Career Coach - Virginia Department of Human Resource Management : Job Details

Career and Professional Development (CPD) at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) is seeking candidates for a career coach position. Duties include providing one-on-one coaching as well as developing and delivering presentations, workshops and programs on the breadth of topics related to career exploration, gaining experience, developing professional competencies, conducting a job search, and applying for post-graduate education. The Career Coach reports to the Director of Career Exploration and Access and is part of the Career Exploration and Access team. Team members work together to serve undergraduate and graduate students, and recent alumni. Additionally, team members work with employers to understand the breadth and depth of experiential and post-graduation opportunities available for students interested in pursuing a breadth of careers. The team curates and conceptualizes programs, resources, services, and tools for students in their first two years at Virginia Tech, students exploring career options without a clear sense of which career pathway is the best fit, and graduate students exploring the options afforded by their advanced degrees. This includes serving as a career development generalist and supporting initiatives such as our Career Champions program, a program designed to prepare Virginia Tech faculty and staff for career-related conversations with students. This team is responsible for connecting and maintaining relationships with the departments and student groups that are connected to exploratory students and students in target populations making them aware of resources, programs, and opportunities for their students. The career coach will collaborate with academic departments, student organizations, and other campus partners.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Human Development, Psychology, Sociology or related field Advising/coaching/teaching experience Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills Experience as an engaged team member working collaboratively toward successful outcomes Demonstrated commitment to appreciating, valuing, and affirming the dignity of every person Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced work environment Demonstrated ability to foster relationships among a diverse range of constituents including: students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and employers

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Counseling, or related field Experience providing career advising/coaching within a college/university setting Familiarity with relevant career development theories such as: Holland, Happenstance, and Chaos Theory of Careers Knowledge of personality theory Experience with Clifton Strengths Experience with a variety of vendor products for the career services field such as Handshake, TypeFocus, and CareerShift

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities:

70% Advising and Presentations

• Provide one-on-one advising (in person, through email, via telephone, Zoom, etc.) to undergraduate and graduate students and recent alumni on topics such as exploring academic majors; selecting and interpreting self-assessments; choosing a career direction; developing a job search plan; interviewing (including conducting mock interviews); gaining career-related experience (internships/co-op); writing effective resumes and cover letters; reflecting on career-ready competency and skill development; and researching companies and graduate schools
• Research, develop and facilitate requested and outreach presentations, workshops, panels, and small-group meetings as needed to support the Career and Professional Development team
• Serve as a coach for students enrolled in the Cooperative Education and Internship Program and/or Campus InternEXP
• Represent Career and Professional Development as needed at university events and outreach opportunities requested by colleges and/or departments; may require some evening and weekend work

25% Project Support

• Create and curate content for presentations, workshops, and social media to promote exploration services, resources, and programing
• Lead and/or assist with projects related to office Strategic Plan priorities
• Generate and write reports to convey project findings and/or outcomes
• Assist with Career Champions program implementation
• Other projects as assigned

5% Team Engagement

• Attend Career Exploration and Access team, Student Engagement team, and CPD staff meetings
• Participate in professional development opportunities as appropriate and in consultation with supervisor

Overtime Status:

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type:

Regular

Salary Information:

50,000 - 52,000

Hours per week:

40

Review Date:

6/23/25

Additional Information:

Please submit your cover letter, resume or CV and application if interested. The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech:

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Sue Ellen Crocker at [email protected] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer