Co-op & Career Strategist

Job SummaryThe Co-op & Career Strategist supports undergraduate and graduate students with the Faculty of Management to become career-ready graduates. The position is responsible for the design, implementation, and evaluation of integrated co-operative education and career development services. This role combines co-op program management expertise with innovative career education practices to provide high-impact learning experiences and career readiness programming.The Strategist ensures delivery of the full co-operative education cycle in accordance with CEWIL Canada accreditation standards while also providing career advising, labour market guidance, and engagement with employer partners.Organizational StatusReports to: Manager, Co-op & CareersCollaboration: This role operates as a key member of the Student Development team. Works closely with faculty, staff, students, employers, alumni, and industry partners across the Faculty of Management to deliver comprehensive co-op and career programming for students throughout their academic journey.Work PerformedStudent Advising and Career CoachingDevelops innovative and scalable career tools, resources, and activities as well as networking events to support students in their unique career journeysSupports students in their awareness and development of personal and professional competencies, including self-awareness, communication, decision making and learning, all related to their career goalsCoaches and advises students in resume/cover letter support, mock interviews, application coaching, and professional communicationsLeverages industry knowledge and expertise, innovative theory, evidence-based practices within the fields of career development and student affairs to design, deliver and evaluate career programming and resourcesProvides in-person and online career support and advises on career exploration, researching the labour market, facilitating experiential learning and reflection, gaining work experience, developing resumes, job and mock interviews, networking and connecting to the workplace communityMonitors student progress throughout each recruiting cycle; ensures students meet minimum job search activity requirements in alignment with program policesIdentifies and refers students who need health and wellbeing resources to the appropriate support or interventionCollaboratives to support students with landing full-time positions with local, national and global employersPromotes student participation and engagement in experiential learning opportunities, creates opportunities for reflection, and connects these insights to their current and future career goalsSupports student learning and promotes student engagement in career development activities within the Faculty of Management and beyondApplies an equity and access focused lens to advising, employer engagement, and program design, ensuring supports meet the needs of diverse learnersCoop Work Term OversightConducts work term site visits and check-ins to monitor and evaluate the technical requirements of the co-op work term placement and the workplace environment with respect to working conditions, safety standards, and academic requirements of the position.Evaluates co-op student performance in the workplace to ensure they meet employer needs and address any student and/or employer issues. This includes problem solving, mediating, and addressing workplace concerns or issues related to employee discipline, employee rights (including harassment, employment equity, employment standards), intellectual property rights, confidentiality concerns, and other matters raised by students and/or employers. Makes recommendations to the Director Student Development regarding student’s status in the program because of workplace issuesDesigns, evaluates and assesses all required co-op work term deliverables such as end of term assignments and employer evaluation of the work term, that must meet national accreditation standards.Assigns grades for co-op courses based on the requirements of the course and according to Faculty guidelinesEnsures student compliance with co-op program polices and eligibility requirements; advises students on consequences and supports remediation where neededSupports development, documentation, and communication of program polices and procedural updatesAssesses and escalates workplace risks in alignment with university legal, and risk management protocolsCareer Curriculum Development and TrainingDesigns content, facilitation and teaching of all co-op pre-employment curriculum. This includes but is not limited to, asynchronous and synchronous curriculum and training events, program orientations, pre-employment training workshops, information sessions, as well as recruiting events that can involve prospectives students, current students, and alumni.Designs and supports the facilitation of career fundamental curriculum within the Faculty of Management degree programsSupports additional Work-Integrated Learning activities within the Faculty such as internships, community-engaged learning, or applied projects ensuring alignment between academic learning and professional skill developmentSupports the co-op application and onboarding process, including info sessions, eligibility advising, and preparation for program admissionLeverages industry knowledge and evidence-based practices to create innovative career programming and resourcesIncorporates digital tools, including emerging AI-enables platforms to support career development and student learning in the space of career advancementContinuously evaluates and improves curriculum based on student feedback and industry trendsEmployer and Industry RelationsBuilds and maintains strategic relationships during co-op work term experiences and across career programming and eventsIn collaboration with the Business Development Manager, builds and maintains relationships with the business