Summary

Are you passionate about shaping the future workforce and making a real impact in education? At Southeast Service Cooperative (SSC), we’re looking for a dynamic and innovative Career-Connected Learning Specialist to join our team. This role offers the opportunity to create meaningful career pathways for students, connecting them with industries that promise growth, sustainable wages, and the chance to earn industry-recognized credentials.

Description

Are you passionate about shaping the future workforce and making a real impact in education? At Southeast Service Cooperative (SSC), we’re looking for a dynamic and innovative Career-Connected Learning Specialist to join our team. This role offers the opportunity to create meaningful career pathways for students, connecting them with industries that promise growth, sustainable wages, and the chance to earn industry-recognized credentials. 

As a Career-Connected Learning Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in developing and expanding career-connected learning opportunities for our member school districts. Your work will involve supporting educators and students in exploring career clusters, creating experiences that engage employers, and fostering career awareness through events like career fairs and classroom presentations. You will also be instrumental in facilitating career-connected learning opportunities, such as site visits and job shadows, and developing career pathways that include dual credit options, internships, and apprenticeships.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Empower Educators and Students: Collaborate with school districts to evaluate and enhance their course offerings, introduce innovative programs, and support educators in aligning their efforts to maximize impact. 
  • Champion FutureForward: Promote and support the use of FutureForward, our regional career readiness platform, by training educators, enhancing business profiles, and integrating it into classrooms.
  • Coordinate Regional Events: Work closely with colleges, employers, and school staff to organize and execute career-connected learning events like the SE MN Post-Secondary Festival, Manufacturing Month, and the SE MN Welding Competition.
  • Build Strong Partnerships: Establish and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, including school administrators, teachers, industry partners, and employers, to create and promote career-connected learning experiences.

Why You’ll Love This Role:

  • Impact: You’ll have the opportunity to shape the future of education and career development in Southeast Minnesota.
  • Collaboration: Work with a diverse team of educators, industry leaders, and community partners who share your passion for student success.
  • Flexibility: Enjoy the benefits of remote work while engaging directly with school districts and communities across the region. Periodic travel to our Rochester office will be required.
  • Innovation: Be at the forefront of creating and implementing cutting-edge career-connected learning opportunities.

What We’re Looking For:

  • A combination of education and experience equivalent to three years in career-connected learning and career pathway development. A bachelor’s degree in a related field is strongly preferred.
  • A proven ability to build and maintain effective partnerships with educators, industry representatives, and other stakeholders.
  • A passion for education, workforce development, and student success.
  • A valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and an insured personal vehicle for travel within the 11-county region of Southeast Minnesota.

Compensation: We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, with a salary range of $55,000 to $60,000, commensurate with your experience and education.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: SSC is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. We value diverse perspectives and experiences, and we strive to have our employees reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

Ready to Apply? If you’re excited about this opportunity, we’d love to hear from you! Please send your cover letter and resume to Christi Fosland, SSC Educational Support Coordinator, at cfosland@ssc.coop. Applications are due by September 15, 2024.