Executive Director, Experiential Learning & Industry Partnerships

South Sioux City Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB; Wayne, Northern (NE, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne State College is seeking an collaborative, strategic leader to serve as Executive Director of Cooperative Education and Industry Liaison. This role will lead development and growth of the College’s cooperative education efforts and the Career Scholars program.

The ideal candidate will build programming, partnerships, and systems, working with students, faculty, employers, and community partners to translate workforce needs into meaningful student experiences.

Qualifications

• Strong program leadership experience in higher education or related field.
• Proven ability to engage employers and industry partners at scale.
• Experience guiding student career development and experiential learning.
• Excellent relationship-building, networking, and stakeholder management.
• Track record of managing complex projects with multiple departments.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and growth of cooperative education and Career Scholars program.
• Build and sustain partnerships with employers, industry, and community partners.
• Coordinate experiential learning opportunities across faculty and programs.
• Provide coaching and guidance to students on career readiness and pathways.
• Travel to employer sites and partner organizations to cultivate relationships and opportunities.

Skills

Program leadership

Employer engagement

Student career development

Relationship building

Project management

Job description

Wayne State College is seeking an collaborative, strategic leader to serve as Executive Director of Cooperative Education and Industry Liaison. This role will lead development and growth of the College’s cooperative education efforts and the Career Scholars program.

The ideal candidate will build programming, partnerships, and systems, working with students, faculty, employers, and community partners to translate workforce needs into meaningful student experiences.