Jobs Developer, Career Services

For over a decade, our award-winning nonprofit academy and working production studio has been preparing young adults on the autism spectrum for careers in animation and the digital arts. Exceptional Minds develops a diverse and inclusive workforce of thoughtful and talented artists once on the margins, who now have what every young professional seeks - dignity, hope, and a command of the skills and tools necessary to lead successful careers.

Title: Jobs Developer, Career Services

FLSA Classification: Nonexempt

Job Type: Full Time

Department: Career and Student Services

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary/Objective

The Jobs Developer builds and maintains employer relationships that create internship and employment pathways for Exceptional Minds students and alumni - whose focus is animation, VFX, game arts and related creative industries. Reporting to the Director, Career & Student Services, this role blends employer-facing job development work, such as sourcing job orders, negotiating placements, and supporting workplace accommodations, with direct coaching on career readiness and job search materials. The Jobs Developer works across departments to expand hiring partnerships and ensure students and alumni are well matched and well supported once placed.

Essential Functions

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with studios, production companies, and other employers in animation, VFX, gaming, and related creative industries to generate internship and job openings for students and alumni.
• Match qualified students and alumni to open positions, coordinating referrals, interviews, and offers with employer partners.
• Negotiate job terms, on-the-job training arrangements, and workplace accommodations with employers on behalf of students and alumni.
• Provide follow-up support to both employers and placed students/alumni after hire to support retention and address workplace concerns.
• Support students/alumni in developing career-related materials, including resumes, LinkedIn profiles, portfolios, personal websites, and professional branding assets.
• Guide and coach students/alumni on job search strategies, interview preparation, and workplace readiness.
• Track and maintain accurate placement, retention, and employer contact records using departmental tracking systems.
• Coordinate logistics for employer-facing events such as hiring events, portfolio reviews, and industry panels, in partnership with internal teams.
• Collaborate with the Marketing and Development teams to build and promote employer partnerships and communicate placement outcomes and opportunities.
• Assist vocational instructors in delivering high-quality classroom and laboratory instruction by supporting student learning, preparing instructional materials, and reinforcing course concepts.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support departmental operations and student/alumni success.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelors Degree or relevant experience in Communications, Workforce Education/Development, Vocational Services, etc.
• 2-4 years of job development, placement, recruiting, or related professional experience.
• Experience developing and maintaining employer relationships, ideally within higher education internship programs, workforce development, staffing, or job placement services.
• Experience supporting students, employees, clients, or community members from a wide range of backgrounds, learning styles, and lived experiences.
• Knowledge of career development practices, employment trends, and post-graduation workforce readiness strategies.
• Familiarity with the Los Angeles creative industry job market and industry-specific hiring platforms and university/college internship activities.
• Experience negotiating workplace accommodations for candidates with disabilities.
• Experience supporting neurodivergent young adults and/or individuals with disabilities preferred.
• Background, familiarity, or demonstrated interest in animation, VFX, gaming, film, post-production, or related creative industries.
• Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to advocate for candidates and represent Exceptional Minds professionally with employer partners.
• Ability to manage multiple employer relationships and student caseloads using organizational systems, prioritization strategies, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly across different audiences and communication styles.
• Comfort working both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Experience facilitating presentations, workshops, or group discussions in educational or professional settings.
• Experience using Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Calendar, Drive, etc.) and applicant tracking or CRM systems.
• Familiarity with databases, student information systems, applicant tracking systems, or learning management systems.

We welcome applicants with diverse experiences, communication styles, and ways of thinking. Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every listed qualification.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform critical job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request an accommodation.