Handshake & Career Engagement Coordinator in Fairfield, Iowa at Maharishi International University

Position Summary:

The Handshake & Career Engagement Coordinator works across Handshake, the university's online platform for career opportunities, employer engagement, and student career development, as well as communications and outreach initiatives that connect students with employers, experiential learning opportunities, and Career Center services.

This position serves as the primary operational lead for Handshake administration, career engagement campaigns, and communication efforts that support student success. The coordinator collaborates closely with Career Center leadership to ensure that students, employers, faculty, and staff have access to current information, effective resources, and meaningful career development support.

Essential Responsibilities:

Communication, Content Development and Storytelling (35%) - Create the Message

• Coordinate communications, calendars and outreach schedules.
• Develop written content, graphics, and promotional materials.
• Showcase student success stories and employer partnerships.
• Maintain consistency across communication efforts.

Handshake Administration (25%) - Manage the Platform

• Serve as a primary administrator of the Handshake platform.
• Maintain employer, student, and system information as appropriate.
• Monitor system functionality and coordinate with campus partners regarding platform needs.
• Assist with implementation of Handshake features, updates, and best practices.
• Support employer engagement and event promotion within the platform.
• Generate reports and usage data as requested.

Student Engagement Marketing (20%) - Promote Opportunities and Engage Students

• Develop and implement marketing campaigns that promote career opportunities and Career Center services.
• Create content for Handshake and related communication channels.
• Develop messaging that increases student awareness and engagement.
• Coordinate promotion of workshops, career fairs, employer recruiting activities, and special programs.

Data, Assessment, Strategic Planning & Project Coordination (20%) - Measure, Improve, Coordinate & Support Future Efforts

• Monitor student engagement, communication effectiveness, and Handshake usage trends.
• Analyze participation metrics and platform data to identify opportunities for improved outreach and engagement.
• Prepare reports, recommendations, and data-informed insights to support Career Center planning and decision making.
• Collaborate with Career Center leadership on communication priorities, engagement strategies, and special initiatives.
• Coordinate marketing projects and cross-functional efforts that support student career engagement.
• Assist in training and supporting student workers involved in outreach, communications, and marketing activities.
• Serve as a liaison between Career Center operations, communications, and technology resources to support effective implementation of initiatives.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Approximately 2 years of experience in marketing, communications, student engagement, career services, higher education administration, or related fields.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience coordinating multiple projects and deadlines.
• Demonstrated technical aptitude and ability to learn new software systems.
• Experience using digital communication platforms and online tools.

Preferred:

• 3+ years of professional experience in marketing, communications, student services, career services, higher education, or related fields.
• Experience managing social media or digital engagement campaigns.
• Experience with higher education technology platforms, CRM systems, or student engagement tools.
• Experience creating and analyzing communication metrics.
• Experience coordinating student employees, interns, or project teams.
• Familiarity with Handshake or similar career services technology platforms.

Additional Information:

Training and professional development resources, including Handshake Academy, are available to support successful use of the Handshake platform.