Career Coach (part-time, evenings)

Calvin University; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

Calvin University is seeking a part-time Career Coach to support adult learners, graduate students, and alumni in clarifying goals and advancing careers, with occasional evening availability.

You will deliver individualized coaching, administer assessments, maintain coaching records, and develop employer relations. The role requires collaboration with faculty and campus partners to weave career content into programs and events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 3–5 years of relevant experience in career coaching, workforce development, or talent acquisition.
• Experience working with adult learners, graduate students, and alumni populations preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of mid-career hiring practices and workforce trends.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized career coaching to graduate students, adult learners, and alumni related to job searching, resumes, interview preparation, continuing education, career transitions, and advancement strategies.
• Administer and interpret career assessments. Maintain accurate coaching records in Handshake or relevant systems.
• Offer flexible coaching options (evening/virtual) to meet adult learner needs.
• Develop targeted communication strategies to share relevant job opportunities, events, and career resources.

Skills

Career coaching

Employer relations

Workshop design

Student engagement

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree required

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Handshake

Salesforce

Job description

SUMMARY

This position supports adult learners, graduate students, and alumni in developing clarity, confidence, and strategy for career advancement and transition. The Career Coach provides high‑quality career coaching while building and maintaining relationships with employers seeking experienced, mid‑career, and advanced‑degree talent. This role integrates individualized coaching with strategic employer engagement to strengthen career pathways for seasoned professionals and graduate‑level talent. Some evening availability is required to accommodate adult learners and alumni.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Adult, Graduate, and Alumni Career Coaching

Provide individualized career coaching to graduate students, adult learners, and alumni related to job searching, resumes, interview preparation, continuing education, career transitions, and advancement strategies. Administer and interpret career assessments. Maintain accurate coaching records in Handshake or relevant systems. Offer flexible coaching options (evening/virtual) to meet adult learner needs. Develop targeted communication strategies to share relevant job opportunities, events, and career resources. Stay current on trends in adult career development, graduate employment outcomes, and the evolving workforce.

Employer Relations (Experience Talent Pipeline)

Develop and manage relationships with employers seeking graduate‑level and experienced professionals. Conduct proactive outreach to organizations to expand recruitment opportunities beyond entry‑level roles. Collaborate with the employer relations team and serve as the primary contact for employers interested in recruiting adult learners, alumni, and graduate students. Maintain employer engagement data using CRM platforms such as Salesforce or Handshake. Collaborate with campus partners to align employer needs with talent pipelines. Represent the Career Center at industry events, networking functions, and employer meetings. Support storytelling and promotion of graduate and alumni talent through communications and social media.

Programming, Campus Collaboration & Professional Development

Design and deliver workshops and resources tailored to graduate students, adult learners, and alumni populations (e.g., career pivots, leadership advancement, networking strategies). Build and maintain relationships with faculty members in assigned departments. Partner with faculty and program directors to embed career content into graduate curriculum. Support Career Center events, including career fairs, networking events, and employer information sessions. Serve as a liaison for campus offices serving specific populations. Engage in ongoing training related to career coaching, employer relations, and labor market insights.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred (higher education, counseling, business, or related field).

• At least 3–5 years of relevant experience in career coaching, workforce development, or talent acquisition, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working with adult learners, graduate students, and alumni populations preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of mid‑career hiring practices and workforce trends.

SKILLS and COMPETENCIES

Strong coaching and advising skills, particularly for career transition and advancement. Ability to build and sustain employer partnerships and networks. Comfort working with individuals at different career stages, including experienced professionals. Strong written and verbal communication, presentation, and relationship‑building skills. Ability to work independently in a part‑time, flexible schedule environment. Familiarity with career management systems such as Handshake and CRM tools preferred.

FAITH and EDUCATIONAL COMMITMENT

• Commitment to the educational mission of Calvin as a Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church.
• A commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith, learning, and student development.

DIVERSITY COMMITMENT

Demonstrated awareness and commitment to effectively establishing relationships and positive communication across multiple dimensions of diversity, including, but not limited to, race, gender, physical limitations, class, or religious perspectives.