Montana State University
Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26192
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Elizabeth Feary
406-994-4385 (tel:406-994-4385)
elizabeth.feary@montana.edu
Classification Title Program Mgr
Working Title Lead Career Education Coach
Brief Position Overview
The Lead Career Coach plays a critical role as a career educator and program manager with a specialized focus on supporting graduate students in their academic and industry-specific career advancement. This position combines direct coaching, curriculum development, strategic collaboration, and operational leadership to enhance career readiness across campus.
Position Number 4N0200
Department Career Services
Division Division of Student Success
Appointment Type Classified
Contract Term Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA Non-Exempt
Union Affiliation FOCUS-MFPE
FTE 1.0
Benefits Eligible Eligible
Salary $25.388 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications
Contract Type Classified Hourly
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
Career, Internship & Student Employment Services empower students to define and pursue their professional paths through our career education and professional development curriculum. We partner with employers to provide adaptable, career-ready graduates prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Duties and Responsibilities
General Career Coaching
Facilitate one-on-one and group appointments to support students in developing their professional brand and career readiness through:
One-on-one and group appointments
Classroom lectures, career clinics, and workshops
Professional development events
Guide students in resume writing, interviewing, job/internship searching, and professional development.
Maintain accurate coaching notes and contribute to program metrics and reporting.
Support students in accessing financial literacy resources, tutoring, and campus services.
Program Leadership & Oversight
Lead the career education coaching program, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and best practices.
Oversee program operations, staffing, scheduling, and quality assurance.
Develop strategic plans for scaling career education services across graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs.
Collect, analyze, and report program metrics; prepare semester and annual reports for campus partners.
Graduate Student Career Coaching & Support
Provide individualized and group coaching for graduate students on self-discovery, career exploration, networking, job search, onboarding, and transition from MSU .
Maintain an active consultation calendar supporting at least 300 unique graduate student clients per academic year.
Guide students in creating professional materials (resumes, CVs, cover letters, personal statements) and preparing for interviews and postdoctoral placements.
Prepare graduate students for career fairs, networking events, and employer engagement opportunities through workshops and targeted resources.
Curriculum Development & Instruction
Design, implement, and continuously improve career education curriculum for graduate students, with scalable modules for undergraduates and certificate-seeking students.
Integrate digital tools (Canvas Career Toolkit/ HUB ) and innovative pedagogy to enhance accessibility and engagement.
Incorporate labor market data and employment trends from sources such as BLS , O*NET, and MSU Career Destination reports.
Leverage assessment tools (Strong Interest Inventory, CliftonStrengths, MBTI , etc.) to support student self-actualization.
Supervision & Training
Recruit, onboard, and supervise student associates.
Manage and approve timesheets for student associates.
Assign duties, monitor performance, and provide regular feedback.
Develop and deliver periodic training sessions for part-time coaches and student associates to ensure consistency and service excellence.
Collaboration & Partnership
Work closely with the career education team, Industry & Employer Relations team, and the Graduate School to advance career education initiatives.
Build and maintain networks with employers, alumni, and professional organizations to create career opportunities for students.
Collaborate with faculty and academic departments to integrate career education into curricula.
Develop marketing and outreach strategies, including newsletters and social media campaigns.
Strategic Initiatives & Innovation
Use career education as a tactic to support MSU’s R1 Research Designation and reduce time-to-degree.
Engage in continuous professional development and apply emerging trends in higher education and workforce development.
Contribute to strategic planning and innovation within Career Services.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Master’s degree in a relevant field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience in student advising or career/professional coaching at the post-secondary level.
Demonstrated experience in program delivery, curriculum development, and data-informed decision-making.
Technical proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and willingness to learn MSU -specific platforms.
Experience working in a fast-paced office setting.
Ability to troubleshoot problems and engage in candid, supportive conversations.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Doctorate degree or equivalent experience.
Experience supervising staff or student employees.
Experience coaching graduate students or professionals in academic or industry settings.
Knowledge of higher education, workforce development, and career trends.
Familiarity with teaching and learning pedagogy and student support services.
The Successful Candidate Will
Demonstrate initiative, integrity, and sound decision-making.
Be enthusiastic about working with diverse student populations.
Possess strong leadership and team-building skills.
Maintain confidentiality and represent MSU professionally.
Engage in continuous learning and apply innovative approaches to career education.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
Maintain a fixed weekly schedule with flexibility to occasionally host events and interact with students during evenings and weekends.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties? No
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search.
