Business and Career Experience Coordinator - Career Center

Waterloo Community School District•Waterloo, IA

11h

About The Position

This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing impactful work-based learning opportunities that support the district’s career readiness goals. A primary focus of the position is to expand student access to real-world experiences by cultivating strong relationships with local businesses, industries, and community partners. These collaborations will create pathways for students to engage in internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, and clinical experiences. In alignment with the district’s strategic priorities, this position advances key components of career development, including career exploration, personal reflection, future planning, and hands-on workplace experiences. While supporting all areas, the position places particular emphasis on increasing the quality and availability of work-based learning opportunities for students. The individual in this role works in partnership with educators, students, families, and industry representatives to ensure that experiences are meaningful and aligned with students’ interests, strengths, and long-term goals. The overarching objective of this position is to ensure that all students leave high school prepared for their next step—equipped with both a diploma and a well-defined plan for success in college, career, and active citizenship.

Requirements

BA in education, work-based learning, business or other related field, required
Knowledge of work-based learning initiatives to include career counseling, required
Valid driver’s license and dependable vehicle for primarily in-district travel
Solid strategic visioning skills
General understanding of occupational needs within business and industry, as well as hiring and training practices
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff, parents, business partners and community members regardless of race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic/national origin, religion, marital status, age, socio-economic status or disability
Exceptional public speaking and presentation skills
Knowledge of and passion for addressing cultural diversity and associated issues related to career planning and closing the earnings gap
Demonstrated record of commitment and sensitivity to affirmative action, equal opportunity and human rights
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
Demonstrated experience as a self-starter
Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Dedicated organization skills
Ability to accomplish tasks through a group process
Ability to recognize sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality
Demonstrated conflict resolution skills
Knowledge of school policies and procedures
Basic computer skills (computer navigation, email, web browser, Employee Portal)
Intermediate computer skills (Google Suites, search function, student information systems, basis promethean)
High computer skills (familiarity with Education Tech Tools, Informational systems specific to position
Ability to reach all skill levels listed if not already acquired

Nice To Haves

State Certification in Work Based Learning preferred. Could be earned once in the position.
Proven track record of building and enhancing partnerships with business and industry, preferred

Responsibilities

Coordinate opportunities along our district's continuum of work-based learning options, including job shadows, level 1 and level 2 internships, quality pre-apprenticeships and registered apprenticeships, and other work-based learning programs that relate to authentic worksite learning.
Support the district’s vision for career development, with a primary focus on securing work-based learning opportunities for students.
Develop strong relationships with business and industry to ensure awareness of opportunities for our students and serve as the liaison between the district and business and industry.
Solicit materials from related industries and other agencies to be used in classroom and laboratory activities.
Work with related staff to ensure a shared vision about the purpose of work-based learning for all stakeholders.
Disseminate information on work-based learning programs to employers, parents, teachers, students, and counselors.
Recruit a broad spectrum of work-based learning opportunities in all career service areas and enter and maintain all work-based learning opportunities and student data in Xello.
Maintain lists of businesses/industries willing to participate in work-based learning.
Visit new and expanding industries and businesses to identify new skills, equipment, and materials that may be incorporated into the curriculum.
Seek opportunities in business and industry for students to extend their learning outside of the classroom.
Monitor and evaluate programs using data to support decisions.
Collaborate with staff to gain firm understanding of student needs and curriculum.
Contact new students’ parents/guardians; explain the WBL program; and discuss responsibilities of school, student, parent, and training placement.
Establish purpose of training agreement and training plan.
Develop training agreements and training plans.
Process appropriate documents.
Screen, interview, connect, and coach qualified students for work-based learning experiences, paying particular attention to needs of students from marginalized populations.
Conduct regular visits to the work site to determine student progress and changes needed in work-based learning programs.
Maintain an inventory of supplies and materials to support the work-based learning program.
Assist counselors with career events which allows local industry to meet with Waterloo Schools students.
Collaborate with high school counselors and other staff in the development and delivery of employability skills, resume writing and interviewing skills.
Assist supervisor in defining needs, developing plans, establishing goals, and formulating policies and procedures for program development.
Maintain professional development by participating in national and state organizations/associations, and attending conferences related to work-based learning.
Performs other duties as assigned.