About this role
The AASCE Business Engagement Specialist plays a key role in connecting local businesses with career exploration opportunities for middle and high school students across Anne Arundel County. This position supports the Student Career Excellence Team by coordinating business participation in school-based events, including career fairs, industry days, mock interviews, classroom presentations, and other related events. This individual will build and nurture relationships with businesses, chambers, industry associations, and community partners to expand awareness of workforce pathways and enhance students’ exposure to real-world careers. The Specialist must be outgoing, organized, and comfortable engaging businesses at all levels while managing multiple events and outreach efforts simultaneously. The ideal candidate brings strong organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to build strong business partnerships and experience in workforce development. Business Engagement & Outreach · Conduct outreach to local and regional businesses to participate in career exploration events at middle and high schools. · Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with businesses, industry groups, and community organizations to support student career programming. · Identify new business partners within the HITCH business sector and create opportunities for them to engage with students through presentations, hands-on demonstrations, panels, tours, and other experiential learning activities. · Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to co-design workforce solutions tailored to business needs and that support college and career readiness pathways. · Deliver business presentations to highlight partnership opportunities, share outcomes, and promote AAWDC initiatives that strengthen business engagement in youth workforce development. Event Coordination & Support · Coordinate the business side of career exploration events, ensuring businesses are well-informed, prepared, and supported. · Collaborate with the Student Career Excellence Team, school staff, and community partners to plan logistics and ensure smooth execution. · Provide on-site support during school-based events, serving as the primary point of contact for attending businesses. · Support planning and logistics for training, workshops, and events (in-person or virtual). Communication & Partner Support · Manage communication with businesses, including invitations, follow-up, event guidance, and ongoing relationship management. · Gather business feedback to improve future events and deepen engagement. · Maintain accurate data on business participation, student impact, and event outcomes for reporting purposes. Administrative & Internal Coordination · Maintain accurate and timely records of business engagement, participant progress, and partnership outcomes using AAWDC’s data management systems. · Manages a master calendar that tracks all AASCE events, ensuring accurate scheduling, coordination, and communication with Career Coaches, businesses, and internal team members. · Work collaboratively with internal teams to align outreach strategies with organizational goals. · Support the Communications team’s efforts related to business engagement and student programming. · Monitor project timelines and deliverables to ensure timely completion. · Monitor and analyze key business KPIs. Additional Duties · Participate in community outreach to promote youth workforce initiatives. · Assist in researching local industry needs, career trends, and opportunities for expanding business involvement. · Perform other duties as assigned.