Job Summary

Principal Specialist, Student Success – Global Workforce Readiness & Experiential Learning
College of Science | Purdue University

Join a vibrant College of Science community where innovation, collaboration, and student-centered purpose drive everything we do. As the Principal Specialist in Student Success for Global Workforce Readiness and Experiential Learning, you will be part of a close-knit, spirited, and highly collaborative Student Success team dedicated to supporting the holistic growth and learning of every College of Science student. In this dynamic environment, rooted in interdisciplinary discovery, global engagement, and real-world application, you will lead transformative experiential and career-education initiatives that equip students with the professional, technical, and global competencies essential for success in a rapidly evolving workforce. Your work will shape pathways that empower students to articulate their strengths, build readiness for meaningful careers, and confidently navigate a complex, interconnected world.

The Principal Specialist is a master-level expert who will design, lead, and scale experiential education initiatives that integrate workforce readiness, global engagement, and professional competencies across College of Science disciplines in West Lafayette and Indianapolis. Reporting to the Senior Director of Student Success, this position works closely with academic departments, advisors, alumni, corporate partners, and key university offices, including the Center for Career Opportunities, Study Abroad, Experiential Education, Undergraduate Research, and Pre-Professional Advising.

Key responsibilities include leading innovative experiential learning initiatives, embedding workforce and global readiness into curricula and co-curricular programs, cultivating alumni and employer partnerships, and using data to assess impact. The Principal Specialist will also brief and advise College leaders on emerging trends and strategic priorities in experiential and global learning.

If you are excited to lead the future of experiential and global learning for science students and to help define what workforce readiness looks like in a rapidly changing world, we invite you to apply.

This position is primarily located on the Purdue West Lafayette campus but travel to the Indianapolis campus may be required.

What We're Looking For

Education and Experience Required:

• Master’s degree in higher education administration, international education, STEM education, business, or a closely related field
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in experiential learning, global education, workforce development, and/or student success, ideally within a STEM or research-intensive environment
• Demonstrated ability to develop and scale programs at the college level that produce measurable outcomes in student employment and professional competency development
• Proven success building collaborative partnerships with faculty, employers, alumni, and global partners and influencing stakeholders to adopt new concepts, practices, or approaches in experiential and global learning
• Valid US driver's license

Preferred:

• Doctorate in higher education, science education, organizational leadership, global education, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated success in securing and managing corporate partnerships to support student success initiatives
• Experience:
  • leading large-scale experiential education or career development initiatives in a complex environment
  • integrating data analytics and assessment practices into program evaluation and decision making
  • living abroad for one year or longer
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered.

Skills Required:

• Strong understanding of global workforce trends, STEM career pathways, and employer expectations for graduates
• Excellent communication, organizational, and collaborative skills
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering community and belonging in student success initiatives

Preferred:

• Fluency in a language other than English
• Knowledge of global education trends and experience managing international partnerships or student mobility programs
• Familiarity with industry-recognized career readiness frameworks (i.e., NACE competencies or similar models) and their application in science education

Additional Information:

• Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility:  Immedidate Defined Contribution by the university 
• Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days

Career Stream

Professional 5

• Pay Band S070
• Job Code #20002137

Career path maker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/

Who We Are

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Purdue University is an EOE employer.