Career Readiness & Student Development Manage

Bethany College

Lindsborg, Kansas

Bethany College

PLEASE INCLUDE A RESUME AND A COVER LETTER FOR CONSIDERATION FOR THIS POSITION.

CAREER READINESS & STUDENT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

FLSA Status:

HOURLY, NON-EXEMPT

Department: Student Affairs

Reports to: Director of Student Life for day-to-day operations and Dean of Student Affairs for strategic direction

Positions Managed: Student workers

Why Bethany:

Rooted in our Lutheran heritage and the transformative power of the liberal arts, Bethany prepares students to lead lives of purpose, leadership, creativity, and service in a complex and changing world. Located in Lindsborg, Kansas-affectionately known as "Little Sweden" and celebrated for its vibrant arts community-Bethany offers a close-knit environment where faculty and staff know students by name and mentor them in a highly personalized setting.

Education at Bethany is rooted in intellectual discovery and a deep sense of belonging, equipping students to think critically, lead ethically, and serve with purpose. As a small, private, rural college, Bethany plays an essential role in renewing civic life, expanding opportunity, and fostering community revitalization. We believe in the value of personalized liberal arts education, the power of community, and the promise of rural America.

At Bethany, you'll have the opportunity to inspire the next generation while contributing to the cultural and academic life of our campus and region as we prepare students to make meaningful contributions to the world.

At Bethany, you'll have the opportunity to inspire the next generation while contributing to the cultural and academic life of our campus and region as we prepare students to make meaningful contributions to the world.

About Bethany College:

Founded in 1881, Bethany College is a dynamic liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas-known as "Little Sweden U.S.A." Bethany provides a transformative educational experience grounded in faith, learning, and community. The College is dedicated to cultivating leaders who serve and inspire through integrity, creativity, and purpose.

Position Overview:

Under general supervision, the Career Readiness & Student Development Manager independently performs a broad range of career services and student development duties in support of Bethany College's mission. This position is responsible for developing and assessing career-readiness initiatives, building employer and community partnerships, supporting student employment processes, overseeing student organization operations, and creating leadership and mentorship opportunities to enhance student success and post-collegiate readiness.

Essential Functions:

Career Services

• Develop, implement, and assess Career Services programs, events, and initiatives aligned with Bethany College's mission and student success goals.
• Advise students individually and in small groups on career exploration, resumes and cover letters, job and internship search strategies, and graduate school preparation.
• Manage the Handshake platform, including job approvals, employer relationships, student data, and platform best practices.
• Educate students on use of Handshake for on-campus and off-campus employment opportunities.
• Coordinate with Human Resources and Work Study Supervisors to support efficient student worker hiring and onboarding processes in the HRIS.
• Identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with employers, industry partners, alumni, and graduate programs aligned with Bethany's academic offerings and student goals.
• Facilitate employer campus visits, career fairs, information sessions, and internship/job posting opportunities.
• Collaborate with faculty, academic departments, alumni, and external partners to identify workforce trends, partnership opportunities, and student employment needs.
• Represent Bethany College as an ambassador for student talent, career development, and employer engagement.

Student Development

• Oversee registration, training, and ongoing support for registered student organizations.
• Collect and maintain student organization documentation, including reports, meeting minutes, and related records.
• Plan and execute programming that connects students with campus engagement opportunities.
• Manage the Campus Groups platform in coordination with the vendor representative, including page development, event review, and approval processes.
• Administer the co-curricular assessment process in coordination with the Dean of Students and serve as the Student Affairs representative on the assessment committee.
• Use assessment data and outcomes to improve student involvement programming and demonstrate institutional impact.
• Design and facilitate leadership development programs, workshops, and retreats that strengthen students' professional and interpersonal skills.
• Develop and oversee a structured mentorship program using a dedicated mentorship platform to connect students with peer and professional mentors.

General Student Affairs Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain 40 office hours per week in the Office of Student Affairs.
• Provide leadership through conduct, attitude, and professionalism that reflects positively on the Division of Student Affairs and Bethany College.
• Understand and apply College policies and procedures appropriately; recommend policy and procedural improvements when needed.
• Help ensure student safety and appropriate handling of confidential College information.
• Function as an active and collaborative member of the Division of Student Affairs and assist with departmental activities as needed.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other areas to cover absences or provide relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Human Resources, Business, Communications, or a related field.
• Experience in career services, student affairs, workforce development, or a related higher education or corporate environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships with employers, industry partners, or external constituents.
• Proficiency with career management or student engagement platforms such as Handshake, Campus Groups, or similar systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present to diverse audiences.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and communicate data to inform programming and institutional decision-making.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to handle confidential information appropriately and exercise sound judgment.
• Excellent grammar, spelling, and writing abilities
• Microsoft Office, computer knowledge, and knowledge of office equipment
• Ability to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences, including students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, administration, and the community-at-large
• Highly motivated and works well both independently and in a team environment

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Counseling, Human Resources, or a related field, or equivalent related experience.
• Familiarity with HRIS systems and student employee onboarding processes.
• Experience managing or administering a mentorship platform such as PushFar or similar.
• Knowledge of employer relations, talent acquisition strategies, or corporate partnership development.
• Experience facilitating leadership development workshops, retreats, or co-curricular programming.
• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus, or some knowledge of the Spanish language is a plus

Key Qualities of a Successful Candidate:

• Relationship builder who connects effectively with students, faculty, employers, alumni, and community partners.
• Student-centered professional committed to student growth, belonging, and success.
• Self-starter who identifies needs, develops programs, and drives results with minimal oversight.
• Adaptable team member comfortable wearing multiple hats in a fast-paced small college environment.
• Data-informed thinker who uses outcomes to improve programs and demonstrate impact.
• Collaborative partner who works effectively across departments and with external stakeholders.
• Ambassador for Bethany College who represents the institution and its students with professionalism and enthusiasm.
• Detail-oriented professional who manages platforms, records, events, and communications accurately.

Working Conditions:

• This is a full-time, non-exempt, 12-month, at-will position.
• The position generally requires approximately 40 hours per week to complete job responsibilities satisfactorily.
• Some evenings and weekends are required.
• Work is performed primarily in an office and campus environment with regular interaction with students, faculty, staff, employers, and community partners.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and retirement plans
• Generous vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Tuition remission benefits
• Professional Development Funds
• Possible Relocation Assistance
• Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth
• Supportive, mission-driven community and a beautiful campus environment

How to Apply:

• Apply online at Employment
• Submit resume and cover letter

EEO:

Bethany College, an institution of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

This policy reflects Bethany College's mission to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. This commitment to equal employment opportunities strengthens our community and enhances our ability to fulfill our educational mission.