"Industry Navigator - Clean Technology, Energy, And Natural Resources"

Position Summary

The Colorado-Wyoming Engine, funded through a National Science Foundation grant, is a regional collaboration working to innovative pathways toward climate resiliency by translating environmental monitoring technologies and predictive analytics into reliable and trustworthy decision support systems to mitigate climate change's environmental and economic threats. The CO-WY Engine will align workforce with the needs of the climate tech economy and build a nationally and globally significant ecosystem that creates equitable and environmentally resilient communities.

The Metropolitan State University of Denver is a collaborator within the Colorado-Wyoming Engine to co-create and build innovative pathways toward climate resiliency. Our efforts will translate environmental monitoring technologies and predictive analytics into trustworthy decision support systems, mitigate environmental and economic degradation, advance climate solutions that result in community resiliency, and grow workforce programs that sustain regional innovation.

This position through the CO-WY Engine is a collaborative workforce development partner. The mission is to expand high-impact career success programs and services to support the overall workforce development goals.

As an Industry Navigator you will serve as a career specialist for Energy and Natural Resources with a focus on Clean Technology industries. The Industry Navigator will be responsible for deep understanding of associated industry trends and the ways in which our students can acquire the skills, expertise, and career readiness to transition their student experience into meaningful careers. Additionally, the Industry Navigator works closely with the CO-WY engine partner employers, MSU Denver faculty, staff, and students to ensure all are prepared for mutually beneficial and impactful experiential learning opportunities. This position develops relationships surrounding internship and career development opportunities for students, develops programming to assist them in the process of readiness for these opportunities, supports bridging that gap between student and employer, and collaborates across campus with program and faculty partners.

Additionally, the Industry Navigator is responsible for stewarding and leveraging a portfolio of prospective and current employers within the Energy and Natural Resources Clean Technology industries serving as the primary liaison. The Industry Navigator also participates in projects related to the promotion and development of the Classroom to Career Hub with a keen focus on post-graduation career outcomes including employment for current students and alumni.

As MSU Denver seeks to be the national leader in educating students for tomorrow's careers, the University-Industry partnerships team is forward-thinking and ensures programs are aligned to Colorado workforce development trends and the goals of the CO-WY Engine. With an ambitious goal of engaging 100% of students in robust career planning in the next three years, the University is committed to creating services that are scaled, highly evaluated, and focused on the specific needs and interests of MSU Denver students. To that end, successful team members think critically about MSU Denver student demographics and their respective career planning.

This is a Temporary Grant Funded position with funding available until 2/28/26, with the possibility of extension if additional funds are secured.

Metropolitan State University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer.

Duties/Responsibilities

50% - University-Industry Partnerships

• Collaborate with current and prospective employers, specifically CO-WY Engine partner organizations, to understand their unique opportunities to engage with MSU Denver.
• Work with respective faculty members to connect and foster relationships with industry partners for the benefit of students.
• Engage employers in developing a talent recruitment strategy that includes diversity, equity, and inclusion, position management, recruiting programs and events.
• Work closely with employers to build and strengthen internship programs.
• Partner with industry to develop student career readiness activities including classroom visits, mentoring, and panel discussions.
• Identify areas of engagement related to upskilling industry professionals.
• Cultivate a deep understanding of industry areas within Colorado and according to CO-WY Engine talent pipeline needs.
• Manage a portfolio of high-profile employers aligned to MSU Denver's employer engagement strategy. Develop and manage programs aligned to shared student development and recruitment outcomes.

30% - Student Career Readiness

• Support career readiness programs for students by bringing industry context to career planning.
• Provide industry-specific knowledge and strengthen opportunity network within respective workforce sectors.
• Develop key partnerships with faculty to bolster skills learned in the classroom and connect to applied learning within industry opportunities.
• Partner with academic departments and faculty to promote and encourage student participation in experiential learning opportunities.

20% - Assessment and Reporting

• Develop and track success measures regarding student participation and industry partner engagement.
• Ensure reporting data in Career Link is accurate and comprehensive including contact notes for students and employers.
• Develop and maintain depth of understanding of respective industry trends.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• Previous professional experience in at least one of the following areas: Energy, Sustainability, Environmental Stewardship, and/or Workforce Development.
• Client or Employer relations experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience managing complex or concurrent projects or tasks while adapting to changing priorities.
• Experience with college recruiting, building campus relationships or related university experience.
• Familiarity with Customer Relationship Management platforms or Large Databases.
• Experience working with diverse, urban and non-traditional teams, customers, or clients.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Budget and grant management experience.
• Data management, tracking and analysis skills.

Work Hours

Full-time, 40 hours per week, Exempt. Monday through Friday, Evening/weekend work: Rarely. Hybrid schedule (on-campus and remote) available for this position. Travel: Rarely. This is a Temporary Grant Funded position with funding available until 2/28/26, with the possibility of extension if additional funds are secured.

Salary for Announcement

We anticipate the qualified candidate to be placed between $49,900 - $62,400. The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

Instructions to Apply

For full consideration, please submit the following documents: Resume, Cover letter describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position. 3 professional references will be required of the finalist. One reference must be a prior supervisor. This position will remain open until filled. Please apply by August 13, 2025 for full consideration. Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire. If you are an Internal applicant, please apply via the Career tab within the WorkDay Menu.

Benefits

The University's benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs. Visit MSU Denver's benefits website to learn more.