Career Coach

Career and Professional Development (CPD) at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) is seeking candidates for a career coach position. Duties include providing one-on-one coaching as well as developing and delivering presentations, workshops and programs on the breadth of topics related to career exploration, gaining experience, developing professional competencies, conducting a job search, and applying for post-graduate education.

The Career Coach reports to the Director of Career Exploration and Access and is part of the Career Exploration and Access team. Team members work together to serve undergraduate and graduate students, and recent alumni. Additionally, team members work with employers to understand the breadth and depth of experiential and post-graduation opportunities available for students interested in pursuing a breadth of careers. The team curates and conceptualizes programs, resources, services, and tools for students in their first two years at Virginia Tech, students exploring career options without a clear sense of which career pathway is the best fit, and graduate students exploring the options afforded by their advanced degrees. This includes serving as a career development generalist and supporting initiatives such as our Career Champions program, a program designed to prepare Virginia Tech faculty and staff for career-related conversations with students. This team is responsible for connecting and maintaining relationships with the departments and student groups that are connected to exploratory students and students in target populations – making them aware of resources, programs, and opportunities for their students. The career coach will collaborate with academic departments, student organizations, and other campus partners.

• Bachelor's degree in Human Development, Psychology, Sociology or related field
• Advising/coaching/teaching experience
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills
• Experience as an engaged team member working collaboratively toward successful outcomes
• Demonstrated commitment to appreciating, valuing, and affirming the dignity of every person
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced work environment
• Demonstrated ability to foster relationships among a diverse range of constituents including: students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and employers

• Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Counseling, or related field
• Experience providing career advising/coaching within a college/university setting
• Familiarity with relevant career development theories such as: Holland, Happenstance, and Chaos Theory of Careers
• Knowledge of personality theory
• Experience with Clifton Strengths
• Experience with a variety of vendor products for the career services field such as Handshake, TypeFocus, and CareerShift

Job Description

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Regular

50,000 - 52,000

40

6/23/25

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.