Job Description

Position Information: Co-op Coordinator

The Coordinator will support students in their co-operative education program from intake to graduation. The Coordinator will work with undergraduate Co-op and non-students to offer individual career coaching and advising; teach pre-employment career courses / seminars / workshop; employer liaison activities and develop employment opportunities with organizations, corporations and agencies; and be involved in the planning and organizing of career-related events for students.


The main focus of the position with be working with students through individual career coaching sessions and scheduled individual student appointments. A thorough understanding of career theory will allow the successful candidate to work with students to develop career action plans, disseminate labour market information, identify core career competencies, complete a career portfolio, revise resume and cover letters, implement interview strategies, and assist students to make meaning of their education during the transition from school to work.


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Co-op Coordinator - Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Teaching & Curriculum Development

Instruct the prerequisite Co-op 1000: Career Managementcourse and up to four work-term courses per semester throughout the year. Design, deliver, and evaluate innovative, experiential, and career-focused curriculum aligned with CEWIL Quality Standards and TRU academic requirements. Develop, assess, and provide feedback on assignments, reflective learning components, and capstone projects. Utilize Moodle and other learning technologies to deliver course materials, track student progress, and facilitate communication. Continuously enhance curriculum based on student feedback, employer input, and evolving labour market trends.

2. Student Advising & Support

Provide individualized career advising to students, including resume development, interview preparation, and workplace readiness. Support students in understanding and meeting co-op eligibility, registration, and academic requirements. Conduct mid-term site visits (in-person or virtual) and evaluations to monitor learning outcomes and workplace satisfaction. Apply conflict resolution strategies and professional judgment to support both students and employers when challenges arise during work terms. Foster student reflection and integration of academic learning with professional experience.

3. Employer Engagement & Partnership Development

Build and maintain relationships with employers across private, public, and non-profit sectors to develop quality paid co-op work opportunities. Engage with small, medium, and large industries, government, and crown corporations to expand partnerships aligned with TRU program areas. Promote the co-op program through employer information sessions, community engagement, and recruitment events. Collaborate with employers to develop job descriptions that align with academic learning outcomes and student competencies. Represent TRU and the Faculty of Career & Experiential Learning at career fairs, conferences, and professional networks (e.g., ACE-WIL, CEWIL, CACEE).

4. Program Administration & Reporting

Maintain accurate and confidential student and employer records in the CRM system (Symplicity*).
Prepare reports and data summaries for program evaluation, accreditation, and institutional reporting. Contribute to program marketing, outreach, and communications materials in collaboration with the Career & Experiential Learning team. Support quality assurance processes, including employer evaluations and student reflective assessments. Participate in departmental meetings, strategic initiatives, and continuous improvement of WIL programming.

5. Equity, Inclusion & Continuous Improvement

Promote equitable access to co-op opportunities for all students, including those from underrepresented and equity-deserving groups. Contribute to initiatives that advance TRU's commitments to inclusion, decolonization, and community engagement. Stay current with best practices in work-integrated learning, labour market trends, and experiential pedagogy.

Core Competencies for Success in this Role:

Accountability:

Attend and actively participate in departmental meetings and events on a regular basis. Organize and prioritize schedules to ensure attendance at key departmental activities. Provide consistent support to team members and students, ensuring follow-through on tasks and appointments. Maintain accessibility to attend meetings and support team initiatives.

Communication:

Demonstrate effective communication skills through professional emails, reports, and meetings. Exhibit consistent and professional verbal and non-verbal communication in all interactions with team members and students. Interpret and respond to incoming messages promptly and accurately. Provide feedback to students in alignment with widely accepted career education theories and practices.

Commitment:

Show long-term commitment to departmental initiatives and engagement throughout the year. Take initiative to support student success and consistently go above and beyond in meeting department and student needs. Engage actively in department projects, demonstrating dedication to team goals and objectives.

Adaptability:

Adjust to changing departmental priorities and schedules as necessary. Stay informed of labour market trends and adjust employment development strategies accordingly. Modify student-centred approaches to accommodate individual needs and changing situations.

Flexibility:

Represent the department at university events to promote programs, including attending evening and weekend functions when required. Participate in professional development opportunities and faculty council meetings. Actively contribute to committees and department projects.

Teamwork:

Collaborate openly with colleagues, contributing equally to team efforts and providing support when necessary. Approach teamwork with a positive mindset, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Efficiency:

Manage time effectively and seek opportunities to improve departmental processes. Prioritize tasks to ensure efficient completion of projects and daily responsibilities.

Ethics:

Maintain high ethical standards in decision-making, ensuring transparency, integrity, and fairness in interactions with students and stakeholders. Lead by example and uphold the values of the department, fostering a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Leadership:

Take initiative in leading projects and demonstrate confidence in leadership roles. Show self-awareness and a commitment to personal and professional development. Provide clear communication of expectations to teammates and students. Be open to feedback and continuously strive for improvement.

Teaching:

Incorporate new information and strategies into curriculum development. Support new faculty members by offering guidance and assistance with departmental teaching workloads. Collaborate with colleagues to develop innovative teaching practices QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS


Minimum of a Master's degree relevant to Career Education, Co-operative Education, Experiential Learning, and/or Work Integrated Learning disciplines Minimum of 5 years of program management experience in Co-operative Education Minimum of 5 years of experience in career advising, employment preparation, and supporting students through the career planning and career decision-making process Must have strong co-op work placement and monitoring experience Demonstrated instructional skills and experience in a post-secondary setting Must have a strong attachment to business and industry, with excellent knowledge of regional, provincial, national and international labour markets/trends Must have strong marketing and presentation skills to communicate with various stakeholder groups Excellent knowledge of the recruitment and talent acquisition process Superior time management, written and oral communication skills Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with diverse populations, including students, employers, faculty, deans, administrators and alumni Must have a demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team that works in a centralized work environment Must have a proven track record in meeting deadlines and follow through on tasks Must have a high degree of professionalism and be able to work effectively in a team Proficiency in MS Office software, database programs, Banner and Learning Management Systems like Moodle is an asset * Valid Driver's License