GARNET Program Coordinator

Job Summary
Reporting to the Department Manager, the GARNET Program Coordinator is responsible for the planning, delivery, evaluation, and ongoing development of GARNET (Geo-Alumni Resource Network), the Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering's alumni-supported mentorship and career exploration program.

The Coordinator connects students with alumni and other geological professionals whose experience aligns with their academic interests and career goals, supports participants throughout the mentoring relationship, and coordinates complementary programming that introduces students to career pathways within the geoscience profession.

Note: The schedule for this position requires some travel and flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, as needed by program, participants, and events.

Job Description
GARNET Mentorship Program Coordination
• Coordinate the annual GARNET mentorship program, including participant recruitment, applications, mentor matching, orientation, ongoing support, evaluation, and year-end reporting.
• Recruit students and alumni mentors, communicate program expectations, and assess participant interests, goals and availability
• Match mentors and mentees based on academic background, career interests, experience and professional goals.
• Support mentoring relationships through regular communication, check-ins and practical guidance, referring participants to appropriate university resources when required.
• Develop and maintain mentorship resources, program guidelines, orientation materials, and resources that support productive, respectful, and appropriately bounded mentoring relationships.
• Coordinate mentor recognition activities and maintain an engaged network of alumni volunteers.
Alumni and Community Engagement
• Build and maintain relationships with alumni to support mentorship, student engagement and career exploration initiatives.
• Work with Faculty of Arts and Science Advancement and departmental leadership to identify, engage and recognize alumni volunteers.
• Collaborate with Queen’s Career Services and other campus partners to promote existing career resources and ensure students are aware of available supports.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen alumni participation and expand the GARNET network.

Career Exploration Programming and Events
• Plan, coordinate and deliver the GARNET Speaker Series, alumni panels, networking events, career showcases, and other programming that introduces students to career opportunities within geological sciences and geological engineering.
• Recruit and coordinate alumni, industry professionals, faculty, and other guest speakers to share their career experiences and professional journeys.
• Coordinate event logistics, including scheduling, registration, venues or virtual platforms, catering, audiovisual requirements, participant communications, and event materials in accordance with university procedures and approved budgets.
• Develop introductory career exploration programming that increases students' awareness of career pathways, professional roles, and networking opportunities within the geoscience community.
• Evaluate events and programming through participant feedback and recommend improvements to enhance engagement and impact.

Communications and Administration
• Develop and implement annual communications that support participant recruitment, event promotion, volunteer engagement, and program updates.
• Maintain accurate program information on departmental communication platforms and prepare promotional materials, newsletters, presentations, and annual program reports in accordance with Queen's Visual Identity, Web and Brand Standards, accessibility requirements, privacy obligations, and anti-spam legislation.
• Maintain accurate records related to participant applications, mentor profiles, program participation, event attendance, and evaluation outcomes in accordance with university policies
• Monitor program performance using participation, engagement, and satisfaction metrics, and prepare reports and recommendations for departmental leadership.
• Coordinate program calendars, correspondence, surveys, registration processes, and routine administrative activities.
• Monitor approved program budgets and process routine purchasing and expense documentation.
• Identify opportunities to improve program delivery, participant experience, and operational efficiency.
• Undertake special projects and other duties as assigned in support of the Department.

SPECIAL SKILLS:
• Commitment to promoting and fostering an equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible learning and working environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal, relationship-building, and communication skills, with the ability to engage professionally and sensitively with students, alumni, volunteers, faculty, staff, and community partners.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and annual program cycles.
• Excellent judgement, professionalism, tact, and discretion when working with confidential information.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends to support program activities.

DECISION MAKING:
• Planning annual program activities, timelines, and communications within established objectives
• Assessing mentor and mentee applications and determining appropriate participant matches.
• Coordinating programming, communications, and events that support GARNET objectives.
• Responding to participant inquiries and determining when issues should be referred to departmental leadership or appropriate university resources.
• Monitoring program outcomes and recommending improvements to strengthen mentorship, alumni engagement, and student participation.
• Managing routine expenditures and event logistics within approved budgets and university policies.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Completion of a post-secondary program or university degree in either geological sciences, geological engineering, career development, student affairs, or a related field.
• Three to five years of relevant experience coordinating mentorship, alumni engagement, student programs, volunteer programs, career exploration initiatives, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Direct experience working with students in a post-secondary environment and an understanding of student development and career exploration.
• Experience recruiting, engaging, and maintaining relationships with volunteers, alumni or community partners.
• Experience planning and coordinating events, workshops, or multi-component programs.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills, including experience preparing content for print, web, email, and presentations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and standard office technologies, with the ability to learn university systems.
• Knowledge of accessibility, privacy, records management, electronic communications, and inclusive-programming practices. Knowledge of Queen's policies, systems, and academic programs is an asset.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check.

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