Work-Based Learning Manager
About The Position
The Work‑Based Learning (WBL) Manager oversees the day-to-day operations and implementation of Ohio State’s work base learning initiatives including increase participation in internships, co‑ops, and applied research experiences while reducing access gaps. The Manager serves as a key operational leader responsible for translating institutional priorities into actionable plans, programs, and processes that partners with campus units to support the expansion of WBL pathways; and strengthens employer partnerships that support high‑quality, paid experiences. This role serves as one of two Manager‑level leads in the WBL portfolio - each with distinct but complementary scopes. The WBL Manager (this role) focuses on internal program implementation, campus coordination, and operational support, policy alignment, and cross‑unit development, while the Employer Relations & Internship Manager focuses on employer-facing strategy and partnership development. Both roles work in coordination to support institutional WBL priorities under the direction of the Senior Director. Approximately 15–20% of the role includes oversight of the time‑bound Catalyst Grant Program, with the remaining responsibilities representing ongoing, evergreen commitments to institutional WBL expansion and execution.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- 5+ years of progressive experience in career services, experiential learning, employer relations, workforce development, or a related field.
- Experience developing, scaling, or managing internship or WBL programs.
- Experience supervising professional staff, graduate assistants, or project teams.
- Proven success collaborating with academic units, employers, and institutional partners.
- Experience using career management systems or CRM tools for reporting, tracking, or employer engagement.
- Strategic planning and systems-thinking skills, with the ability to design scalable WBL processes across decentralized units.
- Deep knowledge of work-based learning best practices, experiential learning pedagogy, career readiness frameworks, and internship quality standards.
- Strong ability to build and maintain high-quality employer partnerships, including assessing internship alignment with institutional standards.
- Exceptional communication, facilitation, and presentation skills with diverse stakeholders (students, faculty, employers, administrators).
- Demonstrated ability to analyze, interpret, and apply internship/WBL participation data, including equity metrics and KPI tracking.
- Ability to manage multiple complex timelines, integrate feedback, and lead change in a collaborative environment.
- Commitment to equity, access, and inclusion in work-based learning participation and outcomes.
- High level of professional judgment and discretion in navigating employer, student, and unit issues.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree strongly preferred.
- Experience in centralized career services at a large, complex university (R1 preferred).
- Experience leading campuswide committees or multi-stakeholder initiatives.
- Experience managing grant‑funded or multi-year initiatives.
- Demonstrated success supporting equity and access in high‑impact practices.
- Knowledge of internship/WBL quality standards, supervisor training, and risk protocols.
- Understanding of employer engagement and labor market trends.
Responsibilities
- Oversees the day-to-day operations and implementation of Ohio State’s work base learning initiatives.
- Increases participation in internships, co‑ops, and applied research experiences while reducing access gaps.
- Serves as a key operational leader responsible for translating institutional priorities into actionable plans, programs, and processes.
- Partners with campus units to support the expansion of WBL pathways.
- Strengthens employer partnerships that support high‑quality, paid experiences.
- Focuses on internal program implementation, campus coordination, and operational support, policy alignment, and cross‑unit development.
- Works in coordination with the Employer Relations & Internship Manager to support institutional WBL priorities under the direction of the Senior Director.
- Oversight of the time‑bound Catalyst Grant Program (approximately 15–20% of the role).
Benefits
- Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
- Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
- State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
