Director of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning Programs

Since 1911, City Colleges of Chicago has been connecting students from across Chicago’s neighborhoods to economic opportunity. By offering a quality education at an unprecedented value, City Colleges provides our students and alumni with a pathway to upward mobility. City Colleges of Chicago is the city’s most accessible higher education engine of socioeconomic mobility and racial equity—empowering its students to take part in building a stronger and more just city. As Illinois’ largest community college system, City Colleges is comprised of seven colleges and five satellite sites across Chicago.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

Reporting to the Executive Director of Apprenticeships and Workforce Solutions, the Director of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning Programs provides strategic leadership for the development, coordination, and scaling of a comprehensive, equity-centered work-based learning (WBL) and apprenticeship strategy across the district’s colleges.

The Director of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning Programs is responsible for cultivating sustainable industry partnerships, expanding career-connected learning opportunities, and ensuring alignment among academic programs, employer needs, and student success outcomes. The Director collaborates closely with college leadership, faculty, workforce teams, and external stakeholders to establish CCC as a leader in experiential learning and workforce development. Performs related duties as required

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Strategy, System Building & Management

·         Collaborates with Executive Director of Workforce Solutions to lead the development and execution of a district-wide vision for work-based learning and apprenticeship that supports equitable student outcomes.

·         Implements CCC’s Work-Based Learning framework for scaling internships, apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, cooperative education, clinical placements, and job shadowing across colleges and disciplines.

·         Integrates WBL opportunities into academic pathways and student career development strategies.

·         Supervises the day to day work of the Manager of Apprenticeship & Work Based Learning

Employer & Industry Engagement

·         Collaborates with employers to co-design WBL experiences aligned with in-demand skills and occupational competencies.

Program Development & Coordination

·         Develops and oversees a strategy for implementing and maintaining a districtwide registered apprenticeship framework.

·         Supports colleges in launching and maintaining registered and non-registered apprenticeship programs, including managing program registration, implementation, and reporting.

·         Provides technical assistance and tools for faculty and college staff to develop and manage WBL opportunities.

·         Oversees the development of work process schedules, mentor training plans, student worksite agreements, and learning objectives.

Data, Evaluation & Compliance

·         Collaborates with Workforce Solutions Data and Operations Manager to establish systems for tracking and reporting participation, outcomes, employer engagement, and equity metrics across all WBL programs.

·         Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local apprenticeship and labor laws, including Department of Labor requirements for Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs).

·         Leverages data to drive continuous improvement, secure funding, and inform district leadership.

Collaboration & Capacity Building

·         Serves as a strategic thought partner to academic affairs, workforce development, career services, and student support departments.

·         Leads communities of practice, trainings, and workshops to build WBL capacity across the district’s colleges.

·         Coordinates with grant teams to align WBL strategy with available funding opportunities (e.g., WIOA, state apprenticeship grants, philanthropic funding)

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports To                          Executive Director of Apprenticeships and Workforce Solutions

Direct Supervision            Manager-Apprenticeship & Work Based Learning

QUALIFICATIONS

·         A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business, Public Administration, Higher Education or a related field.

·         Five years of progressively responsible work experience in academic/business/industry management/workforce development

·         College level curriculum development and teaching experience highly preferred 

·         Demonstrated experience establishing partnerships with business and civic organizations and higher education institutions

·         Demonstrated experience in planning and implementing apprenticeship and work-based learning programs

·         Knowledge of theories and best practices associated with apprenticeship, internship and other work-based learning programming at community colleges

·         Understanding of industries and industry trends and their workforce needs

·         Familiarity with academic policies and strategies for aligning programs of study with labor market needs   

·         Excellent interpersonal skills

·         Excellent verbal and written communications skills

·         Strong organizational skills

·         Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 

·         Ability to handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.

·         Ability to work effectively within a culturally diverse environment 

·         Ability to work with a high degree of professionalism

·         Ability to travel to various on- and off-campus locations as needed

·         Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).

Salary Range: $92,866 - $97,000

Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as other factors such as internal equity.

Benefits information is found at https://www.ccc.edu/departments/Benefits/

       WE OFFER: Excellent health and welfare benefit package and long-term savings and investment programs including 403(b) & 457(b) Investment Plans and a pension plan with the State University Retirement System (SURS) Plan. Generous vacation, holiday, personal and sick days, and tuition reimbursement. For a more detailed overview of benefits, please visit the benefits page of our website.

We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Chicago residency is required for all full-time employees within 6 months of hire. Thank you for your interest in CCC!