Work-Based Learning Manager

The Work-Based Learning (WBL) Manager oversees the day-to-day operations and implementation of Ohio States 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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.

Working Conditions

• Full-time position with occasional evening or weekend hours to support employer engagement events, trainings, or committee work.
• Hybrid work environment may be available based on CCOE guidelines; regular on-campus presence required for meetings, events, and stakeholder engagement.
• Requires ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, meet deadlines, and operate in a fast-paced environment with shifting institutional priorities.
• Occasional local or regional travel for employer site visits, partnership development, or statewide WBL initiatives.
• Work is generally performed in an office or campus environment with standard physical expectations (extended computer work, attending events, occasional setup/tear-down of materials).

Please submit both a cover letter and a resume to be considered for this opportunity.

The target hiring range for this job profile is $64,900 - 80,000. The actual salary paid to an individual will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to, education, years of experience, internal equity, etc.

Function - Academic Administration
Sub Function - Career Services
Band - People Leader - Managerial
Level - M2

Posted: 2026-06-04