Career Education Coach

Announcement Number: STAFF - VA - 26393 | For questions, contact Cimberli Kearns at 406-994-4302 or cimberli.kearns@montana.edu.

About the Role

Career, Internship & Student Employment Services empowers students to define and pursue meaningful career pathways through career education, work-based learning, and connections to industry. The Part-Time Industry Career Coach brings current or prior workforce experience to help students understand career options, employer expectations, and workplace success. This position is ideal for professionals who enjoy mentoring others and sharing their industry knowledge while helping students prepare for internships, employment, and career exploration. Previous career coaching experience is welcome but not required.

Responsibilities

• Career Coaching & Student Support
  • Provide one-on-one and group coaching to help students explore career paths, secure internships/jobs, and build professional skills.
  • Support resume and cover letter development, interview preparation, job search strategies, and personal branding.
  • Break down complex career information so students can confidently make decisions and navigate their own development.
  • Share industry insights and workplace expectations.
• Decision-Making & Professional Judgment
  • Assess individual student needs and tailor coaching approaches accordingly.
  • Identify appropriate resources, referrals, and next steps based on student goals.
  • Handle sensitive conversations with discretion, maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Program Operations & Collaboration
  • Maintain accurate records of coaching sessions, appointments, and student engagement data.
  • Track participation and outcomes to support program assessment and improvement.
  • Collaborate with campus partners and internal teams to coordinate services and ensure consistent support.
• Ownership & Accountability
  • Manage an independent caseload, including scheduling and task prioritization.
  • Document coaching interactions in compliance with privacy and data standards.
• Additional Support
  • Assist with administrative and operational tasks related to program delivery as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience delivering programs, workshops, presentations, or training.
• Experience working in a service-oriented environment.
• Experience supporting individuals through advising, coaching, or mentoring conversations.
• Demonstrated ability to use digital tools to support learning or service delivery.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Workforce development, HR, recruiting, management, training, or higher education experience.
• Experience working with college students or emerging professionals.
• Industry expertise in Nursing, Business, Engineering, Technology, Agriculture, Healthcare, or other high-demand sectors.
• Knowledge of labor market trends and employer hiring practices.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Be enthusiastic about working and building rapport with college students and helping them create intentional MSU experiences.
• Communicate clearly and supportively in one-on-one and group settings.
• Exercise sound judgment, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues and campus partners.
• Demonstrate initiative, adaptability, and continuous learning.
• Use engaging, student-centered approaches in coaching and instruction.
• Translate workplace experience into meaningful career guidance.
• Exhibit excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Build rapport with a wide range of student populations.
• Exhibit professionalism, confidentiality, collaboration, adaptability, and continuous learning.

Position Details

• This is a part-time, classified hourly position with an FTE of 0.45 (45%).
• FLSA status: Non-Exempt.
• Union affiliation: FOCUS-MFPE.
• Contract term: Fiscal Year (Semester-based).
• No supervisory duties.

Pay

$24.55 per hour.

Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.