Education Specialist

Department:
Academic Resource Center - Student Development

Locations:
Boston, MA

Posted:
Jun 5, 2026

Closes:
Open Until Filled

Type:
Full-time

Salary Type:
Annually

Salary Range: $46,000.00 - $46,000.00

Position ID: 201250

Founded in 1873, having celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023, Massachusetts College of Art and Design (Mass Art), is the nation's first and only independent, free-standing public college of art and design in the country. Mass Art is an inclusive community of thinkers, doers, makers, educators, innovators and leaders striving to shape the future through art and design. We've spent 150 years demonstrating the truly amazing things that happen when a world-class art and design education is an option for every deserving student.

Located in Boston's hub of arts and culture along the Avenue of the Arts, Mass Art enrolls 2,000 students and offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in 18 disciplines, as well as continuing education and youth programs.

Mass Art strives to be a model of diversity and inclusion; the campus community reflects the layers of cultural and self-identity that proudly make up our region, nation, and world. We build effective partnerships with co-workers throughout the College by freely sharing appropriate information and providing assistance to all and maintain an environment that is welcoming to persons of all backgrounds, nationalities, and roles.

Position Overview

The Employment Specialist is a dual-impact role focused on both community employment and classroom support. You will work directly with students to overcome barriers to employment by identifying interests, assessing work skills, and developing individualized workplace support. You will be the bridge between our talented students and the local business community, fostering inclusive hiring practices and ensuring long-term job retention.

Salary: $46,000 annually

Hours per week: 30 hours

Supervision Exercised: Supervise and mentor student peer mentors and Aspire program participants.

Key Responsibilities

Job Development & Employer Relations

• Build and maintain a network of employer partnerships to identify and create job opportunities.
• Utilize "job carving" and creation strategies to match student skills with business needs.
• Educate employers on job accommodations, workplace support, and the benefits of an inclusive workforce.
• Represent Aspire at community events, chambers of commerce, and resource fairs.

Student Support & Transition

• Provide direct vocational counseling, skill training, and travel training.
• Help students develop professional resumes, portfolios, and self-management strategies.
• Facilitate the transition into permanent employment by developing "natural support" within the workplace.
• Manage weekly student schedules and facilitate supervision meetings.

Case Management and Data

• Coordination:
  Ensure seamless service delivery by coordinating with state agencies, community organizations, and families.
• Record Keeping:
  Maintain detailed records, including case notes, progress reports, and employment history.
• Data Management:
  Collect and manage data necessary for program evaluation and administrative requirements.

On-Campus Student Support

• General Support:
  Provide person-centered support to students while on campus at Mass Art.
• Classroom:
  Attend classes with students to provide cues for appropriate classroom etiquette and promote engagement.
• Academic:
  Assist students with time management, organization, work skills, and meeting course audit requirements.
• Navigation:
  Help students navigate the campus and connect with university resources.
  1
• Social:
  Facilitate introductions to peers, faculty, and campus resources while students are in class

Leadership

• Contribute to program improvements and participate in selected committees.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor's Degree required.
• Experience:
  
  2-5 years of experience providing services to individuals with disabilities.
• Mobility:
  Ability to travel throughout Greater Boston and Eastern Massachusetts.
• Flexibility:
  Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings/weekends, to meet participant needs.
• Physical:
  Ability to…