Associate Director of Cooperative Education Program

University of California; Conway (AR); On-site; USD 49,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Central Arkansas is seeking an Associate Director of Cooperative Education Program to lead employer relations, develop internship opportunities, and manage program operations on-site in Conway, AR.

The role requires a Master’s degree with three years of related experience, supervisory capabilities, and strong collaboration with faculty to expand experiential learning and career services for students.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required with three years of related experience.
• Preferred: Master’s degree in Counseling, Student Development, Higher Education or related field with four years of experience.
• Some supervisory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and implement multiple internship events.
• Oversee on-campus interviewing, including correspondence and coordinating luncheons.
• Serve as liaison with faculty to notify about internships and opportunities.
• Create marketing materials and displays for student events.
• Develop partnerships with university departments to enhance programs.
• Provide career coaching and assist students with employability and major decisions.
• Schedule Career Services staff for workshops and class presentations.
• Supervise staff and student workers; oversee summer outreach.
• Manage the division assessment program for Career Services.
• Coordinate the Cooperative Advisory Committee and Internship Coordinators’ Meetings.
• Oversee department website and related communications.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Public speaking

Team collaboration

Project management

Education

Master’s degree in Counseling, Student Development, Higher Education or related field

Three years of related experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Web-based databases

Job description

Associate Director of Cooperative Education Program

Title Information

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time/Part-Time Full Time

Salary Range

Salary Range $57,306

Will this position be Onsite, Remote, or Hybrid?

Will this position be Onsite, Remote, or Hybrid? Onsite

Position Information

Posting Number

Posting Number NC1142026

Working Title

Working Title Associate Director of Cooperative Education Program

Department Org

Department Org 603500 - Cooperative Education Program

Why should you work at UCA?

We are excited that you are considering joining the UCA Family—the faculty, staff, students and alumni—who make the University of Central Arkansas a great place to work!
At the University of Central Arkansas, we value our employees striving to maintain a work-life balance. We realize that this affects the overall well-being of employees while learning to prioritize challenging work and the ability to make a difference. Participation in university-wide flexible work schedules may be available for certain positions. Training is provided on systems or job-specific software, and tools are available supporting professional and personal development. The benefits package allows you to customize your benefits to meet your current needs, with the ability to adjust them as your priorities change. This includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, 80% tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a retirement program with university contributions of 10% of employee salary. Also available are health and wellness incentives, as well as access to sports and cultural activities on campus for the family, free gym membership and equipment rentals.

Position Summary

• Maintain employer relationships and recruit and/or develop new internship opportunities/programs to support experiential learning and student development.
• Responsible for implementing office marketing plan for students, faculty, and staff.
• Supervise professional staff.
• Report to Executive Director of Career Services.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and implement several internship events.
• Responsible for operation of on-campus interviewing which includes:
  • generating all correspondence related to on-campus recruiting
  • coordinating luncheons for on-campus recruiters/faculty
  • advertising interviewing opportunities for students and encouraging them to sign up for interviews, correspondence with faculty.
• Serve as liaison with faculty, notifying them of internships and opportunities available to students in their majors.
• Create marketing materials and displays for students and university events.
• Create intentional partnerships with university departments to enhance student programming and the development of programs.
• Serve as a career coach. Assist students who have concerns regarding internship employ-ability, choice of majors, career decision making, mock interviews.
• Schedule Career Services staff to do workshops, Bear Facts Days, and class presentations.
• Motivate, empower, train and advise graduate assistant, part-time coordinators, student employees, and volunteers.
• Review and revise office policies, procedures, services, forms and other materials. Conduct evening and weekend workshops as needed.
• Manage the Division assessment program for Career Services.
• Responsible for coordinating the Cooperative Advisory Committee and the Internship Coordinators’ Meeting.
• Supervises the Administrative Specialist III , one to two part-time program coordinators and student workers.
• Coordinate and oversee summer outreach.
• Conduct evening and weekend workshops as needed.
• Manage all aspects of the departmental website.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication and public speaking skills required. Working knowledge of computer applications including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint) and web-based database preferred. Some supervisory experience preferred.

Skills Considered Essential for Success

• Knowledge of the organization and administration of higher education.
• Knowledge of state, federal, and university rules, regulations and procedures.
• Ability to work in a diverse and dynamic environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently with common goals as a part of a team.
• Ability to make sound judgments and assist in resolving student concerns.
• Effective interpersonal communication, writing, and organizational abilities.
• Civility in all interactions of a public or confidential nature.
• Demonstrate follow-up contacts and consultations in a timely manner.

Required Education and/or Experience

Master’s degree required with three years’ related experience.

Preferred Education and/or Experience

Master’s degree in Counseling, Student Development, Higher Education or related field, with four years of experience preferred. Will consider other combination of education and experience. Some supervisory experience preferred.

University, Campus, and Community Description

Thank you for your interest in employment at the University of Central Arkansas.
Founded in 1907, UCA has an enrollment of more than 10,000 students and employs over 1,300 full-time employees. The university offers more than 85 undergraduate and 59 graduate certificate and degree programs, including doctoral programs in five disciplines. UCA is proud of its tradition of teaching excellence and its contributions in research, scholarship, and creative activities.

Desired start date 10/16/2026

Position Summary and Qualifications

License(s)/Certifications

N/A

Physical Demands Checklist

Physical Demands Checklist Sitting, Kneeling, Standing, Balancing, Lifting/Carrying, Walking, Climbing, Crawling

Physical Exertion

Physical Exertion Administrative Work - Exerting up to 10 pounds, Light Work - Exerting up to 20 pounds, Medium Work - Exerting 20-50 pounds, Primarily indoor work

This position may be subject to a pre-employment criminal, sex-offender registry, financial history background check and drug screening. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

UCA EEO Statement

The University of Central Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. In keeping with its nondiscrimination policy in employment, admissions and other functions and programs, the university considers employees and students on the basis of individual merit and will not discriminate against a person on the basis of gender, race or color, ethnicity, religion, spiritual beliefs, national origin, age, familial status, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, disability, political beliefs, intellectual perspective, genetic information, military status, or other factors irrelevant to participation in its programs.

Open Date

Open Date 09/02/2026

Close Date

Close Date 09/30/2026

Open Until Filled No