This position is responsible for developing and maintaining robust, strategic relationships with external organizations to create and expand student work-based learning opportunities. The Coordinator will actively develop a pipeline of internship, work-based learning, and career exploration initiatives ensuring strong preparation of IC students to meet regional workforce needs. The Coordinator will also work closely with students, faculty, and other members of the College administration to connect students with meaningful opportunities, as well as liaise between the College and regional employers to ascertain workforce needs. The EPD Coordinator reports to the Associate Provost for Student Development.
Essential FunctionsBuild and maintain relationships with local and regional employersWork with partners to create and implement internships and other work-based learning opportunities for Illinois College studentsCollaborate with other student-support personnel to promote work-based learning participation among studentsDevelop and implement systems for tracking and documenting work-based learning activitiesCollaborate with internal and external constituencies to identify critical skills and knowledge necessary for post-graduate success in rapidly-changing work environmentsOversee discipline-based advisory boards, enhancing existing Agribusiness, Engineering, and Nursing boards and strategically developing new groups to support areas of high student interest and employment potential (e.g. health science, kinesiology, education, and behavioral and psychological health)Establish, organize, and host annual Employer Summit to align IC with regional partners QualificationsQualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s preferred
- Minimum four years experience in workforce development, corporate recruiting, higher education career services, community relations, or other relevant field
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills
- Ability to work effectively with students, faculty, staff, and partners from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion, sound judgment, and professionalism
- Ability to take initiative, follow established processes, and identify opportunities for improvement
- Ability to collaborate with employers to ascertain the impact of AI on workforce needs
- Demonstrated ability to work both collaboratively and independently
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and the willingness to travel within the region for face-to-face employer recruitment and site visits
- Available for regular scheduled evening and weekend commitments
- Commitment to Illinois College’s mission of developing qualities of mind and character needed for fulfilling lives of leadership and service
Additional Job Details:
Job Title: Employer Partnership Development Coordinator
Department: Career Readiness and Experiential Learning
Reports To: Associate Provost for Student Development
Status: Exempt, 12 month, full-time
Salary Range: $55,000-$70,000 depending on experience
Date: October 2026
About Illinois College
Illinois College is a residential, private liberal arts college located in the heart of Illinois, 70 miles northeast of Saint Louis, Missouri, and 30 miles west of Springfield, the capital of Illinois. True to its founding vision in 1829, Illinois College is a community committed to the highest standards of scholarship and integrity in the liberal arts. The College develops in its students’ qualities of mind and character needed for fulfilling lives of leadership and service, fostering academic excellence rooted in opportunities for experiential learning while preparing students for lifelong success.
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