JOB SUMMARY
The Cooperative Education Coordinator reports directly to the Associate Director of Experiential Learning within the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills. This role is crucial in facilitating the integration of real-world experience by assisting in building partnerships between students, the University, and state, regional, and national companies and organizations. The coordinator is responsible for providing oversight to the University’s cooperative education programs that provide all students on all campuses, within all majors, schools, and colleges with valuable practical work experience. This role requires a highly organized, communicative, and proactive individual capable of developing and implementing these experiential learning programs. This appointment is an annually renewable one-year appointment.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Deliver workshops to students, faculty, and staff to share the value of cooperative education opportunities that align with students’ academic and career goals.
- Advise students and provide feedback related to resume writing, interview preparation, and the job application process.
- Develop and coordinate training initiatives to prepare students for success in the workplace, focusing on building professional skills and competencies.
- Offer continued guidance to students during their co-op experience, helping them navigate workplace challenges, improve professional skills, and achieve success.
- Educate and advise employers on the value of cooperative education and how programs are established and maintained throughout industry.
- Ensure that employers and supervisors fully understand and comply with all aspects of the university's cooperative education regulations. This includes adherence to job descriptions, work hour requirements, salary expectations, evaluation processes, and other program policies.
- Contribute to the day-to-day operations of the cooperative education program, ensuring that students’ experiences are high-quality and aligned with the program's goals and industry standards.
- Track and monitor student progress throughout the program, offering regular check-ins and feedback to both students and employers. Ensure that the learning objectives and performance standards are met by all parties involved.
- Ensure accurate, up-to-date records on student experiences, progress, evaluations, and employer feedback are maintained for program reporting and compliance.
- Serve as a point of contact for both students and employers, helping in problem-solving and addressing any challenges that arise during the cooperative education experience.
- Ensure that the cooperative education program complies with all relevant federal, state, and institutional regulations, as well as industry standards and best practices.
- Keep up to date on emerging industry trends, labor market demands, and new opportunities, ensuring the cooperative education program remains current and competitive.
- Regular travel between Storrs and regional campuses will be required.
- Collaborates to regularly provide department management with reports and insights that demonstrate the impact, success, and areas for improvement within the cooperative education program.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience working in career services, coordinating cooperative education programs, internships, or related experiential learning initiatives in an academic or industry setting.
- Experience using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), database management systems, and other relevant software tools.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of 5 years of experience working in career services, coordinating cooperative education programs, internships, or related experiential learning initiatives in an academic or industry setting.
- Experience engaging with employers around developing co-op or internship programs.
- Experience in advising students on the value of participation in internships, community service initiatives, or other related opportunities.
- Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, and execute complex programs involving multiple stakeholders.
- Familiarity with Career Management platforms.
- Verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and build rapport and relationships with students, staff, faculty, employers, and community partners.
- Experience assessing student performance and resolving conflicts.
- Understanding of federal and state labor laws, educational policies, and best practices surrounding internships, cooperative education, and student employment programs.
APPOINTMENT TERMS
This is a full-time, end-dated position with the possibility of renewal subject to performance and funding. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-beyond-pay/. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.
TO APPLY
Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499000 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.
This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on May 5, 2025.
All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.
All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.
The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.