Project​/Program Specialist

Please note:

all position postings close at 12:00 A.M. CST on the position closing date, and A-State participates in E-Verify.

Project/Program Specialist Working Title Career Counselor Position #
P00645 Department Delta Ctr for Economic Development

The Project/Program Specialist will play a pivotal role in recruiting, coaching, and supporting students participating in the Career Readiness Employment and Skills Training (CREST) program. CREST is a grant‑funded workforce development initiative jointly developed by Arkansas State University (A-State), ASU‑Newport, and Arkansas Northeastern College to prepare high school students, adult learners, under‑employed individuals, and incumbent workers for high‑demand careers in advanced automated manufacturing, food processing, and steel production.

The position provides individualized and group coaching to develop career readiness skills, strengthen employability, and support successful completion of CREST training pathways. The specialist delivers holistic, proactive support from initial recruitment through program completion, ensuring students are well‑prepared to transition into the regional workforce.

• Provide one‑on‑one and group career coaching to prospective students and scholarship recipients, focusing on career exploration, pathway planning, job readiness, and employment preparation.
• Assist students in developing professional resumes, cover letters, and business communications aligned with industry expectations.
• Develop and implement effective coaching strategies to help students overcome employment‑related challenges and navigate their career paths.
• Conduct mock interviews, business writing (including emails and cover letters), and help create individual job search strategies.
• Monitor student progress throughout training programs, proactively addressing challenges that may impact persistence and completion.
• Help students in accessing and utilizing their Handshake accounts and other career platforms.
• Collaborate with faculty, advisors, and career services to ensure coordinated and comprehensive career development support.

• Conduct outreach presentations to high schools, community partners, and industry employees to promote CREST programs and training opportunities.
• Support recruitment events, information sessions, and on‑site employer visits to generate program interest and enroll qualified participants.

• Build and maintain relationships with advanced manufacturing, food processing, and steel production employers to understand workforce needs and create student employment pathways.
• Coordinate employer information sessions, job-site tours, and work‑based learning opportunities aligned with CREST training pathways.
• Support day‑of logistics for employer and high school engagement events and program activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of higher education and career development initiatives such as student activities programming, student leadership development skills and organizational management.
• Knowledge of current regulations governing recruitment, affirmative action and equal employment opportunity and their impact upon collegiate career development recruiting programs.
• Knowledge of federal regulations regarding the administration of Job Location and Development Program and Federal Work Study Program.
• Knowledge of career development theories and proficiency in career counseling as demonstrated by advanced education and supervised counseling experiences.
• Ability to collaborate across complex teams both internally and externally.
• Ability to coordinate and lead special projects associated with collegiate career development and the implementation of such to constituents.

Monday - Friday
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Additional hours as needed
Regular and reliable attendance

An earned Bachelor’s Degree in a related field
One (1) to two (2) years of experience in a field working as a career coach, counselor, or similar role