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, 2009-2020.

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!

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.

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.

* 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.

Fast-paced environment serving multiple and diverse students. Extensive interaction with students, faculty, health care facilities, and credentialing agencies.

Howard Community College offers competitive salaries, excellent medical and dental selections, tuition reimbursement and paid leave programs. As a participating member of the Maryland Retirement and Pension System, HCC offers two retirement options: The Pension, which requires a 7% employee contribution and The ORP, a 403(b) with a 7.25% employer contribution only. Employees in positions that do not require a bachelor's degree must participate in The Pension. Employees that possess a bachelor's degree and hold professional positions that require a bachelor's degree may choose to participate in either The Pension or The ORP.

*Pre-employment criminal background investigation is a condition of employment.

HCC is interested in all qualified applicants who are eligible to work in the United States. However, HCC will generally not sponsor applicants for work visas. Due to HCC policy, only employees living in states contiguous to Maryland are eligible for work at HCC and include Virginia, West Virginia, Washington DC, Pennsylvania. Candidates must live in the commutable area or willing to relocate at their own expense if offered the position because HCC does not offer relocation benefits.

Please complete the entire HCC Employment Application (Candidates will be evaluated on completing the college's application in full).

Howard Community College ( HCC) is an Equal Employment Opportunity & Affirmative Action employer & values diversity within its faculty, staff & student population. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

HCC understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance with the job application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 443-518-1100.