Career Readiness and Corporate Partnerships Coordinator

Tennessee State University invites applications for the Career Readiness and Corporate Partnerships Coordinator for the College of Business. This role serves as a key driver of the College of Business’s mission to prepare students for successful careers and workforce leadership.

About the role

Reporting to the Dean, this position develops strategic partnerships with employers, alumni, and community organizations to expand internships, experiential learning opportunities, mentoring, and career pathways for students. The Coordinator collaborates with faculty, staff, University Advancement, Career Services, and Enrollment Management to strengthen employer engagement, enhance student recruitment and retention, support fundraising initiatives, and improve graduate career outcomes. The position plays a central role in ensuring that students graduate career-ready, with the professional skills, experiences, and industry connections needed for success.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain partnerships with corporations, employers, alumni, foundations, and community organizations to create career opportunities for students.
• Expand internship, co-op, job shadowing, mentorship, and experiential learning opportunities that enhance students’ career readiness and employability.
• Coordinate employer engagement initiatives, including career fairs, networking events, employer information sessions, on-campus recruiting, and industry-focused programming.
• Collaborate with faculty to integrate career readiness competencies, professional development activities, and experiential learning opportunities into the student experience.
• Advise and support students in career exploration, internship placement, professional networking, resume development, interview preparation, and career planning.
• Promote student participation in internships, certifications, professional competitions, leadership development programs, and other high-impact practices valued by employers.
• Assist with undergraduate and graduate recruitment, outreach, persistence, and retention efforts by showcasing career pathways and student success outcomes.
• Support fundraising and sponsorship initiatives that provide resources for student career development, scholarships, professional development activities, and experiential learning opportunities.
• Foster alumni engagement through mentoring programs, employer partnerships, guest lectures, networking events, and student support initiatives.
• Collect, analyze, and maintain data related to internships, job placement, employer engagement, student outcomes, partnerships, and fundraising activities to support strategic planning, accreditation, and continuous improvement.
• Represent the College at employer, recruitment, alumni, community, and professional events to strengthen the College’s reputation and expand career opportunities for students.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field.
• 1-3 years of professional experience in higher education, corporate relations, fundraising, recruitment, career services, student success, or a related field.
• Effective communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience working in higher education or with corporate and community partnerships.
• Experience coordinating career development, internships, alumni engagement, or fundraising initiatives.
• Familiarity with AACSB accreditation standards and student success initiatives.

Benefits

Tennessee State University offers eligible employees a competitive benefits package that includes annual leave (vacation), sick leave, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, flexible benefits plans and more.

Employment is contingent upon successfully completing a criminal background check as mandated by Tennessee State University. Official transcripts for positions which require a post-secondary undergraduate degree, advanced degree and/or certification must be presented upon hire.