Co-op and Internship Officer

at  Ontario Tech University

CO-OP AND INTERNSHIP OFFICER

Tracking Code: req1406
Faculty/Department: Co-op, Experiential Learning, and Career Development Office
Number of Positions: 1
Appointment Type: Full-Time Continuing
Hours of Work: 35 hours per week
Salary Range: Level 8 - Starting Salary, Step 1 $69,288
Posting Date: November 18, 2024
Closing Date: December 2, 2024

JOB SUMMARY:

The Co-op and Internship Officer will be primarily responsible for the development, implementation, promotion and continued management of the co-op and internship programs offered to Ontario Tech students, at both the undergraduate and graduate level. The Officer will connect students with co-op and internship opportunities, advise students of the program processes and procedures, provide ongoing career development and employment support and monitor students while on work terms,
while maintaining the learning outcomes as required by the university and accrediting bodies. The Officer will support employer partners through the recruitment, placement and evaluation processes reinforcing Ontario Tech’s reputation as a partner of choice. This position will specifically support Faculty of Science Coop programs.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, Publisher and Outlook, and willing to learn other computer software packages as required.
• Knowledge of web-based data management systems is preferred. Strong computer skills are essential.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills to deal with the high volume and interdisciplinary setting
• Adaptability to changing priorities and working as part of a team and independently.
• Must have excellent communication (written and verbal) and a proven record of past experience, ability to exercise tact and diplomacy when dealing with students, partners, university personnel and public.
• Excellent presentation skills
• Excellent advising, problem solving and customer service skills
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, problem solve, exercise sound judgment and respect the confidential nature of student information
• Demonstrated sensitivity to the needs of students with a variety of abilities, cultures and backgrounds.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• Completion of a university program consisting of four academic years
• An equivalent combination of education and related experience may be considered
• Verification of Academic credentials may be required

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 3 to 5 years of experience of professional career development with demonstrated success in coordinating experiential learning programs such as co-ops or internships and providing career preparation in a post- secondary environment is required.
• Experience in designing, delivering and evaluating workshops and online modules
• Previous experience in marketing, public presentations, project management and program administration.
• Sound knowledge of career development, hiring practices and employment trends.
• Knowledge of cooperative education and internship programs
• Knowledge of the university’s academic programs and procedures preferred.

Program Design and Development:

• Reviews overall program structure, philosophy and direction of co-op delivery
• Monitors compliance with institutional policy and process as well as applicable governing bodies and legislation.
• Develops and updates as required, both regulations and procedures to maintain quality control.
• Works with the Registrar’s Office, setting eligibility criteria and expectations.
• Attends on campus events and university program advisory meetings to build relationships with faculty, and employers involved in each program.
• Maintains the quality of the program as a positive learning experience for the student and the employer.

Program Management and Delivery:

• Promotes programs to students and communicates program changes to students/stakeholders in coordination with the Registrar’s Office.
• Contributes to the development and updating of program policies and procedures where necessary and appropriate.
• Creates/updates promotional materials with Communications and Marketing (C+M).
• Coordinates student intake (obtain eligibility approval, etc.).
• Negotiates placement contracts and ensures quality of new placements; monitors safety of placement opportunities of placement opportunities
• Works in collaboration with Employer Relations and designated academic faculty to ensure the quality of placements/worksites, to verify positions meet program criteria.
• Works with Academic Advisors to approve student eligibility.
• Provides 1:1 student support re: co-op and internship program guidelines, eligibility, policies and processes
• Coordinates job offer process
• Resolves student and student/employer issues and supports student success through provision of regular feedback, coaching and 1:1 meetings.
• Coordinates with the Registrar’s Office to support student’s transition between workplace and school and ensure smooth administration of co-op and internship program
• Liaises with faculty members and academic advising to raise awareness of co-op and internship programs and opportunities (e.g. program mapping), as appropriate.
• Provides curricular input for and participates in the delivery of preparatory programming in collaboration with the Career Centre to ensure student readiness for the workforce.
• Supports and maintains institutional data as it relates to co-op and internship

Employer Support:

• Co-develops plans to identify new and enhance current employer partnerships
• Supports the coordination of employer visits to campus and recruitment/networking events.
• Arranges site visits/check-ins of students on work terms.
• Liaises with placement supervisors & employer HR departments.
• Monitors safety/risk management.
• Supports employers with funding sourcing, as appropriate
• Maintains currency on labour market information and trends

Assessment and Evaluation:

• Communicates requirements and expectations for work‐term reports and employerevaluations.
• Facilitates completion and submission of student work term reports
• Coordinates grading of student work term reports, with partnered faculty members
• Facilitates completion of student‐employer work term evaluations
• Supports maintenance of program information system.
• Supports program evaluation and reporting to determine if programming is meeting student needs and generating the desired outcomes.
• Analyzes program data to inform evidence-based decisions on future programming.
• Supports the reporting and contributes towards satisfying the accreditation including data collection, surveys, and sample work/reports as required
• Supports the provision of reports to Deans, Faculty and institution as it relates to co-op and Internship.