at Harper College in Palatine, Illinois, United States
Job Description
The S. Director, Workforce Solutions & Job Placement provides leadership over the operational budget, and personnel functions of all work-based learning activities for the college including apprenticeships, internships, and the Job Placement Resource Center (JPRC). Responsibilities include marketing of programs and services within these areas and responsibility for budget and immediate supervision of all related personnel. Responsible for the implementation of divisional and college procedures, policies and assuring that the overall objectives are being met. The Senior Director serves on the President’s Learning Council (PLC) and represents the college to area business and industry while cultivating the development of new strategic partners. Makes data informed decisions aimed at increasing post completion job opportunities for students and demonstrates exceptional leadership and supervisory skills.
Plans, coordinates, and conducts all work-based learning experiences and events which prepare students for employment and provide employment opportunities. Supervises related staff and manages schedules. Establishes performance goals, encourages professional development, and provides annual evaluations.
Establishes policies and procedures for business engagement, student recruitment and evaluation of programs
Job functions include project management, special events planning, presentation and meetings management, budget management, and management of the workflow and tracking of post completion employment opportunities for Harper students.
Stays abreast of national, state, and local trends affecting work-based learning, workforce development, and career planning.
Serves as Coordinating agent for on-line job search database, Career Services Manager (CSM)
Prepares and monitors all job-related budgets.
Oversees student on-campus employment by providing workshops, training sessions, and collaborating with Human Resources and the Office of Financial Aid to create and monitor policy and procedures. Monitors student employment budget and manages data.
Collaborates with the Faculty, Student Development Centers, Deans, and grants office staff on matters of employment data and job opportunities related to career programs and programs of study.
Develops deep relationships, partnerships, and alliances with local business and industry leaders for the sole purpose of establishing Harper College as their preferred provider. Dedicates significant effort to meeting with area businesses and other entities to determine workforce trends and related educational and training needs.
Collaborates with Provost’s area to initiate programs of study that reflect labor market needs.
Coordinates the job search activities across campus in active collaboration with credit and continuing professional education (CPE) program coordinators.
Advises students, graduates and alumni on an individual basis or in-group workshop/seminar settings regarding pre-employment skills and job search strategies such as resume/cover letters, interviewing techniques and networking, as needed.
Provides labor market information such as trends, job descriptions, hiring projections and other career-related information to employers, Harper faculty, staff, and students. Supervises electronic, print, and online resources.
Coordinates industry specific job fairs. Supervises on-campus recruitment by employers.
Ability to use software programs to produce virtual presentations, and create Blackboard files for use by faculty
Establishes procedures consistent with the Workforce Solutions Division for the effective daily operation of the functional areas aimed at work-based learning and job placement.
Manages marketing efforts in all program areas creating new programs/events to engage students and coordinates efforts with faculty.
Supervises contacts with prospective employers to determine their employment needs and concerns. Promotes Harper's services to employers, with particular focus on post completion job opportunities for students.
Works closely with college efforts related to Job Placement, Apprentices, internships, and work-based learning opportunities which support the marketing and recruitment of Harper students to assist in outreach activities such as Open Houses in conjunction with Admissions Outreach, and Marketing Services. Collaborates with local job training organizations such as the American Jobs Center (Business Career Services) and Workforce Investment Board.
Refers students to other College resources and/or community agencies as appropriate.
Actively participates in divisional meetings, committees, and special projects. Represents the Workforce Solutions Division and the Job Placement Resource Center, to college and community as a thought leader and subject matter expert at convenings, strategic discussions, or community events.
Participates in professional development activities to ensure professional growth and knowledge needed to provide effective leadership and program development. Fulfills speaking engagements and conducts seminars as needed; acts as a key-note speaker on job related topics.
Participates in institutional committees as needed and performs related duties as assigned.
Coordinates the preparation, analysis, and distribution of the annual report of work-based learning outcomes for students. Special emphasis is placed on analysis of financial performance, budget management, program quality, and post completion job opportunities for students.
Leads a team of creative and productive individuals committed to meeting the current and projected economic needs of the community.
Assesses staffing needs and makes recommendations to the Vice President of Workforce Solutions.
