Job Summary
The Work-Integrated Learning Program Manager leads efforts to develop, manage, and assess professional practice-based experiential learning programs, including various models of Cooperative Education (Co-op), Industry Knowledge Certificates, program outreach, and future programs to be added. This role is responsible for increasing student participation, building industry partnerships, delivering career readiness curriculum, and supervising a team of approximately 20 student staff. This role will coordinate employer-led events targeting student recruitment, while also contributing to university-wide communication, data, and alumni engagement.
This position offers a chance to make a meaningful impact at a prestigious institution known for innovation and research excellence. Join our community of lifelong learners and contribute your skills to this critical program. At Purdue, you'll find unrivaled pride and unlimited potential as we persistently pursue the next giant leap together. Take the next step in your career journey - apply now to help build a better world at Purdue University.
What You'll Be Doing:
Program Management & Outreach
- Develop strategies for continuous OPP program outreach to current/prospective students, including peer-led engagement via the student ambassador team.
- Lead in development of new experiential learning models in partnership with industry, which may include technical training opportunities, site visits, and project-based collaborations.
- Lead targeted student recruitment efforts for Co-op and other OPP programs by giving presentations in classes, at student organization meetings, and through university-sponsored events.
- Organize OPP's participation for campus events, callouts, and university-wide student engagement opportunities.
- Collaborate with campus partners including the registrar, financial aid, housing, and academic advisors to facilitate seamless program administration.
- Collaborate with co-op coordinators to promote opportunities within academic disciplines and improve student understanding of program benefits.
- Supervise approximately 20 student staff, including onboarding, scheduling, training, and professional development.
Employer & Alumni Engagement
- Develop and manage partnerships with industry to strengthen experiential learning offerings aligned with workforce needs and academic capabilities.
- Maintain existing partnerships through scheduled check-ins, on-site visits, and engagement to ensure a high-quality experience for employers and students.
- Co-coordinate employer job postings in Simplicity and collaborate with staff to connect students to relevant opportunities.
- Plan and deliver employer-led events that support early recruitment pipelines.
- Maintain contact with OPP program alumni, to foster engagement, mentorship, and long-term connections with current students.
- Collaborate with OPP leadership to identify and recognize alumni and employer contributions through programs such as the Professional Practice Hall of Fame.
- Coordinate alumni participation in events, panels, and mentorship programs designed to enhance student experiences.
Data Collection, Analysis, Reporting, and Planning
- Develop and maintain knowledge of best practices and trends associated with the administration of Professional Practice Programs. Develop strategies to collect and report data.
- Collaborate with senior staff on the development of OPP’s annual report and provide communication regarding findings to university faculty and staff, employers, students, and alumni.
- Utilize data to guide practices associated with existing programs and aid in the development of new programs.
- Organize and analyze data to support strategic development of new industry partners and initiatives
- Co-lead training sessions for OPP staff, co-op coordinators, and academic advisors on data tools related to OPP experiential learning programs.
Student Instruction and Assessment
- Aid in the instruction of ENGR 10301 Intro to Professional Practice. Support efforts to bring in speakers who can focus conversations on development of business essential skills.
- Develop seminars and workshops to enhance the experience for students participating in the Business Essentials Certificate.
- Serve as an instructor of record for various internship courses and provide feedback to students to aid with their professional development.
About Us:
The College of Engineering at Purdue University is among the best and largest Engineering schools in the world. With nearly 16,000 engineering students and more than 500 tenure track faculty in the college, this position has ample opportunity to have an impact at one of the world’s most influential universities.
For more information about our department, please visit:
- College of Engineering, Purdue University https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr
- External Recognitions Program https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr/People/Awards
- College of Engineering's Social Media https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr/AboutUs/social
What We're Looking For:
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Communications, Liberal Arts, or Relevant Field
- Four (4) years of experience in education, higher education, or industry
Skills needed:
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Experience with data analysis and reporting
- Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) or other workforce/career services management software
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office software
- Experience with process improvement
- Strong interpersonal skills for relating effectively with a diverse group of students, faculty, university staff, alumni, and employers
- Experience in planning and executing both small and large-scale events
- Ability to professionally plan, execute, and manage relationships with students, faculty, industry, government, and community constituents
- Ability to work comfortably and effectively in independent and group scenarios on various initiatives
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.
Additional Information:
- Purdue’s benefits summary https://www.purdue.edu/hr/Benefits/
- Purdue 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: Defined Contribution Waiting Period
- Purdue University is an EO/EA University