Career Coach

The Career Coach works collaboratively across the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) and the University of Minnesota (UMN) to increase the career preparedness of CLA undergraduate students. Career coaches are generalists in nature (working with all students) and deliver support through coaching appointments, the development and facilitation of programming, teaching, and the creation of career resources.

CLA Career Coaches are dedicated to empowering students through innovative and collaborative approaches and are committed to social justice and its intersection with career development. They strive to make career support inclusive, unavoidable, and high-impact.

The Career Coach is a member of the CLA Career Services Career Coaching team and is located in Bruininks Hall on the East Bank of the Twin Cities Campus. Career Coaches report to the Associate Director of Career Coaching and Student Engagement.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Duties and Job Responsibilities:
Career Coaching (25%)

• Conduct career coaching appointments in-person and virtually with students, guiding them to think critically about their strengths and interests in relation to major and career exploration, to tailor documents (including resumes, cover letters and personal statements) based on their career goals or job descriptions, and by helping students critically assess their qualifications. Support students as they prepare for interviews, build their professional networks, and in addressing other career-related topics.
• Monitor career field and workforce trends and utilize this knowledge to strengthen your career coaching and career education-focused programming. Contribute relevant information by sharing key updates with the CLA Career Services team and relevant campus partners.
• Contribute perspective as a coach to team conversations focused on consultation about student career development and engagement.

Teaching (25%)

• Teach up to two sections of a career management course per semester (class formats may include: online/asynchronous, online/synchronous, or in-person).
• Use centrally created course content (including syllabi, lesson plans, presentations, assignments) to establish and maintain your course/s utilizing a learning management site (Canvas).
• Create an effective and engaging learning environment in the classroom setting and/or by communicating regularly with students via email and on Canvas.
• Utilize career coaching skills to build relationships with students through assignment feedback, grading, and in-class activities.
• Communicate with the undergraduate teaching assistant(s) for your sections about student questions and grading.

Programming & Engagement (40%)

Area(s) of focus depend on the needs of the office; examples include:

• Collaboratively create and deliver programming that supports career education for CLA students. This could include, but is not limited to contributing ideas for program topics and formats (could include workshops, events, webinars, or career experiences), developing program content for students, facilitation of programming, and evaluating programs. Program topics could include major/career exploration, job search strategies, resume writing, interview preparation, networking skills, and graduate school preparation.
• Become familiar with career/workforce development trends to provide relevant career programming for specific student populations and career fields, such as: students interested in business, technology, pre-health students, transfer students, exploring students, students preparing for graduate school, international students, first-generation students, etc.
• Develop and maintain career content (ie, website content, handouts, monthly email newsletters) related to a variety of career fields and topics.
• Partner effectively with colleagues across UMN, CLA, and CLACS to promote and execute programming, including the peer coach (student employee) team. Lead, train, and support student staff as directed.

Professional Development & Service (10%)

• Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to social justice and racial equity work in order to identify, challenge, and remove barriers to access at the individual, community, and system level.
• Other duties as assigned and as appropriate to the individual's background and experience.
• Engage in professional development and scholarly activity in the field of career and/or workforce development to maintain knowledge of trends and best practices (e.g., membership in professional associations, attendance at conferences and seminars, write articles, serve on teams, and collaborate with other professional groups, etc.).
• Participate in Career Services, Undergraduate Education, College, and University-wide committees and meetings as requested.

Appointment: 100%, 12-month Academic Professional, annual-renewable based on funding and performance.

Required qualifications:

• BA/BS degree plus at least four years of relevant experience, or master's degree plus at least two years of relevant experience.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience advising, mentoring, teaching, and/or coaching.
• Foundational understanding of career development and coaching practices.
• Ability to develop, execute, and evaluate programming and resource development to meet the career preparation needs of students.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong collaboration and project management skills.
• Demonstrated effectiveness supporting principles of equal opportunity, diversity, equity, and inclusion, including experience supporting students with varying identities and backgrounds.

Pay Range: $59,000 - $63,500; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Required application materials: resume and cover letter.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.