Exploration Coach

Pay Range: Targeted salary of $43,000 annually, depending on experience


Benefits Eligible: Yes


Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (may include some weekends)


Travel: May be required


Position Introduction:


Major and Career Exploration Coaches help students explore their interests, values, and skills to determine the best fit for their major and future career. Coaches provide exploration support to all students seeking guidance on major and career decisions. Coaches also serve as academic advisors for first-year Exploratory students; assisting them in exploring majors, selecting a degree plan, and successfully transitioning to degree granting colleges.


Primary Responsibilities :

Major and Career Coaching

• Provide individualized coaching focused on students' interests, values, strengths, goals, and career aspirations.
• Guide the exploration and selection of academic pathways.
• Discuss career opportunities, preparation for graduate or professional school, internship opportunities.
• Administer and interpret career and major exploration assessments.
• Provide tailored support to special student populations, including retention outreach students, Business contract students, and Pre-Health students.

Academic Advising

• Advise Exploratory students on exploring and selecting academic majors, developing degree plans, and identifying potential career pathways.
• Interpret and communicate state, university, college, and major, policies and procedures.
• Conduct individual advising appointments for a designated caseload focused on both short-term course scheduling and long-term degree planning.
• Guide students in developing academic plans that align with their interests, strengths, and goals; providing guidance on the general education curriculum, degree requirements, and academic opportunities.
• Assess the holistic needs of students, provide support, and refer to appropriate campus partners.
• Foster supportive advising relationships through inclusive and student-centered practices.
• Maintain accurate and confidential student records and process academic forms.
• Monitor and support student progress through midterm grade reviews and proactive intervention.
• Meet with students on Academic Probation or Reinstatement to develop academic success plans.
• Conduct outreach to encourage timely advising appointments, registration, and progress toward degree completion.

Programs, Events, and Outreach

• Assist with planning, coordinating, and participating in departmental programs and campus recruitment events.
• Deliver seminars, workshops, and presentations to students, faculty, staff, and community stakeholders.
• Promote departmental services, resources, and opportunities through outreach initiatives.

Additional Department Duties may include but are not limited to :

• Engage in and successfully complete the Academic Advisor Training Program.
• Maintain timely communication via email, phone, and virtual platforms.
• Manage administrative tasks associated with advising and coaching appointments.
• Advise transfer students regarding transfer credit, course equivalencies, and degree planning.
• Participate in institutional retention, persistence, and completion initiatives.
• Meet with prospective students and support recruitment, orientation, and transition programming.
• Engage in professional development and collaborate with advising community and campus partners.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with academic and administrative units across campus.
• Teach departmental courses (dependent upon experience, need, and possession of a master's degree).

Standard work hours are Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm. Following successful onboarding and training, flexible scheduling and remote work opportunities may be available with supervisor and departmental approval. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required with advance notice.


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Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree.

Department Preferences:

• Master's degree.
• Minimum two years academic advising experience.
• Counseling, coaching and/or student development experience.
• Knowledge of OU programs.
• Strong verbally, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to learn, interpret, and communicate policies and procedures effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Hiring Contingent Upon a Background Check: Yes

Norman Campus: If you are selected as a finalist for a position that supports the Norman Campus, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy. To view the policy, visit


Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma values our community's unique talents, perspectives, and experiences. At OU, we aspire to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere. You Belong Here!

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, gender identity/expression (consistent with applicable law), age (40 or older), religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, housing, financial aid, and educational services.