CAS Career Academies & Engineering Outreach
Job Description

Job Summary:

This position coordinates recruitment, outreach, and retention programming for the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) Career Academies, with dual responsibility for outreach supporting UNK's engineering foundations program. The coordinator facilitates career exploration experiences, builds relationships with K-12 partners, community members, and alumni to advance CAS enrollment and retention goals, while serving as a primary point of contact for participating students, families, and partners across these outreach initiatives.

Coordinate CAS Career Academies

  • Plan, schedule, and coordinate activities, events, and communications for CAS Career Academies, (Behavioral & Mental Health and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)Serve as the primary point of contact for academy participants, families, faculty contributors, and community partners.
  • Develop and implement content and strategies to attract undergraduate students into the CAS academies, coordinating recruitment events, materials, and programming.
  • Manage logistics for career exploration experiences on and off campus, including scheduling, transportation, and partner coordination; transport students using a university passenger van as neededSupport STEM-focused outreach initiatives, including UNK's Science Day, to educate area youth about the sciences.
  • Occasionally lead or co-facilitate select academy activities and accompany students to off-campus experiences.
  • Maintain accurate records, track student participation, and prepare program reports.

Recruitment, Retention, and Advising Support 

  • Counsel prospective engineering students and parents regarding academic and admission requirements in UNK's 2+2 engineering partnership with UNL, assist with inquiries and campus visits, and support current student retention through advising referrals, content, and events in partnership with UNL engineering counterparts.
  • Support UNK's engineering foundations program by assisting with local student internship opportunities and serving as a point of contact between the program and community partners.
  • Support general CAS recruitment activities, campus visit days, open houses, career camps, and learning community activities as needed.

Community and Partner Relations

  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with K-12 school partners, counselors, organizations, and engineering internship sitesRepresent CAS at alumni events, community functions, and regional recruitment fairs, which may occasionally require evening or weekend workIdentify and steward partnerships that expand the reach and impact of the career academies 

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Education, Communication or one of the Arts & Sciences Career Academy disciplines, including fine arts, humanities, behavioral/mental health, and/or STEM fields

  • 2 years of experience in programs, events, or activities for youth or student populations.
  • Valid driver's license and clean driving record; ability and willingness to transport students in a university passenger van
  • Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and written communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and community partners
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and standard database or CRM tools

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 2+ years of experience in K-12 or higher education involving direct work with students
  • Familiarity with College of Arts & Sciences Career Academy disciplines, including humanities, behavioral/mental health, and/or STEM fields
  • Experience with event management, promotion and/or grant management

About Us:

The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) is a public university committed to excellence inteaching, research, and community engagement. As part of the University of Nebraska system, UNKoffers a supportive, student-focused environment with the resources of a larger institution.Located in central Nebraska, UNK serves around 6,000 students and is known for its strongacademics, welcoming campus culture, and dedication to student success. Join a team that valuesinnovation, collaboration, and the power of education to transform lives.
Information at a Glance
Apply now
Req Id:  2426
Campus Name:  University of Nebraska Kearney (UNK)
Org Unit:  Chemistry UNK
Job Location:  Kearney, NE 68847
Application Review Date:  8/18/26
Open Until Filled:  Yes
Advertised Salary:  $46,000
Job Type:  Full-Time
Faculty Appointment: 
Worksite Eligibility:  On-site
Benefits Eligible:  Yes
Apply now
For questions or accommodations related to this position contact:  Janet Eckerson eckersonjm@unk.edu
Special Instructions to Applicant: 

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment.
Posting Start Date:  8/11/26