Palmer & Associates has a executive search assignment for the Queen's University School of Business.

The Career Coach is a member of a professional service team at the Business Career Centre (BCC). The BCC has a mandate to provide career planning, development, team, personal and career coaching and job acquisition services to students enrolled in the Commerce, MBA, Executive MBA, M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs. Each group of students has different needs and expectations of the BCC. The Career Coach provides comprehensive career and employment coaching to undergraduate and graduate students in a manner that is consistent with the strategic direction of the School of Business. The Career Coach displays exceptional communication and relationship building skills, partnering with students to help them reach their career goals. The Career Coach works as part of the team to develop and facilitate career programming for students and to set the overall strategic direction for the BCC.


Key Responsibilities   Provides individual and customized career coaching to students at the undergraduate and graduate level; this includes career exploration, self-assessment, job search techniques, resumé and cover letter development, interview preparation, and professional networking.

Develops curriculum, presentation materials, adjusting content and style for audience; incorporates feedback to ensure material is contemporary and competitive. Facilitates workshops for audiences of up to 80 students.

Remains current on hiring trends, drawing on business expertise, labour market research, and applies this in a tailored approach with respective students to build a rapport that is credible and relevant to support the identified career goal of each student.

Manages coaching session schedule (some planned in advance, others ad hoc or on demand).

Responsible for identifying and managing annual and ad hoc projects related to innovations in student career programs. Annual projects could include resume book, interview guides, etc.

Coordinates particular segments of critical, high profile career events (such as Career Launch and Career Week).

Contributes to strategy on adult learning practices and approaches.

In collaboration with the Corporate Relationships team and Coaching Group, develops and maintains effective relationships with corporate partners, student groups and alumni. Acts as an a university Ambassador when working with external corporate partners.

Oversees work assigned to part-time staff and students within the BCC, setting priorities, and providing guidance and support as required.

Required Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in related field is required; Master's Degree is preferred.

Experience in a coaching role and solid understanding of career coaching principles, concepts and approaches.

Experience in adult learning, group training, and workshop facilitation.

Proficiency with technology including MS Office, Database Management, E-learning solutions, Social Media, web instruction e.g. webinars.

Sound understanding of job market and hiring needs of corporations.

Practical business experience is considered an asset

Special Skills

Ability to foster and cultivate relationships with students, clubs, alumni and School of Business stakeholders.

Ability to build rapport and trust with students in one on one and group situations.

Team player with a positive, service-oriented attitude.

Initiative, self leadership and good judgment.

Ability to assess priorities, handle high case volume and multiple project simultaneously, while working in an energetic fast-paced environment.

Strategic and creative thinking ability.

Interest in assisting and understanding the needs of business students.

Ability to maintain client confidentiality.

Maturity, professionalism, empathy, tact.

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

Decision Making

Draws on own expertise in coaching/counselling principles, job market and company hiring trends to determine the appropriate guidance to provide to students it relates to their unique career search goals.

Determines when an issue presented should be referred to senior management at the BCC or to Health, Counselling and Disability Services for support.

Researches, recommends and develops course content and all relevant supporting materials, understanding the need to balance resources, the need to remain current in a competitive marketplace, with increased demands to maintain program excellence.

Makes decisions related to the coordination of information, materials, facilities and logistics with respect to projects and events.

Has input on mid and long term planning at the BCC.

Participates in the development of performance metrics for the unit and the centre.

Participates in new initiative, creativity, competitiveness strategy for the program.

Interested in a professional, dynamic academic environment?

To pursue this career opportunity, please forward your resumé in confidence to:

Brenda Palmer
bpalmer@palmercareers.com
613-389-1108