Career Connection Coordinator

Are you a highly organized communicator who enjoys building relationships and coordinating events? Junior Achievement of Central Illinois is hiring a part-time Career Connection Coordinator to support the planning and execution of career exploration expos and workforce readiness initiatives across Central Illinois. From coordinating exhibitors and volunteers to supporting schools and community partners, this role is ideal for someone who excels at organization, customer service, and bringing people together to create impactful experiences for thousands of students. If you're passionate about helping young people explore future career opportunities while strengthening connections between education and industry, we'd love to hear from you!

Title: Career Connection Coordinator

Area: Junior Achievement of Central Illinois

Reports to: Community & Workforce Development Director, Program Director

Status: Part-Time, Hourly

Impact

The Career Connection Coordinator provides logistical and relationship management support for regional career exploration expos. This position plays a key role in recruiting and supporting exhibitors, volunteers, and educational partners while ensuring events run smoothly from planning through execution.
This is a part-time position averaging 25 hours per week. A significant portion of the position involves persistent communication, outreach, customer service, and in-person event support.

Primary Responsibilities:

Event Coordination
• Assist with planning and execution of career expos and student career awareness events, ranging in size from 250-4,000 students in various locations throughout Central Illinois
• Coordinate exhibitor registration, event logistics, scheduling, and communications
• Support event setup, breakdown, and on-site operations
• Track deadlines, deliverables, and event timelines
• Troubleshoot challenges and identify solutions in real time during events with the support of the Community & Workforce Development Director and Program Director
• Support other JA programs and events as needed or directed

Relationship Management
• Serve as a point of contact for sponsors, employers, volunteers, schools, and community partners
• Build and maintain positive relationships with business and education partners
• Support sponsor fulfillment and ensure a high-quality experience for participating organizations
• Communicate clearly and professionally with diverse stakeholders

Volunteer & Educator Support
• Coordinate volunteer recruitment, scheduling, training, and event-day support
• Work with educators and school districts to facilitate student participation
• Assist in developing event materials and communications for schools and volunteers
• Assist in implementation of career exploration curriculum alongside expos

Administrative Support
• Maintain accurate records, participant databases, and event documentation
• Track registrations, attendance, and event metrics
• Assist with post-event evaluations and reporting

Qualifications (required)

• 1-3 years of experience in education, hospitality, or administrative support
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
• Ability to manage multiple events and deadlines simultaneously
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and event management tools/CRM systems
• Availability for occasional evening events

Work Environment & Physical Demands:
• Hybrid schedule available
• Must be able to travel throughout Central Illinois (valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required)
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required
• Ability to stand/walk for extended periods, lift up to 30 lbs

Qualifications (desired)

• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in Education, Communications, Marketing, or related area
• Experience in workforce development
• Knowledge of the Central Illinois business and philanthropic community
• Experience working with volunteers and boards