For more than 160 years, Rockford Career College has been dedicated to helping students build meaningful careers through practical training and career-focused education. Located in Rockford, Illinois, our institution is built on a foundation of integrity, accountability, and excellence, and we are committed to providing a supportive, student-centered environment where individuals can achieve their goals.
As a Career Services Advisor, you will play an essential role in connecting education with employment. You will work directly with students and graduates to prepare them for career opportunities while developing strong partnerships with employers seeking skilled, entry-level talent. From career coaching and resume development to employer outreach and job placement support, your work will directly contribute to graduate outcomes and the continued success of our college. If you enjoy helping others succeed, building professional relationships, and making a tangible difference in people's career journeys, this is an opportunity to put your talents to work!
Position Overview
The Admissions Advisor manages the full admissions lifecycle—from initial inquiry through enrollment. As a primary point of contact for prospective students, this role involves guiding individuals through the decision-making process, helping them explore career aspirations, evaluate program options, and confidently begin their educational journey.
This position requires a consultative mindset, strong relationship-building abilities, and a commitment to ethical recruitment practices. The ideal candidate is an effective communicator who listens carefully, provides thoughtful guidance, and is passionate about helping students make informed decisions about their future.
Key Responsibilities:
Graduate Career Coaching & Employment Support
- Provide individualized career coaching and employment guidance to graduates as they navigate the job search process
- Proactively market qualified graduates to employers and connect candidates with relevant employment opportunities
- Coach graduates on resume development, interviewing techniques, networking strategies, and professional workplace expectations
- Maintain ongoing communication with graduates to monitor employment progress, provide guidance, and support successful career transitions
- Accurately document, track, and verify graduate employment outcomes in accordance with institutional and applicable accrediting requirements
Student Career Readiness & Development
- Prepare students for the transition from education to employment through engaging career development workshops, presentations, and one-on-one guidance
- Assist students with developing professional resumes, cover letters, and other employment-related materials
- Conduct student exit interviews and assess career readiness to identify individual support needs
- Coordinate externship opportunities that provide valuable, hands-on experience in students' chosen fields
- Build relationships with externship partners and identify opportunities for successful transitions into permanent employment
Employer Partnerships & Workforce Development
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with local and regional employers to expand employment opportunities for graduates
- Identify workforce needs and generate qualified job leads aligned with graduates' education, training, and career goals
- Proactively promote the college's programs and qualified graduates to prospective employers
- Serve as a responsive, professional resource for employers seeking entry-level talent
- Solicit employer feedback to identify opportunities to strengthen academic programs, curriculum relevance, and graduate preparedness
- Develop and maintain an organized, comprehensive employer database and document employer engagement activities
- Coordinate and support Professional Advisory Committee meetings and related employer engagement initiatives.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Psychology, Business, or a related field preferred
- Two years of professional experience in career services, recruiting, staffing, human resources, workforce development, business development, sales, or a related field preferred
- Equivalent combinations of education, training, and relevant professional experience will be considered
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with students, graduates, and business leaders
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to establish productive, lasting professional relationships
- A proactive, service-oriented approach with a genuine interest in helping others achieve career success
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and consistent follow-through
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and meet deadlines in a fastpaced environment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Experience with Campus Nexus or a similar student information system is a plus.
Compensation & Benefits
Annual Salary: $45,000 – $55,000 (commensurate with experience)
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, and Personal Time
- Birthday Day Off
- 401(k) Plan with Company Match
- Employee Assistance Program
- Professional Development and Tuition Assistance for internal academic programs
Rockford Career College is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE/M/F/D/V/SO).