Employment Coach
COMPETITION NO. SS26-41
About Durham College:
Durham College (DC) is a leading post-secondary institution that supports students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge they need to adapt to the ever-changing workforce.
A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Durham College offers a wide range of market-driven programs across multiple disciplines, including culinary management, farming and horticulture, business, IT, construction and trades, science and technology, health care, engineering, social and community services, media, art and design.
Our modern campuses in Oshawa and Whitby offer 145 programs – including six bachelor’s degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs – to more than 11,000 full-time post-secondary and nearly 3,000 apprenticeship students. In addition, we have more than 16,000 student registrations in professional and part-time learning. More than 120,000 alumni represent the college, both locally and around the world.
DC has an estimated annual economic impact of more than $913 million on Durham Region and is proud to be an active and engaged member of the communities we serve by contributing resources and expertise to enhance social and economic well-being through partnerships, investments and collaboration.
Position Information:
Full-time Support Staff Position Opportunity
Payband: Band I; Starting Rate: $40.39; Four Year Rate: $46.64
Department: Student and Career Development
Hours: 35 hours per week (1) one hour lunch; Mon – Fri (8:30 am – 4:30 pm; requires occasional evening and weekend work)
Reporting To: Director, Student and Career Development
Campus Location: Oshawa and Whitby
Vacancy Status: Existing vacancy
Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the direction of the Director, Student and Career Development, the Employment Coach plays a key role in supporting students and alumni as they build the skills, confidence and strategies needed to transition from academic life to employment. As part of the Student and Career Development team, the Employment Coach provides individualized employment coaching, facilitates workshops, and delivers comprehensive career development services to help individuals make informed career decisions, develop effective personal marketing tools and job search strategies and translate their academic and co-curricular experiences into employer-ready language.
Employment coaching requires empathy, active listening skills, and the ability to ask thoughtful, non-judgmental questions, particularly when working with students who may feel discouraged or face barriers to achieving their goals.
The role contributes to career launch programming and student leadership and engagement by planning, coordinating, and facilitating workshops, job fairs, and employer campus visits.
In consultation with the team, the incumbent develops and facilitates workshops and employment resources grounded in career and student development theory, incorporating principles of adult learning and integrating equity-driven, inclusive approaches that actively engage diverse learners.
The incumbent actively promotes services to the campus community, current and prospective students, and alumni by contributing to social media and online content and by participating in various events, such as, but not limited to, job fairs, orientation, open houses, convocation and pop-up events.
Individual Employment Coaching & Student Support
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Provide one-to-one employment coaching to help students and alumni develop job readiness and personal marketing skills – including resumes, cover letters, interviews, networking and effective use of platforms such as LinkedIn and Generative AI – and develop tailored job search strategies.
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Use empathetic, student-centred coaching practices, including active listening and non-judgemental questioning, to help students and alumni set goals and explore options and pathways.
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Support in translating academic, experiential and co-curricular learning into employer-ready language.
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Coach students to identify their strengths, transferable skills, and personal brand, building confidence, clarity, and resourcefulness as they prepare for employment after graduation.
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Guide and support in developing effective networking strategies, empowering them to build meaningful connections with employers and industry professionals.
- Identify barriers to employment, consult and refer to appropriate campus services or community resources when additional support is needed.
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Coach on professional workplace expectations, including decorum and self-advocacy.
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Provide industry-specific job search and interview preparation, including mock interviews with constructive feedback on strengths and areas for development.
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Collaborate with campus partners to support students from equity-deserving groups.
- Advise students in employment application processes.
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Assist in mentoring, training and coordinating work-study, placement and summer employment students.
Programming, Engagement and Administration
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Plan, coordinate, and facilitate programming - including workshops, career launch activities and employment-related resources - that engage students in building career and employment readiness, align with labour market and student trends, and support Durham College’s purpose of transforming lives, building careers, and enriching communities.
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Use adult learning, student and career development theories, along with strong presentation skills, and technology to design and deliver effective programming and communicate relevant information.
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Take a lead role in career launch programming and contribute to Start Strong at DC, student leadership and engagement initiatives.
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Research labour-market and employment trends and integrate relevant information into workshops, resources, programming, and coaching conversations.
- Develop resources and promotional materials to support students, alumni, faculty and employers.
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Contribute to online content – including social media, website and portal content - to promote services, increase student engagement, and share timely career information that supports student and career development.
- Collaborate with campus partners on the planning and coordination of programming to ensure alignment with institutional priorities and student needs.
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Participate in campus events such as orientation, open houses, convocation, job fairs, and pop-up activities.
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Represent Student and Career Development at events, and promote services to students, alumni, faculty, staff, and employers both in person and online.
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Perform administrative tasks related to program delivery, scheduling, event logistics, data collection and documentation.
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Maintain accurate records to support reporting and continuous improvement.
Employer Engagement
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Coordinate employer recruitment events and job fairs that connect students with employment opportunities and enhance employer visibility on campus.
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Maintain and build relationships with employers and members of the workplace community to support student and graduate career development, employment pathways and learning.
- Provide timely support to employers by addressing requests and sharing information.
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Collaborate with Faculties to plan and promote employer visits, events and other opportunities that facilitate student-employer connections.
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Engage with employers to promote services and strengthen partnerships.
Qualifications:
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A minimum of a 3-year diploma or degree in business administration, human resources, social services, psychology, sociology.
- Coaching Certification and/or Career Development Practitioner Certificates are assets.
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A minimum of three (3) years of work experience coaching postsecondary students and alumni in career planning, job search strategies, interviewing, networking, and personal branding.
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Progressive experience in student services, career development, workforce development, talent acquisition, recruitment, or human resources.
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Proven ability to develop and facilitate career-related workshops and employment preparation programs for diverse audiences.
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Strong knowledge of postsecondary education, employer recruitment practices, Canadian labour market trends, the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Ontario Employment Standards Act, and emerging career development technologies, including Generative AI.
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Demonstrated commitment to excellent student service and supporting diverse, inclusive, and accessible learning environments.
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Strong interpersonal, communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.
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Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
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Proficiency with Microsoft 365, Canva, virtual meeting platforms, and related technologies.
Please apply below by submitting your cover letter and resume to the online portal. Job Competition closes at 7:00 p.m. EST on August 11, 2026. Competition number SS26-41.
Contact Us T:905.721.2000 [email protected]
C Wing, Second Floor - 2000 Simcoe St. N. Oshawa, ON
Durham College invites applications from all qualified individuals. Durham is committed to fostering workplace diversity, and, provides accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout our hiring process. If you require this information in alternate format; require communication supports; an accommodation in applying for a posting and/or if you are selected for an interview, please contact our Human Resources (HR) department and an HR assistant will work with you to meet your needs.
We thank you for your interest in employment with Durham College however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Land Acknowledgement
Durham College is situated on the traditional lands of the First Peoples of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. These lands are covered under the Williams Treaties and rest within the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg. We offer our gratitude to the Indigenous Peoples who care for and, through the treaty process, share the lands on which we live, learn, teach and prosper today.
