Executive Director, Work-Based Learning

Mchenry-County-College; Crystal Lake (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

McHenry County College is seeking an Executive Director of Work-Learning Advantage to lead a collegewide WBL ecosystem. The role aligns MCC programs with regional workforce needs and equitable student success, overseeing the Title III grant and ensuring implementation of career-connected learning opportunities.

The leader will supervise staff, build partnerships with employers and academia, and monitor program outcomes. A Bachelor’s degree and grant-management experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and progressive admin responsibilities in workforce development or higher education.
• Experience with work-based learning (WBL) models, community college systems, or workforce trends.
• Strong planning, Partnership development, and data analysis.
• Project management experience and ability to lead across departments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a collegewide vision and strategic plan for work-based learning aligned with MCC’s priorities.
• Supervise Title III activities and achieve Work-Learning Advantage objectives.
• Lead initiatives to ensure access to career-connected learning for all students.
• Hire, train, motivate, manage, and evaluate staff for peak performance.
• Oversee WBL models including apprenticeships, internships, and cooperative education.
• Partner with Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Workforce Development for program integration.
• Develop tracking and reporting systems to monitor student participation and outcomes.
• Collaborate with faculty to recruit students and employers across WBL spectrum.
• Cultivate partnerships with regional employers and community leaders.
• Monitor implementation of WBL project objectives and evaluate effectiveness.
• Prepare and maintain detailed records, reports, and data.
• Guide development of grant management guidelines and compliance.
• Maintain files and documentation to meet grant requirements and policies.
• Embed career readiness and WBL across the College beyond grant period.
• Ensure WBL aligns with curriculum, credentials, and labor market needs.
• Collaborate with faculty on learning outcomes and employer engagement.
• Support faculty in embedding experiential learning and grant goals.
• Assume additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Strategic planning

Partnership development

Data analysis

Communication

Collaboration

Project management

Diversity commitment

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree from regionally accredited institution

Administrative responsibility in workforce development or higher education

Experience with WBL models, community college systems or workforce trends

Project management experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

McHenry County College is seeking an Executive Director of Work-Learning Advantage to lead a collegewide WBL ecosystem. The role aligns MCC programs with regional workforce needs and equitable student success, overseeing the Title III grant and ensuring implementation of career-connected learning opportunities.

The leader will supervise staff, build partnerships with employers and academia, and monitor program outcomes. A Bachelor’s degree and grant-management experience are required.