Entry Level Economic Development Jobs in Tennessee

The Career Development Coordinator facilitates CECS students' transition from college to professional careers by providing individualized career coaching, professional development programming, employer engagement opportunities, recruitment events, and outcome tracking. This position partners with students, faculty, staff, alums, and employers to enhance career readiness and expand internship, co-op, and full-time, entry-level employment opportunities.

The coordinator serves as the CECS subject matter expert for Handshake and related career development platforms, oversees First Destination Survey data collection and tracking  for the college, and develops strategies that empower students to manage their career exploration and job search efforts actively.

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is in the heart of one of Tennessee's largest and most dynamic cities. As a national model for metropolitan universities, UTC collaborates with its many regional partners to offer an experiential learning environment with outstanding teaching scholars in 128 undergraduate degree programs and 55 graduate programs-at both the master's and doctoral levels. UTC and Chattanooga-nationally recognized for its downtown redevelopment and wealth of outdoor recreation-are inextricably linked, and the University is central to the workforce and economic development efforts of the region and the state.

Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Engineering and Computer Science; Health, Education and Professional Studies; and the Honors College are home to an array of award-winning programs from Nursing to Computer Science, Entrepreneurship to Veteran Student Support. Innovation is a strategic focus, and UTC research and development in smart city technology is an industry leader. UTC is the first and only university in the country with access to a managed, commercial quantum computing network, and we are introducing an artificial intelligence initiative involving entities across campus and engaging partners throughout the region. 

From our deep ties to the city of Chattanooga to our national reputation for innovation and hands-on learning, UTC stands out as a university where students thrive, faculty inspire, and partnerships create real impact.

Required

• Bachelor's degree
• Experience in career services, career counseling, human resources, recruiting, workforce development, higher education, or a related field
• Experience developing and delivering presentations, workshops, or training programs
• Experience building relationships with various stakeholders
• Experience collecting, managing, or reporting data
• Event coordination experience

Preferred

• Two (2) or more years of experience in university career services, career counseling, recruiting, human resources, or workforce development
• Experience managing events, career fairs, workshops, or employer engagement programs
• Experience with Handshake, Qualtrics, Canvas, or similar platforms
• Experience developing employer partnerships
• Experience developing partnerships with faculty members
• Experience utilizing social media and digital communication tools for outreach and engagement

Work Location

• University of Tennessee at Chattanooga - Chattanooga, TN
• Fully on-site position with occasional evening and weekend responsibilities associated with events and employer engagement activities. 

Compensation and Benefits

• UT Market Range: MR07
• Hiring Salary: $47,250 - $50,000
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure
• Find more information on UT Benefits

Career Advising & Student Support

• Provides individual and drop-in career coaching for undergraduate students
• Guides undergraduate students through career exploration, major selection, internship and employment searches, graduate school preparation, resume development, and interview preparation
• Assists undergraduate students in developing and implementing individualized career action plans
• Utilizes career assessments, inventories, and technology-enabled interventions to support career decision-making
• Monitors student progress and provides follow-up coaching to support achievement of career goals

Career Programming & Event Management

• Plans, coordinates, and evaluates career-related workshops, employer information sessions, recruitment events, company site visits, career fairs, and other professional development programs
• Develops presentations, handouts, and educational materials to support undergraduate student success
• Analyzes program outcomes and participation data to support continuous improvement efforts
• Collaborates with CECS initiatives that promote undergraduate student engagement and professional development

Employer Relations & Strategic Partnerships

• Builds and maintains relationships with employers, alums, professional organizations, faculty, and campus partners
• Expands internship, co-op, and employment opportunities for CECS undergraduate students
• Identifies and implements best practices in career development through participation in professional organizations and collaborative initiatives
• Serves as a liaison between employers and the college to support recruitment activities and employer engagement efforts

Data Management & Administrative Operations

• Manages Handshake and other career development systems used by CECS
• Coordinates the annual First Destination Survey process in partnership with central administration, including data collection and tracking
• Maintains employer contact lists, communication platforms, and student engagement tools
• Manages career-related communications, surveys, registrations, and event logistics
• Supports administration of the CECS Co-Op Program and employer-sponsored events

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of career development theories, career readiness competencies, and modern job search strategies
• Knowledge of higher education student services and employer recruitment practices
• Skill in written, verbal, and presentation-based communication
• Strong relationship-building, networking, and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational, event management, and project coordination skills
• Skill in data collection, analysis, and reporting, including use of Excel and related systems
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, alums, and employers
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail
• Ability to conduct business with professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical judgment 

Application Review

Application review will begin July 31, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by the review date.