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on November 21, 2025 ; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26192
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Elizabeth Feary
406-994-4385 (tel:406-994-4385)
elizabeth.feary@montana.edu
Classification Title Program Mgr
Working Title Lead Career Education Coach
Brief Position Overview
The Lead Career Coach plays a critical role as a career educator and program manager with a specialized focus on supporting graduate students in their academic and industry-specific career advancement. This position combines direct coaching, curriculum development, strategic collaboration, and operational leadership to enhance career readiness across campus.
Position Number 4N0200
Department Career Services
Division Division of Student Success
Appointment Type Classified
Contract Term Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA Non-Exempt
Union Affiliation FOCUS-MFPE
FTE 1.0
Benefits Eligible Eligible
Salary $25.388 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications
Contract Type Classified Hourly
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
Career, Internship & Student Employment Services empower students to define and pursue their professional paths through our career education and professional development curriculum. We partner with employers to provide adaptable, career-ready graduates prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Duties and Responsibilities
General Career Coaching
Facilitate one-on-one and group appointments to support students in developing their professional brand and career readiness through:
One-on-one and group appointments
Classroom lectures, career clinics, and workshops
Professional development events
Guide students in resume writing, interviewing, job/internship searching, and professional development.
Maintain accurate coaching notes and contribute to program metrics and reporting.
Support students in accessing financial literacy resources, tutoring, and campus services.
Program Leadership & Oversight
Lead the career education coaching program, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and best practices.
Oversee program operations, staffing, scheduling, and quality assurance.
Develop strategic plans for scaling career education services across graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs.
Collect, analyze, and report program metrics; prepare semester and annual reports for campus partners.
Graduate Student Career Coaching & Support
Provide individualized and group coaching for graduate students on self-discovery, career exploration, networking, job search, onboarding, and transition from MSU .
Maintain an active consultation calendar supporting at least 300 unique graduate student clients per academic year.
Guide students in creating professional materials (resumes, CVs, cover letters, personal statements) and preparing for interviews and postdoctoral placements.
Prepare graduate students for career fairs, networking events, and employer engagement opportunities through workshops and targeted resources.
Curriculum Development & Instruction
Design, implement, and continuously improve career education curriculum for graduate students, with scalable modules for undergraduates and certificate-seeking students.
Integrate digital tools (Canvas Career Toolkit/ HUB ) and innovative pedagogy to enhance accessibility and engagement.
Incorporate labor market data and employment trends from sources such as BLS , O*NET, and MSU Career Destination reports.
Leverage assessment tools (Strong Interest Inventory, CliftonStrengths, MBTI , etc.) to support student self-actualization.
Supervision & Training
Recruit, onboard, and supervise student associates.
Manage and approve timesheets for student associates.
Assign duties, monitor performance, and provide regular feedback.
Develop and deliver periodic training sessions for part-time coaches and student associates to ensure consistency and service excellence.
Collaboration & Partnership
Work closely with the career education team, Industry & Employer Relations team, and the Graduate School to advance career education initiatives.
Build and maintain networks with employers, alumni, and professional organizations to create career opportunities for students.
Collaborate with faculty and academic departments to integrate career education into curricula.
Develop marketing and outreach strategies, including newsletters and social media campaigns.
Strategic Initiatives & Innovation
Use career education as a tactic to support MSU’s R1 Research Designation and reduce time-to-degree.
Engage in continuous professional development and apply emerging trends in higher education and workforce development.
Contribute to strategic planning and innovation within Career Services.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Master’s degree in a relevant field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience in student advising or career/professional coaching at the post-secondary level.
Demonstrated experience in program delivery, curriculum development, and data-informed decision-making.
Technical proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and willingness to learn MSU -specific platforms.
Experience working in a fast-paced office setting.
Ability to troubleshoot problems and engage in candid, supportive conversations.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Doctorate degree or equivalent experience.
Experience supervising staff or student employees.
Experience coaching graduate students or professionals in academic or industry settings.
Knowledge of higher education, workforce development, and career trends.
Familiarity with teaching and learning pedagogy and student support services.
The Successful Candidate Will
Demonstrate initiative, integrity, and sound decision-making.
Be enthusiastic about working with diverse student populations.
Possess strong leadership and team-building skills.
Maintain confidentiality and represent MSU professionally.
Engage in continuous learning and apply innovative approaches to career education.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
Maintain a fixed weekly schedule with flexibility to occasionally host events and interact with students during evenings and weekends.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties? No
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search.
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on November 21, 2025 ; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.