Associate Director, Evanston Program Success and Workforce Partnerships

National Louis University•Chicago, IL

2d•$73,812 - $110,718

About The Position

The Associate Director, Evanston Program Success and Workforce Partnerships, is the primary point of contact and driver of Accelerate U’s expansion in Evanston, Illinois. Reporting to the Vice President of Workforce Pathways - Accelerate U, this role builds and manages community and employer partnerships, leads learner recruitment, oversees program operations, and represents Accelerate U in the Evanston community. The position develops and executes strategic plans and targets for Evanston; coordinates recruitment and stakeholder engagement; builds the program’s presence at Evanston Township High School (ETHS); and works with Northwestern University, National Louis University (NLU), employers, community organizations, and university departments to deliver and improve program outcomes. It also contributes to Accelerate U-wide employer engagement and cross-market initiatives. The role calls for an entrepreneurial, persistent, equity-focused approach to building systems and solving problems in a developing program.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of experience and education: high school diploma or GED with five years of experience, or an associate’s degree with three years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities.
At least five years of experience in program management, preferably in education or workforce development.
At least five years of experience managing educational programs and leading teams toward excellent outcomes.
Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively across departments and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

Establish targets and goals for Evanston and develop and execute a strategic plan to achieve them.
Build and manage partnerships with Evanston organizations, including ETHS, Youth Job Center, The Trade Collective, Cradle 2 Careers, Evanston Scholars, Oakton Community College, and the City of Evanston.
Lead learner recruitment with NLU Marketing and Outreach, including hosting information sessions, creating and distributing recruitment materials, supporting applicants through enrollment, and facilitating campus visits to meet recruitment goals.
Lead stakeholder engagement in Evanston, including hosting or facilitating cross-community gatherings with residents, families, community leaders, elected officials, ETHS representatives, and peer career-pathway organizations.
Oversee day-to-day program operations, including training and office space as needed, supplies, contact lists, and data-sharing agreements.
Build and implement the “AU at ETHS” strategy in coordination with ETHS staff and teachers, and engage students and alumni directly.
Represent Accelerate U in community conversations, identify ways to align with existing initiatives, and deploy grant funds strategically.
Build and maintain the primary partnership with Northwestern University, including collaboration with its Community Workforce Development Specialist and participation in meetings with the Ryan Field Workforce Development Initiative team.
Partner with Northwestern and NLU teams to develop and execute public communications, including press releases, social media, and community events.
Coordinate with NLU administrative teams, including Marketing, Enrollment/Admissions, Financial Aid, and Student Support, to support program execution in Evanston.
Serve as the primary problem-solver for Accelerate U in Evanston, responding to challenges and opportunities.
Work with the Vice President of Workforce Pathways and Director of Employer Engagement to develop and grow employer partnerships across Accelerate U markets and increase job placements for program completers.
Support the Director of Employer Engagement in cultivating relationships with employer partners, including Northwestern Medicine, Endeavor North Shore, and Erie Community Health, and use those relationships to strengthen program delivery and outcomes.
Host employer events on campus or in the community to showcase Accelerate U, increase employer awareness, and connect employers with learners.
Build and maintain partnerships with employer collectives, including P33, SDI Presence/XChange, the Civic Committee, World Business Chicago, and the Corporate Coalition, and participate in healthcare and technology sector councils.
Contribute to Accelerate U’s broader partner engagement strategy and support cross-market initiatives as assigned.