Director of - Learning and Initiatives

Director of Work-Based Learning and New Initiatives

Howard Community College (HCC) is an exciting place to work, learn, and grow! We are proud to have received the Great Colleges to Work For honor for 12 consecutive years, . Howard Community College values diversity among its faculty, staff, and student population. We are an innovative institution that is committed to responding to the ever-changing needs and interests of a diverse and dynamic community.

No matter where you want to go in your career, you can get there from here!

Position Title:

Director of Work-Based Learning and New Initiatives

FLSA:
Exempt

FT/PT:
Full Time

Hours Per Week: 37.5

Work Schedule:

Monday-Friday

Grade: 17

Compensation Range: $78,

Summary:

The Director of Work-Based Learning and New Initiatives is a strategic leadership role responsible for designing, implementing, and scaling high-impact programs that bridge the gap between academic instruction and industry needs. The Director of Work-Based Learning and New Initiatives leads in creating and implementing the experiential learning experiences for students, including internships, apprenticeships, and other work-based learning opportunities. In addition, this role is tasked with identifying, piloting, and operationalizing new strategic initiatives that enhance institutional competitiveness and student workforce readiness.

Essential

Role Responsibilities:

Work-Based Learning Strategy:

• Program Design:
  Develop and oversee a comprehensive framework for work-based learning programs, ensuring alignment with pedagogical goals and industry standards.
• Employer Partnerships:
  Cultivate and maintain high-level relationships with industry leaders, community organizations, and government agencies to secure meaningful placement opportunities for students.
• Scaling Impact:
  Implement systems to track, measure, and report on student outcomes, program participation, and employer satisfaction.
• Policy Compliance:
  Ensure all work-based learning initiatives adhere to relevant rules, regulations, and institutional policies.

New Initiatives & Innovation:

• Trend Analysis:
  Proactively identify emerging workforce trends, technologies, and educational models.
• Project Incubation:
  Lead the pilot phase of new initiatives, from concept development and resource allocation to cross-departmental execution and assessment.
• Grant & Funding Support:
  Collaborate with the development/grants team to identify and secure external funding sources to support innovative projects.

Leadership &

Collaboration:

• Cross-Functional Liaison:
  Serve as a lead bridge between academic departments, student services, career centers, and external partners.
• Mentorship:
  Provide leadership to staff members involved in employer relations and student placement. Provide mentorship to students to ensure that they are adequately prepared to meet the work and behavioral expectations of the assigned workplace.
• Outreach:
  Work with local and state organizations to expand opportunities in work-based learning and new initiatives for the institution. Recruit new partners to expand the work-based learning opportunities.

Minimum

Education Required:

Bachelor's degree

Experience

Required:

• Education:
  
  Bachelor's degree in Education, Business, Public Administration, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• Experience:
  
  7+ years of professional experience in workforce development, corporate training, higher education administration, or career services.
• Relationship Management:
  Proven track record of building and sustaining strategic partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
• Project Management:
  Demonstrated ability to manage complex initiatives from conception through implementation and evaluation.
• Communication:
  Exceptional interpersonal, presentation, and written communication skills.
• Analytical
  
  Skills:
  
  Proficiency in data-driven decision-making and using metrics to report on program effectiveness.

Preferred

Skills:

• Experience in designing or managing work-based learning programs.
• Strong understanding of current labor market trends and the evolving digital economy.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to navigate complex organizational structures.

Physical Demand

Summary:

Fast-paced environment…