Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
Penn State Brandywine’s Advising and Career Development office invites applications for a Career Development Specialist, a key role dedicated to supporting students’ career growth from matriculation through graduation. We seek a professional who brings energy, diligence, resourcefulness, and genuine care to helping students explore career pathways, build professional skills, and pursue meaningful opportunities.
The specialist serves as the primary campus contact for all career-related services, including one-on-one coaching, document review, classroom presentations, and campus-wide events and programming. In close collaboration with faculty and staff, the specialist ensures that Brandywine students can fully access and benefit from the University’s career development resources.
This position may offer a flexible work arrangement that blends remote and on-campus work. Questions about flexible work options can be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
Key Responsibilities
Provide career coaching and counseling to students and alumni: assess goals, skills, and interests; support exploration of graduate school options, career pathways, and employment opportunities; guide the development of résumés, cover letters, and other professional materials.
Design, coordinate, and facilitate workshops and programs that support career exploration and skill-building—delivered independently, in partnership with staff and faculty (especially internship coordinators), or in collaboration with University Career Services.
Collect, track, and analyze data to assess the impact of career development activities and student outcomes; use findings to strengthen programming.
Represent the campus at recruitment events and engage with community organizations to build networks and identify career opportunities for students.
Communicate regularly with the Brandywine community about career-related events, internships, employment opportunities, and partnerships.
Crosstrain with academic advising staff to support new student advising.
Supervise and mentor student employees, including hiring, training, and ongoing development.
Competencies for Success
Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Strong problem-solving abilities and organizational skills.
Demonstrated capacity to manage multiple priorities effectively.
High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Application Instructions
For full consideration, applicants must submit a cover letter and resume with their application.
Campus Information
Penn State Brandywine – a thriving residential campus – is located on 112 acres, 20 miles west of center city Philadelphia. Penn State Brandywine alumni are part of Penn State’s worldwide 700,000+ alumni network. We offer 14 major programs, six of which require internships for graduation. Penn State Brandywine is located in Media, PA, a popular suburb of Philadelphia, named one of the best places to live in Pennsylvania. Media is just 20 minutes from the Philadelphia Main Line and 45 minutes to center city. As a staff member at Penn State Brandywine, you will enjoy access to the arts, entertainment, sports, State Parks, Arboretums, restaurants, nightlife, and community events of the greater Philadelphia region while working alongside talented individuals from all walks of professional life.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $51,000.00 - $74,000.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.