Industry Employment Specialist for Sociology

Job Overview: Industry Employment Specialist for Sociology

Lehman College (CUNY) is seeking a proactive and results-oriented Industry Employment Specialist to bridge the gap between academic study and professional careers for Sociology students. Reporting to the Chair of the Sociology Department, you will work within the CUNY Beyond initiative to cultivate high-value partnerships with New York City employers.

Your primary mission is to “demystify” the labor market for Sociology majors by identifying specific workforce needs and securing paid internships, clinical placements, and full-time career tracks that value sociological proficiencies.

Key Responsibilities & Workforce Development

Employer Engagement & Pipeline Building

• Partnership Cultivation: Develop and maintain a network of employer sponsors to secure professional opportunities for students and recent graduates.

• Labor Market Insight: Engage with industry leaders to define the specific skills and proficiencies (e.g., data analysis, cultural competency, research) needed in the current NYC economy.

• Recruitment Liaison: Act as a bridge between the College and external organizations, sharing job openings with students and referring qualified candidates to specific roles.

Strategic Collaboration & Reporting

• Alignment: Communicate employer feedback to faculty and advisors to ensure curriculum and advising remain aligned with in-demand industry skills.

• Data Analytics: Use Power BI, SharePoint, and Microsoft Dynamics to track program outcomes, analyze metrics, and meet required reporting deadlines for the CUNY Beyond initiative.

• CUNY-Wide Integration: Participate in system-wide Career in Education (CIE) meetings and workshops to support broader workforce goals.

Student & Faculty Support

• Workshops & Events: Plan and evaluate virtual and in-person workshops using Zoom to prepare students for the recruitment and hiring process.

• Internship Oversight: Supervise student internships, ensuring all experiences adhere to college and governmental regulations.

• Orientation: Conduct orientation sessions for both students and faculty regarding internship competencies and professional success factors.

Requirements & Qualifications

Mandatory Credentials

• Education: Bachelor’s degree is required.

• Experience: Four years of related experience in career services, workforce development, or a similar relationship-management role.

• Legal Status: Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. (Sponsorship is not available).

Preferred Skills

• Sector Expertise: Understanding of recruitment practices in NYC sectors applicable to Sociology graduates (e.g., non-profit, government, urban planning, market research).

• Technical Proficiency: Advanced command of the Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel) and experience with CRM or data tracking technology.

• Outreach Strategy: Proven experience in talent acquisition or business development.

Compensation & CUNY Benefits

• Current Salary: $86,741.

• Scheduled Increases: Salary is set to increase by approximately 9.54% upon implementation of the new schedule, with an additional 3.5% increase effective September 1, 2026.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health plans and competitive retirement/pension benefits.

• Educational Perks: Tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study.

• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off and access to campus arts and athletic programs.

Application Process

Review of resumes begins March 31, 2026. To apply, visit the CUNY Employment Page and search for the Job ID or Title. You must attach:

1. Resume.

2. Cover Letter.

3. Three Professional References (Name, title, organization, and contact info).

   The Organization & Culture The City University of New York (CUNY) is the nation’s largest urban public university system, and its Bronx campuses are engines of social mobility and community empowerment. In 2026, the culture is defined by the “CUNY Lifting New York” strategic plan (2023–2030), which focuses on equity-centered education and workforce readiness. The Bronx campuses—Lehman College, Bronx Community College (BCC), and Hostos Community College—function as vital cultural and economic anchors. The environment is inclusive, resilient, and deeply integrated into the “Bronx Pride” identity, with a strong emphasis on supporting first-generation students and adult learners.

   The Bronx Campuses: Three Distinct Pillars

   • Lehman College (Bedford Park): Located at 250 Bedford Park Blvd W, Lehman is the only senior CUNY college in the Bronx. Its 37-acre tree-lined campus is a “green oasis” featuring historic Gothic architecture alongside modern facilities like the Multimedia Center.

   • Bronx Community College (University Heights): Located at 2155 University Avenue, BCC is famous for its stunning campus, which includes the Hall of Fame for Great Americans. It is a National Historic Landmark and provides a collegiate atmosphere rare for community colleges.

   • Hostos Community College (South Bronx): Located at 500 Grand Concourse, Hostos is a bilingual institution (English/Spanish) that serves as a gateway for the South Bronx community, known for its strong programs in allied health and the arts.