Career and Professional Development Coordinator

Colorado School of Mines • Colorado, CO

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Coordinator for Career and Professional Development is a key university staff position responsible for leading a new initiative aimed at strengthening career readiness and exploration for second-year students. This role develops and implements the second-year professional development experience known as Career Catalyst Communities (C3s). The coordinator will support the missions of the Career Center, the Vallejo-Irvine Program (VIP) for Professional Development, the signature second-year residential experience, and campus-wide professional advantage initiatives. Core responsibilities include recruiting and coordinating a C3 steering committee, developing and delivering programming, facilitating staff training, and leading program assessment. This position requires regular on-campus presence in Golden, Colorado. A flexible hybrid model may be an option after a training period. This is a full-time, 12-month, professional position.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution in a relevant field.
• Experience supporting postsecondary students or recent graduates with career exploration, professional development, and/or early career preparation.
• Demonstrated experience designing, coordinating, or delivering programs, workshops, or initiatives for student populations.
• Proficiency with common office and collaboration technologies, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Co-Pilot.
• Ability to learn and effectively use campus systems and data management platforms.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple initiatives simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including group facilitation and presentation.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with students, staff, faculty, alumni, and external partners.
• Ability to lead group initiatives and contribute effectively as a member of cross-functional teams.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, including the ability to analyze data and feedback to inform program improvement.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and student-centered environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to professional growth and continuous learning for self and others.
• Candidates must be currently authorized to work in the United States.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, Business, Social Sciences, or a related field).
• Experience collecting, analyzing, and reporting quantitative and qualitative data to assess program outcomes.
• Experience in career services, employer relations, university recruiting, or professional development programming OR Experience supporting students in residential or co-curricular learning environments.
• Experience working with STEM, engineering, or technology-focused student populations.
• Experience leading new or pilot initiatives in an organization.
• Experience with career management or student engagement platforms (e.g., Handshake, Simplicity, or similar systems).
• Experience or training in career coaching, advising, or student development practice.
• Knowledge of or demonstrated ability to apply student development theory in postsecondary settings.
• Familiarity with NACE Career Readiness Competencies and their application to career and professional development programming.
• Demonstrated ability to design inclusive programming that meets the needs of all student populations.

Responsibilities

• Support the design, launch, and continuous refinement of the Career Catalyst Communities (C3s) program in close collaboration with Residence Life.
• Recruit, build, and facilitate a steering committee of industry partners, alumni, faculty, students, and staff; establish committee structure, lead recurring meetings, and ensure clear communication.
• Guide the C3(s) committee in developing and executing annual professional development programs tailored to second-year students and leveraging residential spaces.
• Collaborate with Residence Life to train, coach, and support RA staff in facilitating career conversations and integrating professional development into the signature second-year residential experience.
• Lead program evaluation and learning assessment using OreConnect and other campus tools; analyze engagement and impact data to inform direction and improvements.
• Develop, coordinate and deliver professional development programming that fosters experiential education and early career exploration such as internship preparation, job shadowing, or informational interviewing.
• Support efforts to develop and expand Career Center/VIP professional development programming offerings, including signature events and programs and workshops.
• Assist in the development of comprehensive, accessible resources aligned with current career readiness and professional development best practices.
• Support with Pre-Career Days programming and events.
• Potential for student staff supervision.
• Provide individualized professional development support to undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent alumni by maintaining a schedule of appointment availability, supporting Career Center advising drop-in hours.
• Opportunity to teach career-readiness and other CSM courses.

Benefits

• Fully paid health and dental premiums
• Generous sick/vacation time
• 13 paid holidays per year – including a week-long winter break for entire campus.
• Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution
• Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents)
• Free RTD Ecopass
• Discount programs through the State of Colorado
• Free tickets for Mines Athletics home games
• Access to the on-campus Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more)
• Equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center
• Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP)
• Backup child and elder care
• On-campus daycare center (coming soon)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level