985-2828, extension 8912, or by emailing humanresources@jalc.edu.

JALC Mission: “To enrich lives through learning and community engagement.”

John A. Logan College is an equal-opportunity employer. John A. Logan does not discriminate in employment with regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status, or unfavorable discharge from military service or any other characteristic protected by law.