Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Cooperative Education/Placement Coordinator

• Title: Cooperative Education/Placement Coordinator
• Class: Academic Professional
• Exempt Status: Exempt
• Level: 4

Nature and Scope of Work

The Cooperative Education/Placement Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day supervision of the Cooperative Education/Placement Specialists, including participation in screening interviews, performance evaluations, and performance counseling. The Coordinator is also responsible for responding to complex questions regarding the Cooperative Education/Placement program, evaluating student cooperative education needs, classroom instruction, and developing learning plans. The Coordinator markets the program to area employers, develops educational work site opportunities, and placement of students in appropriate positions.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Cooperative Education/Placement Coordinator is distinguished from the Cooperative Education/Placement Specialist in that the Coordinator has lead and office coordination responsibilities. The Cooperative Education/Placement Specialist focuses on general program administration responsibilities.

Principal Accountabilities (includes some or all of the following)

1. Provides oversight and general office coordination for Cooperation Education/Placement program. Problem solves staff or program issues. Participates in writing performance evaluations and performance meetings. Coordinates staff schedules and conducts staff meetings.
2. Develops learning objectives, incorporating input student, instructor, and employer. Ensures objectives are tied to student’s education/major. Determines need for workers compensation insurance based on established policy. Maintains student records and files.
3. Conducts site evaluations to ensure objectives are being met. Evaluates student progress, reviews employer and student evaluations, and assigns course grade. May be Instructor of Record.
4. Develops and monitors department budget. Participates in budget meetings. Justifies budget expenditures and signs requisitions for department.
5. Instructs classes for the program including Cooperative Education Seminars, Career Development, Resume Writing, Job Search skills, etc. Develops curriculum and lesson plans and revises as current market trends dictate. Reviews and updates Course Content Guides. Provides services to instructional areas relating to job search and career exploration.
6. Markets Cooperative Education/Placement Program both internally and externally. Develops effective methods of communicating program objectives. Initiates cold calls. Visits prior training sites to encourage renewed interest in the program. Develops training sites for students. Organizes career fairs and other on-campus events.
7. Participates in identifying, researching, and implementing new and innovative programs. Works with various professional/technical and transfer programs in developing new curriculum, and participates in various meetings in developing program goals and procedures. Trains faculty coordinators on new programs and approved curriculum.
8. May coordinate special exchange student programs. Develops materials for promotion, selection, and orientation of PCC students. Maintains contact with sister college. Finds host families for incoming students and provides an orientation for students and families. Assists foreign exchange students with advising, enrollment, tuition, and other issues that may arise.
9. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Work is typically performed in an office environment. Travel to businesses within the community to market the program and develop job sites is required. Student training site visits may require evening or weekend hours.

Physical Requirements

Physical exertion is not a normal activity for this position.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field. Master’s degree in same desirable. Experience performing the duties of this job may substitute for the degree requirement on a year for year basis.

Demonstrated experience in an educational environment instructing or advising students, or experience in a business setting performing placement, employment training, or related function. Experience supervising staff.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of educational organizations, curriculum development, and non-traditional instruction methods.
• Knowledge of Equal Employment Opportunity and other local, state, and federal laws pertaining to employment.
• Knowledge of current labor market trends.
• Knowledge of intercultural communication and cultural issues relating to international students.
• Knowledge of effective marketing techniques.

Skills in:

• Skill in instruction and curriculum development.
• Skill in operating a computer and various supporting software packages.

Ability to:

• Ability to work with a diverse student population.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple work tasks or projects.
• Ability to operate a variety of office equipment.
• Ability to make public presentations in a small or large group setting.
• Ability to effectively communicate in oral and written form.

Reviewed: 12/2018

• Established: 9/1997
• Revised: 11/2001
• 02/02