Career Coach, UMKC Career Services

University of Missouri-Kansas City; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 53,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

University benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

University of Missouri-Kansas City Career Services seeks a Career Coach to support students and alumni in exploring career paths, internships, and employment opportunities. You will provide individual coaching, assist with resume development, and help identify experiential learning options aligned with academic goals.

You will collaborate with faculty, campus partners, and employers to deliver workshops and expand opportunities for undergraduates, including those undecided about their majors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent plus 2+ years of related experience required.
• Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Counseling, Education (preferred).
• Experience advising, mentoring, coaching, or student support for undergraduates.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group career coaching for students and alumni.
• Deliver workshops and presentations; connect students with resources and employers.
• Collaborate with faculty and campus partners to develop career programs.
• Assist with recruiting, selecting, and trainingPeer Career Coaches.
• Document interactions in the career services database.

Skills

Career coaching

Student advising

Presentation skills

Interpersonal communication

Relationship building

Public speaking

Diversity & inclusion

Career exploration guidance

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Master's degree in Higher Education/Student Affairs or related field (preferred)

Tools

Career services systems

Job description

Location: UMKC Volker Campus

Full-Time

Job Description

UMKC Career Services empowers students and alumni to achieve career success through career exploration, experiential learning, professional development, employer engagement, and job search support. The office provides career coaching, career‑readiness programming, internship and employment resources, employer networking opportunities, and career education that prepare students to successfully transition from college to meaningful careers. Career Services also supports students in pursuing undergraduate research, graduate education, and prestigious national competitive awards and scholarships by providing guidance on application development, personal statements, interviews, and experiential opportunities that enhance academic and professional growth. Through innovative programs and strategic partnerships, Career Services advances student success, retention, career readiness, and post‑graduate outcomes.

Career Coaches in UMKC Career Services support students and alumni as they explore career paths, prepare for internships, employment, graduate school, and other professional opportunities, and build the skills needed for long‑term career success. This Career Coach position will work primarily with students in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and University College, including students who are exploring or undecided about their academic and career direction. The Career Coach provides targeted support that connects students’ interests, strengths, academic options, and career goals to educational and professional pathways. Career Coaches provide individualized and group career coaching, deliver workshops and presentations, collaborate with academic units and campus partners, and connect students with resources, employers, and experiences that strengthen career readiness.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Promote an integrated and engaging career development program.
• Provide individual and group career coaching for undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni; assist students with career preparation, employment searches, and internship or career‑related opportunities.
• Assist students with developing professional skills, including resume writing, graduate school research and applications, job and internship searches, interview preparation, and professional networking.
• Serve as the liaison for assigned academic units by collaborating with student groups, academic departments, and administrative departments to develop industry‑specific programming, student preparation resources, and communication opportunities for students.
• Develop and coordinate career‑related educational programs for classes, student organizations, prospective student groups, and others as appropriate; collaborate with faculty and campus partners to develop and deliver programs and communications.
• Assist with recruiting, selecting, and training undergraduate Peer Career Coaches.
• Accurately document interactions with students and graduates in the career services database.
• Collaborate with the employer relations team to connect students and academic programs with relevant employers, jobs, and internships.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience, and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired, is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Counseling, Education, or a related field.
• Experience advising, mentoring, coaching, teaching, or providing student support services to undergraduate students, particularly students in humanities, social sciences, interdisciplinary programs, or students who are exploring or undecided about their academic and career direction.
• Familiarity with career exploration, major and career decision‑making, experiential learning opportunities, graduate or professional school application processes, and the broad range of career pathways available to humanities and social sciences students.
• Experience designing and delivering career‑related workshops, programs, or presentations.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with faculty, academic advisors, employers, alumni, and campus partners to support student career readiness.
• Experience using technology platforms or career services systems to deliver student support, career coaching, or employment‑related services.
• Strong written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with and serve students from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of career development, college recruiting, or professional association standards such as NACE, NCDA, or related career‑focused organizations.

Anticipated Hiring Range

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as up to $59,217 annually.

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Grade: Salary Plan # 9E

University Title: P rogram Manager I Student Support Services

To review the University of Missouri’s Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Deadline

Application deadline is 11/03/2026.

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Community Information

Kansas City offers the best of both worlds-a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city's rich history and its modern‑day, innovative thinking come together to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. From thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, casual to upscale shopping and champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home. Of course, one of Kansas City’s biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world‑famous barbecue. Foodies will delight in the culinary scene found throughout the city. Ranging from award‑winning chefs to cozy pizza joints, Kansas City definitely is not lacking any flavor.

UMKC’s campuses are conveniently nestled in the middle of all the action. Volker Campus is just minutes from the legendary Country Club Plaza, perfect for shopping or restaurants for lunch or after‑work happy hours. Surrounded by hip neighborhoods and eateries, the Health Sciences Campus is located downtown near University Health Truman Medical Center and Children’s Mercy Hospital.

UMKC is proud to be “Kansas City’s university,” and the campus and its people celebrate all the characteristics of the surrounding community. To learn more about life in Kansas City and find more resources, visit VisitKC.com.

Benefit Eligibility

• This position is eligible for University benefits.
• As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.