Lead, Co-op and Workforce Initiatives

The Ohio State University•Columbus, OH

6d•$103,000 - $110,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Center for Software Innovation (CSI) seeks a highly collaborative operational leader to build, govern, scale, and continuously improve a new experiential learning model: a part-time cooperative (co-op) education program embedded within the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Business. Reporting to the AVP for Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship, this role is responsible for the strategic planning, analysis, project management and ongoing business operations of this highly-visible initiative. Serving as the project manager, this role builds and facilitates the systems for the co-op program from inception through governance, and ongoing operations. The Lead serves as a key advisor and influencer across the ecosystem, working closely with internal stakeholders, including; students, faculty, career services, employer partners, and program leadership to execute the project plan and ensure quality results by seamlessly connect academic pathways with high-impact work experiences in startups, scaleups, and established innovation-driven organizations.

Requirements

6+ years of relevant experience in building, planning, and/or scaling experiential learning programs, co-op programs, or workforce development initiatives.
Demonstrated project management and systems-building expertise, with a proven track record of managing complex schedules, operational logistics, project budgets, and program parameters.
Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to navigate complex institutional structures, manage change, and build consensus among faculty, staff, and external partners.

Nice To Haves

8-12 years of relevant experience in building, planning, and/or scaling experiential learning programs, co-op programs, or workforce development initiatives.
Experience working within innovation, entrepreneurship, or startup ecosystems (e.g., accelerator or incubator programs).
Deep understanding of part-time co-op models or work-integrated learning best practices.

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Operational Design: Responsible for the strategic planning, operational design, and execution of repeatable co-op program pathways. Coordinates project planning and change management to transition the program into a highly efficient, ongoing business operation. Focuses on building and maintaining the programmatic structural governance, repeatable matching and recruitment processes, and resource modeling required to scale enrollment, manage pipelines, and ensure institutional readiness. Establish a framework and partner seamlessly with University and College-level academic advising, career services, and student support services to ensure program sustainability and a holistic student experience.
Program Scaling and Sustaining: Oversee the management of student pods working on assigned projects with parameters set by external hiring partners, establishing governance, milestones and tracking results. Propose and implement new tracks based on feedback and success, including strategic operations enhancements and sustainability plans.
Program Administration and Reporting: Manage specialized systems supporting opportunity access, application tracking, and program metrics. Maintain dashboards to support continuous program improvement and leadership reporting, including monitoring sustainability metrics and building feedback loops.