Experiential Learning Coordinator

About the role

Launch the next generation of sport industry leaders. As the Experiential Learning Coordinator, you will bridge classroom learning with high-impact career opportunities, cultivating key industry partnerships, guiding students through internship placements, and elevating career readiness across the Department of Sport Management. If you thrive on building relationships and helping students achieve professional success, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

The Experiential Learning Coordinator leads the development, implementation, and assessment of all experiential learning opportunities for students in the Department of Sport Management. These opportunities include a broad range of high-impact practices, including internships, practicums, field experiences, industry projects, and study abroad programs. The coordinator ensures these experiences align with program learning outcomes, prepare students for careers in the dynamic sports industry, and foster strong partnerships with industry stakeholders. This position is central to the department's commitment to applied, hands-on learning and student career readiness.

The ideal candidate is student-centered, relationship-oriented, and passionate about preparing the next generation of sport industry professionals for successful careers. This is a part-time position working up to 20 hours per week.

Workplace Requirements & Location

This position is primarily on-site at Rice University in Houston, Texas. Evening or occasional weekend work may be required to support department events. Local travel to engage with student interns and area sports organizations is also required.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 0 – 1 year of experience in sport industry operations, experiential learning coordination, career services, or higher education advising
• In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education beyond the minimum requirement may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to interact professionally with students, faculty, and external contacts
• Proactive and highly reliable, with a proven track record of working independently and exercising good judgment

Preferences

• Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management, Business, Higher Education, or a related field
• 2+ years of experience

Essential Functions

Student Placement & Advising (approx. 50%)

• Advise students on internship and practicum opportunities aligned with their career goals and academic requirements
• Provide coaching on resumes, cover letters, internship applications, interview preparation, and networking specific to the sports industry
• Monitor student progress during placements through routine check-ins and performance evaluations; address challenges and facilitate successful completion
• Track student outcomes to ensure the experiential learning program meets career readiness goals

Partner Outreach & Program Support (approx. 35%)

• Build and maintain relationships with existing local industry partners (professional sports teams, leagues, athletic departments, agencies, corporate sponsors, and venues) and share available opportunities with students
• Assist in identifying new potential internship sites and communicating departmental guidelines to site supervisors to ensure quality supervision and meaningful learning outcomes
• Represent the department at career fairs, industry conferences, and networking events to promote the program and expand opportunities
• Serve as the department liaison to the university career center and collaborate with university offices (Career Services, Study Abroad, etc.) and faculty to enhance opportunities

Administration (approx. 15%)

• Maintain accurate records of student placements, completed hours, and site evaluations
• Collect post-graduation outcome data (job placement, salary, employer feedback) to assess program effectiveness
• Assist the Department Chair with administrative tasks related to experiential learning, as assigned

Additional Functions

• Support departmental events, recruitment, and alumni engagement initiatives
• Stay current with trends in sport management, experiential education, and workforce development