The Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA) is a critical part of Michigan’s education system serving the Greater Kalamazoo region and provides specialized services to schools and communities and optimizes resources by centralizing innovative programs and services. We partner with school districts and the broader community to offer essential programs including early childhood education, special education, career learning , and educator development, ensuring that learners of all ages receive the support they need.

KRESA is looking for enthusiastic Career Development Consultants to make a difference in students' career journeys and financial futures. In this role, you’ll not only develop and coordinate impactful experiences for students but also work directly with educators and counselors to support and guide them in delivering these career development opportunities. By providing training, resources, and ongoing support, you’ll empower educators and counselors to help students discover their career passions and prepare for their futures. If you’re a dynamic professional who thrives in a collaborative, growth-oriented environment and are excited to bridge the gap between students, educators, and industry partners, then this is the perfect role for you!

We are currently seeking a Career Development Consultant at Career Connect Downtown in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The essential responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to:

Actively contribute to the development and implementation of student experiences, resources, and planning tools to enhance career awareness, exploration, and work-based learning opportunities across the county.
Support a continuum of career development experiences, including awareness, exploration, preparation, and training, while fostering strong connections to work-based learning and industry partnerships.
Design and deliver professional learning opportunities for K-12 administrators, teachers, career coaches, and counselors to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Leverage district data and student evaluation/survey results to inform the development of a comprehensive career development plan, strengthening student experiences across the system.
Utilize the Salesforce data system to source industry partners, ensure data integrity, and track program outcomes.
Participate in professional development activities (workshops, meetings, seminars, and organizational memberships) to stay informed of current changes in youth labor laws and related regulations.
Lead efforts to identify and remove barriers to participation for underrepresented populations.
Actively participate in Career Champion trainings and foster partnerships to enhance county wide career development opportunities
Provide and expand support for career partnerships by collaborating with local businesses, post-secondary institutions, community-based organizations, afterschool providers, city and county municipalities, students, teachers, and parents.
Cultivate and maintain sustainable relationships with local employers to strengthen business and industry partnerships.
Integrate 21st Century Skills into the continuum of student supports and experiences, while creating and providing resources to teach these skills.
Expand and enhance the effectiveness and usage of related software across the county.
Collaborate with school counselors to support the implementation of the Michigan Department of Education Career Development Model, Educational Development Plans, and Talent Portfolios for students.
Support schools in promoting and facilitating career-related conversations between students and their families to enhance career awareness and planning.
Foster a culture of career awareness and exploration within each district to encourage student engagement.
Exemplify strong social-emotional skills and promote their integration into career development activities.
Stay abreast of the latest trends in career development and incorporate them into planning and programming.
Compile and analyze occupational, educational, and economic data to support students in making informed decisions about career and technical education.
Ensure the accurate completion of local and state-required forms and reports in a timely manner.
Assist with monitoring student employability skills and their progression in work-based learning opportunities.
Support career planning efforts and/or assist with student participation in career-related events.
Demonstrates a continuous improvement mindset; identifies areas for improvement on an individual, team and organizational level and can establish next steps
Other duties as assigned

Preferred Skills and Education:

This position requires a bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience working with students, business & industry or other organizations
Michigan Teaching Certificate
Career Development Facilitator, Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF) or Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP) preferred.

This position is available for a 11 month calendar or 12 month calendar.

11-month calendar position in job grade 16 with an annual rate of pay between $45,664 and $68,327.

12-month calendar position in job grade 16 with an annual rate of pay between $56,501 and $84,543.

KRESA employees enjoy a comprehensive benefit offering that includes health insurance, paid time off, retirement benefits through Michigan’s Office of Retirement Services, tuition reimbursement, student loan forgiveness and wellness incentives – all within a supportive and caring culture centered around our values of collaboration, innovation, compassion, integrity, and respect.

A Great Place to Live and Work

Kalamazoo was recently recognized as a great place to live in the 2024 50 Best Places to Live roundup by Money.com. Kalamazoo was noted for its abundant family-friendly activities and appreciation for artisan-crafted goods, as well as the Kalamazoo Promise, a scholarship for each Kalamazoo Public School resident graduate that provides up to 100% tuition for post-secondary education.

Notice of Non-discrimination: It is the policy of Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency that no discriminating practices based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or sexual identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category be allowed during any program, activity, service or in employment. The following position at Kalamazoo RESA has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy: Executive Director of Human Resources. Contact information: 269-250-9200, 1819 E. Milham Ave, Portage, MI 49002.