Coordinator, Student and Employer Engagement

at  Vancouver Island University

COORDINATOR, STUDENT AND EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT

A department of Student Affairs, the Centre for Experiential Learning (CEL) & Student Engagement, engages and collaborates with decanal areas to provide an integrative, practical approach that contributes holistically to students’ development. Reporting to the Director, Centre for Experiential Learning and Student Engagement, the Coordinator, Employer and Student Engagement is a member of the CEL, Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) and Career Readiness team in the Career Studio. The incumbent will build and maintain strong relationships with employers through the development and implementation of a sustainable framework for employer engagement with the goal of developing and enhancing work-integrated learning opportunities.
As a career development and experiential learning professional, the incumbent will act as a bridge between employers and post-secondary to facilitate both employer and student connections to experiential learning, including work-integrated learning.
The ideal candidate is a creative and innovative thinker, well-versed in Canadian and local labour markets and student engagement strategies and is an excellent communicator and program builder.
The Career Studio is a physical and virtual hub for career development education, support, and resources. The Career Studios offer drop-in services, workshops, specialized appointments, consultation with program areas, and preparation for job searches and events. The Career Studio is also a space for employers to connect with students and bridge to the VIU community and Work-integrated Learning opportunities and resources.
Employment Group

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, or a related field from an appropriately accredited institution. Three years of relevant experience with co-op/internship programs and work-integrated learning, sales, marketing, job development, human resources, and/or recruiting, preferably in an educational setting, including sales, account development, and relationship management.

• Thorough knowledge of the local business community, market and salary trends, career opportunities, and hiring practices
• Strong understanding of career development and work-integrated learning strategies and practices
• Strong familiarity with university programs offering work-integrated learning opportunities and the ability to represent the university in a professional manner
• Proficient in the use of social media and advanced skills in Microsoft suite of products as well as database and web editing platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement marketing and communications plans and strategies
• Ability to present ideas in a concise manner and speak in public effectively
• Strong experience in coordinating small, medium, and large-scale events and programs
• Ability to think creatively, problem-solve, organize, prioritize, and meet deadlines
• Demonstrated understanding and application of assessment and evaluation practices
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise tact, diplomacy and sensitivity when dealing with students, employers, other employees, business groups, and the public
• Proven ability to organize and handle a variety of projects, deadlines, and schedules simultaneously and independently
• Ability to problem-solve, communicate effectively, and exercise good judgment
• Ability to be innovative, flexible, and adaptable with a commitment to teamwork and integrity
• Adept at creating and maintaining effective working relationships with other employees, students, community and business groups and the public
• Ability to act with the independence of judgement and minimum supervision but also to be an integral team member
• Operate from a place of professional practice in consideration of professional standards

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in a field related to business or communications and public relations from an appropriately accredited institution.
• Experience in experiential education, work-integrated learning or career education in a post-secondary environment
• Event planning experience
• Valid BC driver’s license and ability to travel are required
• Experience with Orbis Outcome/ Simplicity Database- Experience Hub utilized for employer lead management.
  VIU is pleased to offer eligible employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan. As part of the VIU campus community, our employees work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development. The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well-being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities.

NOTE:

• Short-listed candidates must provide original transcripts, or applicable original certifications at time of interview.
• All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
• Vancouver Island University (VIU) is collectively committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment for faculty, staff, and students. In our journey towards greater diversity, we invite applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations who bring value to the VIU community through their lived experiences. We encourage members of all equity-seeking groups to self-identify within their application cover letter. When a candidate voluntarily discloses this information in their cover letter, the information will be used only for the fulfillment of the career opportunity. Disclosure and/or self-identification with an equity-seeking group will not lead to advantageous treatment of a candidate who is not qualified.

• Develop and maintain relationships and regular communications with employers and maintain a systematic method for tracking employer connections.
• Establish and promote processes for streamlined communication and interaction between employers and the campus community to create and sustain a positive employer experience.
• Attend networking and community engagement events and initiate meetings with prospective employers to generate work-integrated learning and employment opportunities
• Network with local employment organizations, chambers of commerce, professional associations, employers, and non-profits to determine needs and establish opportunities
• Oversee, onboard, and recruit student staff (2-3) and summer internships positions to support engagement and marketing of the CEL and Career Studio
• Encourage employers thorough meaningful dialogue to post their opportunities, interview and hire VIU work-integrated learning students through effective sales and client management techniques.
• Execute employer development strategies and a framework to ensure appropriate WIL and employment opportunities are available for VIU students to compete, based on labour market trends
• Consult with faculty members and service areas to determine specific needs and develop strategies for connecting students with local employers
• Strengthen and maintain frequent contact with employers in all areas to ensure adequate and appropriate job opportunities are available for WIL students, as well as long-term retention of quality employers
• Identify opportunities for employer events (in-person and online) and help organize, promote and facilitate these events, such as campus visits, information sessions, guest speaking in Career Studio, event sponsorship, mock interview nights, recruitment events, reverse career fairs, Career Connections Alumni talks, Employer Panels and Labour Market Roundtables, etc.
• Attend industry events and conferences to leverage opportunities to connect with a network of employers and stay current with labour market trends
• As appropriate, work with employers and students to identify specific opportunities for the enhancement of employer-student connections
• Work closely with employers to identify needs, and support the development of appropriate, career-related job descriptions,
• Convert job leads into discipline-specific, relevant, and valuable job opportunities by developing, nurturing, managing, and serving a large network of employment contacts
• Coordinate, participate in and evaluate special events and projects connecting students, alumni and employers
• Maintain a data-informed approach by integrating assessment and evaluation activities in daily practice
• Collaborate with campus colleagues and students to coordinate special events similar to career fairs/festivals, employer panels and/or other special event activities that may involve students, employers, communities and departments at VIU
• Actively promote funding opportunities to employers and support the application process to help create new WIL employment opportunities.
  Successful candidates will participate in a wide range of activities, including, student support; institutional, faculty and departmental committee meetings and other initiatives; and professional activities in keeping with their disciplines in and outside the institution.