Associate Director of Workforce Development & Applied Learning
Western Connecticut State University
Career Success Center
Associate Director of Workforce Development & Applied Learning
Western Connecticut State University is pleased to announce that applications are being accepted for an Associate Director of Workforce Development & Applied Learning in our Career Success Center.
WCSU is committed to enhancing our diverse university community by actively encouraging people with disabilities, members of LGBTQIA and BIPOC communities, veterans, and women to apply. We take pride in our pluralistic community and continue to seek excellence through diversity and inclusion. WCSU is honored to be awarded the federal designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). This accomplishment marks a pivotal moment in our progress toward fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within our campus community.
The WCSU Career Success Center’s mission is to empower students and alumni with the tools they need to launch meaningful careers through career coaching, résumé and interview prep, job and internship connections, and dynamic networking events. Additional information on the department may be found on www.wcsu.edu/careersuccess/. Information on the University may be found on www.wcsu.edu.
Position Summary: The Associate Director of Workforce Development & Applied Learning plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the Career Success Center by leading efforts to enhance career readiness and workforce development for undergraduate and graduate students, alumni, and other learners. Reporting to the Director of the Career Success Center, this role focuses on developing and managing experiential learning opportunities, including internships, co-ops, and career readiness programs, while fostering strong relationships with employers, community organizations, and university stakeholders.
The Associate Director contributes to developing innovative career-focused programming, such as workshops, seminars, and career fairs that align with labor market trends and support learners’ professional growth. The role also emphasizes data-driven decision-making to assess program effectiveness, improve career services, and enhance student outcomes. Additionally, this position oversees marketing and communication efforts to promote career resources through digital platforms, ensuring engagement with diverse audiences.
The Associate Director contributes to the university’s workforce development initiatives by integrating career services with academic programming and leveraging regional and global partnerships. The position also involves collaboration across campus and beyond to build a robust network of opportunities that prepare students to excel in an ever-evolving workforce.
Responsibilities include:
Career Readiness Program Coordination:
- Leads the development and administration of applied learning programs (internships, co-ops) to meet the workforce development needs of students.
- Coordinates services and programs that address career readiness for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as alumni.
- Provides career counseling and career readiness assessments to ensure students are progressing toward their professional goals.
Employer Relations & Outreach:
- Establishes and maintains strong relationships with local businesses, employers, and community organizations to create experiential learning opportunities.
- Utilizes customer relationship management (CRM & Handshake) tools to enhance employer engagement and improve internship and job placement opportunities.
Career Events & Programming:
- Organizes and facilitates workforce development events, such as career fairs, industry panels, networking events, and employer information exchanges.
- Designs and delivers creative workshops, career panels, and in-class seminars using a variety of venues and media to support career readiness.
- Assists in the coordination of senior recruitment programs and promote career exploration events that align with labor market trends.
Data Management & Continuous Improvement:
- Collects, analyzes, and maintains data to evaluate the effectiveness of career services and workforce development programs.
- Manages program management software and online career-related applications to streamline service delivery.
- Generates reports and provides insights to improve program effectiveness and career success outcomes.
Marketing & Communications:
- Manages marketing efforts to promote career services to students, alumni, employers, and other stakeholders.
- Creates and maintains up-to-date Career Success Center web pages, ensuring information is accessible and engaging.
- Utilizes social media and other digital platforms to enhance student and employer engagement with career readiness resources.
Collaboration & Representation:
- Collaborates with faculty, staff, and external stakeholders to support career services and applied learning initiatives.
- Represents the Career Success Center at university meetings, employer events, and community activities as directed.
- Oversees the work of Career Peer Leaders and student employees to ensure quality program delivery.
May supervise clerical and student employees. Performs other duties and responsibilities related to those enumerated above which do not alter the basic level and responsibilities of the position.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in a related field (workforce development, business, career services, or similar).
- Four (4) years of experience in career readiness planning, employer relations, or related work in higher education or workforce development.
- Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills.
- Experience developing and coordinating career services programs, including internships and recruitment activities.
- Experience with career services software and online platforms for delivering career resources.
- Knowledge of regional labor market trends and experience in developing workforce training programs.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and CRM tools.
- Multilingual or bilingual skills preferred.
Salary & Benefits: The hiring salary range is $81,784 – $106,166 and is commensurate upon candidates' experience. WCSU offers a comprehensive benefits package. Additional information on benefits can be found at www.wcsu.edu/hr/benefits/. All employment, if offered, is contingent upon proof of citizenship or employability under the requirement of the Immigration and Control Act (IRCA) and the successful passing of a background check. WSCU is committed to providing a safe campus community. Background investigations include reference checks, employment verifications, and a criminal history record check.
Application Process: Prospective candidates must submit a cover letter, which includes the names and contact information for three (3) professional references and a resume. materials must be submitted no later than Friday, February 28, 2025 to https://westernconnecticutstateuniversity.applytojob.com/apply/e0zcVvw3VJ/Associate-Director-Of-Workforce-Development-Applied-Learning. Late applications will not be accepted.
Western is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Educator/Employer