Assistant Director, Applied Learning

Assistant Director, Applied Learning

The Assistant Director of Applied Learning advances Whitman’s strategic commitment to experiential and applied learning by building partnerships that create authentic opportunities for students both inside and outside the classroom.

This position serves as the primary architect of applied learning experiences in and out of the classroom, with an emphasis on consulting projects, microinternships, job shadowing, and the Whitman Challenge Residency Program.

The Assistant Director cultivates relationships with companies to source relevant and meaningful projects for courses across all programs and supports existing and emerging signature programs within the Whitman Experiential Center.

Doing this effectively requires coordination with other leaders at Whitman and Syracuse University.

This role requires exceptional relationship‑building skills, the capacity to navigate complex organizational dynamics, a strong drive and ability to think entrepreneurially, and talent for translating business needs into meaningful learning experiences that prepare students for career success.

Bachelor’s degree with five (5+) plus years of progressive professional experience in corporate partnerships, business development, consulting, experiential education, or related field.

Self‑directed with ability to set priorities, manage workload independently, and take ownership of program execution. Proven ability to collaborate across organizational units while maintaining a driven, entrepreneurial approach to building new programs.

Understanding of business fundamentals across multiple disciplines sufficient to scope project opportunities for students at varying experience levels and engage with industry partners. Understanding curriculum and experiential learning principles is highly desirable.

Experience building and maintaining relationships with corporate stakeholders and external partners. Project management experience with ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously under tight deadlines.

Experience developing and launching new programs with demonstrated ability to innovate and iterate. Strong analytical skills including ability to collect and analyze data, assess program outcomes, and prepare stakeholder reports.

Proficiency in CRM systems and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for data tracking and reporting. Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills with ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies including executives, faculty, students, and administrators.

• Partnership Development: Identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with external organizations for curricular and co‑curricular learning opportunities, with emphasis on employers in fields students pursue. Develop tiered engagement model, conduct strategic outreach, scope and source projects for classroom integration and the Whitman Challenge Residency Program, build a sustainable pipeline of diverse opportunities, and maintain detailed records in Whitman’s CRM system.
• Program Development: Design, launch, and manage co‑curricular programs that immerse students in real‑world business challenges through structured partnerships. Build and execute a microinternship and job shadowing program, manage a student consulting initiative, and support signature programs within the Whitman Experiential Center. Responsibilities include program design, student recruitment and selection, client relationship management, project oversight, and administrative coordination.
• Project Integration: Collaborate with the director of the Experiential Center, program leaders, and faculty across all Whitman programs to identify opportunities for integrating industry‑sponsored projects into existing courses and co‑develop new applied learning components. Conduct outreach to understand pedagogical goals, identify skills to be developed, provide resources and guidance on project design, co‑design project briefs balancing educational objectives with business value, and coordinate timelines with academic calendars.
• Assessment, Communication, and Continuous…