community to facilitate student learning and development, focused on careersDelivers employer engagement events and recruitment initiativesAdvises employers on developing academically appropriate co-op opportunities aligned with accreditation requirementsProvides consultation on diversity and inclusion in recruitment practices and funding opportunitiesResponds to employer inquiries related to postings, recruitment timelines, interviewing logistics, and co-op program requirementsReviews and approves job postings, writes/edits job descriptions, and ensures employer partnerships align with program standardsStrategic Planning, Administration, and Program EvaluationProvides input into strategic planning, goal setting, and prioritization for integrated co-op and career programmingTracks and analyzes student career outcomes and post-graduation data to evaluate program impact and inform continuous improvementCollects, documents, and analyzes student feedback regarding advising services, workshops, and employer interactionsImplements continuous improvement activities and identifies opportunities for enhancementConducts market research to identify partnership opportunities and emerging career trendsEvaluates program effectiveness, recommends improvements, and implements necessary changesMaintains accurate student and employer records in institutional systems; ensures data integrity and supports system rollout, updates, and usage optimizationProvides input on event and program expenditures, manages assigned budgetsIncreases capacity across the program for career learning and career conversations, through multiple points of intersection in the student experience.Participates in the assessment and evaluation of career learning for students. Collects and records statistical information and feedback, analyzes, documents and reports results, integrates suggestions and improvements into programs and services. Prepares reports on student placement statistics that are required for national co-op accreditation.Service Excellence and CollaborationFosters an inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive professionally and academicallyCollaborates with campus partners to coordinate joint initiatives and promote integrated programmingParticipates in Faculty, University-wide, and external committees, meetings, and professional development activitiesTrains and mentors new professional staff and supports cross-functional team projectsEnsures compliance with international student policies and immigration requirementsMaintains up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, labour market insights, and emerging practices in co-op and career educationConsequence of Error/JudgementWorks with considerable autonomy and exercises significant judgment in student advising, employer relations, and program management. Incorrect decisions regarding student admissions or employer partnerships could impact program credibility and student graduate outcomes. Failure to maintain co-op accreditation standards could result in loss of program recognition. Inadequate career advising or workplace issue resolution could negatively impact student success, employer relationships, and the Faculty's reputation. Poor program evaluation or strategic planning could limit program growth and effectiveness in serving students and industry partners.Supervision ReceivedReports to the Director, Student Development. Works independently within established policy and administrative frameworks. Performance is evaluated based on program outcomes, student success metrics, employer satisfaction, and contribution to Faculty strategic objectives.Supervision GivenMay provide mentorship and training to student staff and peers; does not supervise professional staff. Authorized to make decisions regarding student participation in the Commerce Co-op program and work terms based on established terms and conditions. Provides training and mentorship to new professional staff in career development and co-op programming.QualificationsMinimumUndergraduate degree in relevant discipline. Minimum of four years of related experience or a combination of education and experience.Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s ownDemonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion PreferredMaster's degree in relevant discipline preferredDemonstrated private sector experience with key areas of industry knowledge and expertise; awareness of labor market trendsExperience working with management to executive level business professionals in career coaching, recruitment, training, or career services deliveryExcellent presentation, communication, public speaking, and organizational skillsAdvanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)Experience with database management and contact management systemsKnowledge of web-based platforms and instructional technologyKnowledge of cooperative education principles and accreditation standardsUnderstanding of career development theories and evidence-based practicesExperience in conflict resolution and workplace mediationProject management and event planning experienceAbility to work independently and within multiple team environmentsStrategic thinking with diplomacy, tact, and discretionDemonstrated ability in respectful consultation and collaborationFlexibility to work evenings and weekends as requiredValid BC Driver's License and access to vehicle for co-op workplace visitsFacilitation or teaching experienceExperience designing and delivering career-related workshopsKnowledge of international work programs and immigration policiesThis position operates with a hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility for remote work as appropriate to role responsibilities and Faculty needs.This position requires occasional travel for workplace visits, conferences, and employer relations activities, as well as flexibility to work evenings and weekends for events and programming.