Nature of Work
The Assistant Director of the Cooperative Education Program is responsible for supporting the development, coordination, and administration of the Cooperative Education Career Scholars program. This role involves employer engagement, student advising, program development, and collaboration with faculty to enhance experiential learning initiatives. The Assistant Director will work closely with students, employers, and academic departments to ensure the success of the Cooperative Education Program.
Examples of Work Performed
- Provide instruction for Fundamentals of Professional Practice program (up to four credits per semester).
- Maintain an assigned caseload of students from initial enrollment to graduation building relationships, coaching, and facilitating skill development to support students in achieving their cooperative education goals.
- Advise students on co-op opportunities, application processes, and career readiness.
- Assist in employer outreach, recruitment efforts, and hosting employer information sessions.
- Work with employers to create meaningful co-op experiences that align with students’ academic and career goals.
- Assist in program development, implementation, and evaluation to enhance co-op experiences, including student recruiting, advising, co-op placements, tracking, and assessment.
- Collaborate with faculty and academic departments to promote and strengthen the co-op program and experiences.
- Maintain accurate records of student program enrollment, participation, employer partnerships, and program outcomes.
- Support the development of policies, procedures, and best practices for the co-op program.
- Provide leadership in the planning and implementation of cooperative education events, workshops, social gatherings and celebrations.
- Provide leadership for the development and implementation of a living learning community curriculum for cooperative education students.
- Manage the scholarship program associated with the cooperative education program which includes state funds and private dollars.
- Hire, train, and supervise direct reports, including evaluating performance and identifying professional development and growth opportunities.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree
- Must be able to work evenings and weekends.
Preferred Qualifications
- Three – five years of experience in higher education, career services, cooperative education, employer relations, or a related area.
- Knowledge of experiential learning, cooperative education models, and workforce development.
- Experience in student advising, employer relations, or program management in a higher education setting.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to analyze program data and track student success metrics.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
Other Requirements
- Valid Driver's License
- Criminal Background and DMV Check
About Us
Wayne State College serves as a model of success for regional public higher education. Investments in infrastructure and facilities, expanded academic programs and partnerships, a whole-campus approach to recruitment and retention, and a commitment to strategic planning position the College as a strong member of the Nebraska State College System. More than 4,500 students rely on Wayne State for access to graduate and undergraduate degree programs in more than 130 programs of study each year, a role the College has proudly filled since its founding in 1891. Our goals are clear: continually improve retention and graduation rates, provide high-quality academic programs and campus facilities, support workforce and economic development in the region, maintain affordability and access, and manage resources for sustainability. We invite qualified applicants to join us in our important work.