Community and Work Based Learning Specialist

This position is based at all three Riverland Community College locations, Albert Lea, Austin, and Owatonna, Minnesota.

Please supply a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position.

The purpose of the Community and Work-Based Learning Specialist (Perkins Grant Coordinator) is to support quality career and technical education, ensuring that every learner has equitable access to career-connected learning through a network of knowledgeable partners.  This position supports Carl Perkins grant development and implementation across the college and with secondary partners. This position also supports community-based and work-based learning experiences, primarily in the Career and Technical Education programs (CTE). This position aligns businesses with key academic programs to foster successful placement of students in experiential learning opportunities that increase completion rates and career placements with regional businesses.  The Specialist will be responsible for the recruitment and onboarding of new Career & Technical industry partners and retention of existing partners, program management, data collection and reporting, student outcome tracking, graduation follow-up, and alumni career connections that strengthen the program. This position will oversee work-based learning partnerships and serve as a liaison between faculty and businesses, including apprenticeships, internships, dual-training, capstone projects, and other work-based learning and career placement activities as well as oversight to ensure consistent practices across credit and non-credit programs in high-demand areas to build market-driven career pathways for students. All employees of Riverland Community College are responsible for promoting a culture that supports diversity and inclusion in all forms as well as providing excellent customer service continuously to all internal and external contacts.

This position will have responsibilities at all three campuses.

Salary Range:

$52,806.00 - $76,650.00

Minimum Qualifications

• Two (2) years of professional work-related experience. An associate degree could substitute for six months of work-related experience.

• Demonstrated project management skills.

• Knowledge and/or familiarity with Career and Technical Education.

• Ability to manage a complex budget.

Preferred Qualification 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

• Experience working in a higher education setting.

• Direct experience with Carl Perkins grant priorities and Career and Technical Education.

• Familiarity with work-based learning best practices and implementation.

• Experience managing advisory boards or other committees comprised of industry partners.

• Ability to maintain strong working relationships across internal and external partnerships.

• Bilingual/multilingual fluent in Spanish, Somali, Karen, Anuak, Nuer, or other languages that reflect our student body, workforce, and communities.

• Demonstrated experience working with multicultural and underserved populations.

Other Requirements

A complete online application will include a letter of interest and resume/curriculum vitae.  Please note that the search committee will not review incomplete applications.

This position requires completing employment references and a driver’s license background check.

Work Shift (Hours / Days of work)

8:00 am - 4:30 pm / Monday through Friday

Telework (Yes/No)

Telework - 1

About

Riverland Community College is dedicated to fostering an environment where employees, students, and the region thrive. Guided by our vision, mission, and values, we provide excellent opportunities for every student to reach their academic and career goals. Our values focus on cultivating student growth through service, collaboration, innovation, and respect. We offer a supportive and innovative culture that values individual and team contribution, with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Diversity and Inclusion: We are dedicated to continually developing a workforce that mirrors the diversity of our students and communities. We recognize the strength in varied experiences and perspectives, enhancing our ability to serve the people of our region effectively.

Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Commitment: Riverland is an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution. We welcome candidates with an understanding of HSIs and the Latinx student experience, further enriching our inclusive community.

Student-Centered Education: With small class sizes, personalized instruction, and hands-on learning. Riverland offers student-centered education that empowers individuals to succeed. Our diverse range of credit and non-credit courses caters to various learning modalities.

Program Offerings: With campuses in Albert Lea, Austin, and Owatonna, Riverland provides associate degrees in more than 90 career options, as well as liberal arts and sciences, and customized training, ensuring comprehensive educational opportunities for all.

Community and Quality of Life: Located in southern Minnesota, our region boasts excellent public and parochial education systems, diverse recreational activities for all seasons, and upscale communities, enriching both personal and professional lives.

Join Riverland Community College, where dedication to employees, students, and the region drives excellence in education and service.

To learn more about Riverland or Minnesota State, visit www.riverland.edu or www.minnstate.edu.

Benefits Information:

At Minnesota State, we have a GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! Our generous benefits include 11 paid Holidays, Vacation Time, Sick Time, six weeks of Paid Parental Leave, low cost medical and dental insurance with low deductibles ($250 - $1500), a Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement plans and other retirement investment options, pre-tax medical and dental expense (with roll-over option) and dependent care accounts, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, as well as professional development and a tuition waiver program for employees and their dependents, etc.  We promote the health and well-being of our employees and take work/life balance seriously.