Workforce Development Manager Jobs in Shakopee, MN

Walden More than 50 years ago, Walden University was founded to support adult learners in achieving their academic goals and making a greater impact in their professions and communities. Students from across the U.S. and more than 115 countries are pursuing a certificate, bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree online at Walden. We offer more than 100 online degrees and certificate programs. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org). Visit WaldenU.edu for more information, and follow Walden on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. We operate on a hybrid schedule with four in-office days per week (Monday-Thursday). This approach enhances creativity, innovation, communication, and relationship-building, fostering a dynamic and collaborative work environment.

Opportunity at a Glance

The Director of Undergraduate Career & Employer Relations serves as the strategic leader for undergraduate career development, employer engagement, and student employment outcomes at Walden University. This role is responsible for developing innovative strategies that connect students to meaningful career opportunities while building strong partnerships with employers across key industries.

The Director will lead the evolution of career services programs, leveraging technology, data, and market insights to improve career readiness, internship participation, and employment outcomes. This individual will work collaboratively with academic and student-facing teams to align career development initiatives with workforce needs and employer expectations.

This role requires a visionary leader who thrives in a dynamic environment, embraces change, and brings a creative, data-driven approach to enhancing the student and employer experience.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive employer relations strategy that expands internship and employment opportunities for undergraduate students.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with employers, industry associations, workforce organizations, and key community stakeholders.
• Lead career services initiatives focused on student career readiness, professional development, and post-graduation success.
• Identify labor market trends, employer hiring needs, and workforce demands to inform career programming and strategic priorities.
• Leverage technology and innovative service models to enhance student engagement and career outcomes.
• Utilize data, analytics, and business intelligence to measure performance, identify opportunities, and drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with academic leadership to connect employer needs with program offerings and student skill development.
• Develop and oversee employer engagement events, digital engagement, networking opportunities, advisory councils, and recruiting initiatives.
• Provide strategic counsel to university leadership regarding career services, employer engagement, and student employment trends.
• Create and maintain dashboards, reports, and key performance indicators that measure student outcomes, employer engagement, and program effectiveness.
• Lead, develop, and mentor a high-performing career services and employer relations team.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and student-centered service.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards

• Bachelor's degree required with a demonstrated record of academic achievement.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in career services, employer relations, talent acquisition, workforce development, higher education, or a related field.
• Proven leadership and people management experience.
• Experience building and maintaining relationships with employers and external partners.
• Demonstrated success leveraging technology to improve processes, scale services, or transform operating models.
• Strong analytical skills with experience using data and business intelligence to drive decision-making and performance improvements.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of an organization.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and related business technologies.

• Master's degree, MBA, or equivalent graduate-level education.
• Experience within higher education, student success, workforce development, recruiting, staffing, or talent acquisition environments.
• Experience leading organizational change, innovation initiatives, or large-scale program transformation.
• Demonstrated ability to build creative solutions that improve student outcomes and employer engagement.

In support of the pay transparency laws enacted across the country, the expected salary range for this position is between $100,171.61 and $175,761.85. Actual pay will be adjusted based on job-related factors permitted by law, such as experience and training; geographic location; licensure and certifications; market factors; departmental budgets; and responsibility. Our Talent Acquisition Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have, and we look forward to learning more about your salary requirements. The position qualifies for the below benefits.

• Health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance
• 401k Retirement Program + 6% employer match
• Participation in Covista's Flexible Time Off (FTO) Policy
• 12 Paid Holidays

For more information related to our benefits please visit: https://careers.covista.com/benefits

You are also eligible to participate in an annual incentive program, subject to the rules governing the program, whereby an award, if any, depends on various factors, including, without limitation, individual and organizational performance.

Equal Opportunity - Minority / Female / Disability / V / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation