IT Co-op Program Specialist

This is a highly organized, relationship-focused role for someone who enjoys coordinating people and processes, working with hiring managers, and building programs from the ground up. This position is ideal for someone who is proactive, organized, comfortable working independently, and enjoys taking ownership of projects and improving how programs operate.

IT Co-op Program Specialist
The Panther Group is seeking an IT Co-op Program Specialist to support and develop a growing co-op program within an Information Technology organization. This is a highly organized, relationship-focused role for someone who enjoys coordinating people and processes, working with hiring managers, and building programs from the ground up.

The IT Co-op Program Specialist will manage the co-op experience from recruitment and placement through onboarding, ongoing check-ins, and offboarding. This person will work closely with IT leaders and academic partners to create meaningful opportunities for co-op students while improving and formalizing the program's processes.

This position is ideal for someone who is proactive, organized, comfortable working independently, and enjoys taking ownership of projects and improving how programs operate.
What You'll Do
Co-op Program Management

• Manage the co-op lifecycle, including recruiting, interview coordination, placement, onboarding, check-ins, and offboarding.
• Maintain the master schedule of co-op rotations, start and end dates, and academic timelines.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for co-op students throughout their assignments.
• Maintain accurate records, evaluations, schedules, and program documentation.
• Ensure students and managers have the information and resources needed for a successful placement.

Hiring Manager & Stakeholder Partnership

• Partner with IT hiring managers to identify co-op opportunities and define meaningful project work.
• Help managers establish clear expectations, onboarding plans, and performance goals.
• Conduct regular check-ins with students and managers to monitor progress, engagement, and overall experience.
• Address questions and concerns and escalate issues when appropriate.

Academic & University Partnerships

• Build relationships with university career services teams, co-op coordinators, and faculty.
• Support recruiting efforts through career fairs, information sessions, and campus events.
• Coordinate with academic partners regarding program requirements, timelines, and placement expectations.

Program Development & Process Improvement

• Document and improve co-op program processes, procedures, and workflows.
• Develop onboarding materials, templates, guidelines, and resources for students and managers.
• Track program metrics such as placements, retention, satisfaction, and conversion activity.
• Prepare reports and updates for IT leadership.
• Identify opportunities to make the program more efficient, consistent, and scalable.

What We're Looking For

• 3+ years of experience in program coordination, campus recruiting, talent programs, internship/co-op administration, HR, or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Higher Education, Information Technology, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Experience managing projects, programs, or processes from start to finish.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build effective relationships with hiring managers, students, academic partners, and other stakeholders.
• Experience creating or improving process documentation, onboarding materials, or program procedures.
• Comfortable working independently and taking initiative in an environment where processes are still being developed.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with an ATS, HRIS, recruiting system, or other program management platform is a plus.
• Higher education, university career services, campus recruiting, or internship/co-op program experience is a plus.
• Relevant certifications such as PHR, SHRM-CP, project management, or career coaching are a plus.

Key Qualities
The successful candidate will be:

• Organized and detail-oriented
• Proactive and self-motivated
• A strong communicator and relationship builder
• Comfortable taking ownership and driving projects forward
• Skilled at documenting and improving processes
• Adaptable and able to work effectively in a developing program environment

Pay up to $35.71 per hour DOE