Director, Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) - Economic and Workforce Development

Southeast Missouri State University•Cape Girardeau, MO

66d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of the Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) provides leadership and oversight for Southeast Missouri State University's CAPS program. This position develops and maintains partnerships with K-12 school districts, business and industry leaders, and community stakeholders to create career-focused learning experiences for high school students. The Director oversees program planning, operations, curriculum alignment, student recruitment, and stakeholder engagement to ensure high-quality educational opportunities. As the program's lead administrator, the Director supports program growth, strengthens workforce partnerships, and helps students prepare for college, careers, and lifelong success while advancing regional workforce and economic development goals.

Requirements

Master’s degree with examples of experience in curriculum and/or workforce development
5+ years of progressively responsible experience, demonstrating education, education leadership, counseling, career development and/or related experience within a K-12 or Higher Education setting
Strong leadership and administrative skills including planning, budgeting, and resource management
Demonstrated experience in data collection, analysis, and report writing
Demonstrated successful communication and stakeholder engagement skills to build partnerships and lead collaborative initiatives
Experience delivering engaging presentations to internal and external audiences
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Excellent problem-solving abilities
Demonstrated experience and understanding of customer service

Responsibilities

Collaborate with SEMO leadership and local/regional businesses to recruit, develop, retain, and engage industry partners that support student learning through internships, project-based experiences, and other workforce engagement opportunities
Recruit, develop, support, and provide professional development opportunities for CAPS instructors, guest speakers/instructors, and staff, to ensure a high-quality learning experience for students
Build and maintain productive relationships with high school administrators and expand partnerships with high schools through origination and management of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs)
Partner closely with SEMO departments, including student financial services, marketing and communications, facilities management, and IT, to ensure seamless program operations
Work collaboratively with counselors, students, and families to ensure CAPS coursework aligns with student interests, academic goals, graduation requirements, and schedules
Work with SEMO leadership to develop and implement internal and external marketing and communications strategies that increase program visibility and impact
Oversee curriculum development, implementation, evaluation, and record keeping processes, using multiple forms of assessment data to enhance program quality, support student success, and explore future program offerings
Monitor student attendance, academic progress, and behavior; collaborate with schools, families, instructors, and mentors to develop individualized intervention and success plans; and serve as the primary point of contact for high school personnel regarding student concerns
Oversee the application, selection, and enrollment processes for prospective CAPS students, developing streamlined procedures that align with participating school districts
Coordinate and manage recruitment and outreach activities, including tours, open houses, orientation events, and career fairs
Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all CAPS program operations
Support student future success by coordinating business partner recommendations, references, and testimonials that strengthen admissions and scholarship opportunities
Promote a culture of professionalism by upholding CAPS expectations related to conduct, workplace readiness, attendance, and professional appearance
Oversee student fee processes and collections while ensuring sound fiscal stewardship and operational efficiency