Co-op Coordinator

One of the distinguishing characteristics of the University of Victoria is its commitment to experiential learning. For more than 40 years, UVic has been a leader in providing students with relevant, engaging and practical learning experiences beyond the classroom. Experiential learning is proven to be a powerful way to engage students in their studies by facilitating opportunities to put theory into practice, make connections with professionals in the field and develop career related skills and competencies.

UVic has one of the largest co-op programs in Western Canada, with more than 4,000 work placements taking place each year with employers across Canada and around the world (uvic.ca/coop). Our Career Services is an on-campus career development service that helps students and alumni prepare for successful careers (uvic.ca/career-services). Our Community-Engaged Learning (CEL) team supports students and instructors to engage in community-engaged learning experiences and research with diverse community initiatives (uvic.ca/cel).

This position provides professional assistance to the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business Co-op and Career Program.

*This position is eligible for a Hybrid Work Arrangement*

The salary range for this position is:

• Recruitment range: $83,094 -$91,625 maximum starting salary is determined through knowledge, experience and internal equity.
• Performance range: $108,088 salary range ceiling is available through annual performance increases.

The Co-op Coordinator will participate in the planning, development and administration of the co-op and career programs in assigned departments and is responsible for coordinating the academic and administrative aspect of the co-op and career program area(s) and other forms of experiential learning, as appropriate, including intake, preparation, and placement of students, job development, advising, promotion, and liaison with the academic unit, student body, and employer community.

Reporting to the Associate Director, and working closely with all programs in relevant faculties and departments, the Co-op Coordinator will support the strategic direction and promote the program to, and secure participation of, prospective students, employers, and the general public; maintain contact with participating employers and students; secure and coordinate placements for co-op students with co-op employers; conduct visits with employers and potential employers; monitor and evaluate student work terms; perform assigned undergraduate and graduate teaching or departmental activities (if appropriate); and assist students in developing career-related skills. The Co-op Coordinator engages with a variety of internal and external stakeholders to develop and generate supportive and inclusive co-op and other work-integrated learning opportunities for students with varying abilities and diverse needs.

Co-op Coordinators are required on occasion to travel within Victoria and, where required, to travel overnight throughout Canada and internationally to develop opportunities with employers and support students on placements. As a professional member of the Co-op and Career Services team, the Co-op Coordinator supports delivery of services, initiatives, and events as required to meet service standards and expectations aligned with the university’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The successful candidate will have a related master’s degree in an appropriate discipline and at least three years of related work experience in a post-secondary environment or have an equivalent combination of education, training, and work experience. Education and experience must reflect disciplines closely related to the degree programs in the co-op and career program disciplines found within the assigned unit. An equivalent combination of education, training, and work experience may be considered where appropriate.

Engineering and Computer Science/Math Co-op and Career-specific qualifications:

• Master’s degree in engineering, computer science, or science, including education and experience in disciplines closely related to the degree programs in UVic’s Faculty of Engineering
• Registration as a Professional Engineer with APEGBC or equivalent certification in computer science (or eligibility for registration/certification) would be considered a strong asset

Business Co-op and Career-specific qualifications:

• Master’s degree in business administration or appropriate discipline, including education and experience in disciplines closely related to the degree programs in UVic’s Faculty of Business

Optional and Professional Co-op and Career Programs-specific qualifications:

• Master’s degree in an appropriate discipline, including education and experience in disciplines closely related to the degree programs in the Optional and Professional Co-op and Career programs found in the UVic Faculties of Education, Fine Arts, Human and Social Development, Humanities, Law, Science, or Social Sciences

In addition, the position requires the following abilities:

• Work and communicate effectively orally and in writing, with tact and diplomacy, with a variety of internal and external contacts.
• Demonstrated administrative and organizational skills
• Excellent team building skills with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with a team
• Excellent interpersonal, cross-cultural, communication, public relations, and networking skills
• Experience working with students.
• Demonstrated career planning skills.
• Knowledge and awareness of discipline-specific labour market conditions and trends

The following are considered assets and may be given preference in accordance with specific vacancy requirements:

• Background in educational program delivery
• Client relationship management
• Sales and/or marketing
• Co-op program experience