Job Summary

The Cooperative Education Program Manager will lead the development and implementation of a pilot cooperative education program across six degree-granting institutions within the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE). This role is responsible for supporting policy development, standardized procedures, and institutional and partnering employer/industry coordination to ensure the successful integration of cooperative education into degree programs. This position will work with the Associate and Assistant Commissioners as it relates to the cooperative education pilot.

The program manager will also directly support institutions in policy creation, accreditation requests, and curriculum alignment while marketing the program to employers and industry associations to foster engagement. The ideal candidate will possess strong project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills and be able to bridge higher education and industry workforce needs effectively.

This position is funded via one-time funds allocated through the legislature, meaning its employment term is up to June 30, 2027.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Collaborate with pilot USHE institutions to establish pilot cooperative education programs aligned with academic and workforce needs.
• Work with faculty, deans, and academic leadership to support the development of degree-specific plans of study that integrate cooperative education.
• Ensure Co-op processes comply with accreditor guidelines, institutional policies, and state/federal regulations.
• Assist in drafting MOUs and program agreement templates between institutions and employers.
• Market the cooperative education program to employers, industry associations, and workforce development organizations.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with key industry stakeholders to expand cooperative education opportunities.
• Support the development of standardized processes for cooperative education within the Utah System of Higher Education.
• Monitor program success metrics, student placements, and employer satisfaction.
• Provide program expansion and sustainability recommendations based on data analysis and stakeholder feedback.
• Meet with institutional leaders, faculty, and employers regularly to align goals and share best practices.
• Serve as a liaison between Talent Ready Utah, USHE institutions, employers, and industry associations.
• Ensure support for participating institutions in navigating program development and implementation challenges.
• Represent Talent Ready Utah at conferences, industry events, and policy meetings related to cooperative education.
• Provide ongoing support for the TalentHub initiative, including aligning student-employer engagement strategies with cooperative education goals.
• Support collecting data, benchmarks, and best practices from other institutions and systems implementing cooperative education models.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

Work Environment And Level Of Frequency Typically Required

• Nearly Continuously: Office environment.
• Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), sitting, hearing, listening, talking.
• Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead, travel to USHE institutions and employer sites.
  
  

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency That May Be Required

• Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking.
• Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking.
• Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead, travel.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); four years related experience; and demonstrated human relations, effective communication, project management, and relationship-building skills are required.

Preferences

• Master's degree preferred in education leadership, workforce development, public administration, or a related field.
• Experience working with higher education institutions, industry partners, or apprenticeship/co-op programs is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with higher education accreditation processes, workforce policy, and academic program development is a plus.
  
  

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN41729B

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Work Schedule Summary: Monday – FridayThis is a hybrid role in office 3 days per week.

Department: 01379 - USHE Commissioner

Location: Office of the Commissioner - Downtown SLC

Pay Rate Range: $68,000 - $73,000

Close Date: 7/24/2025

Open Until Filled

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/181508

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