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Working Title:
Perkins & Career Education Specialist - MnSCU Academic Professional 2
Institution:
Riverland Community College
Classification Title:
MnSCU Academic Professional 2
Bargaining Unit / Union:
214: Minnesota Association of Professional Employees
City:
AustinRIVR - Albert Lea Campus, RIVR - Owatonna Campus
FLSA:
Job Exempt
Full Time / Part Time:
Full time
Employment Condition:
Unclassified - Unlimited Academic
Salary Range:
Job Description
The purpose of the Perkins Career Engagement Specialist is to support quality career and technical education, ensuring that every learner has equitable access to career-connected learning through a network of knowledgeable partners as indicated in the Carl Perkins grant outcomes.
Part of this role requires the management of the Carl D. Perkins grant, including managing the budget, tracking data, facilitating meetings, submitting annual reports, and writing grant proposals. Additionally, this position supports the alignment and integration of career-connected learning experiences into existing academic programs and as stand-alone workshops for Riverland students.
The incumbent will work with faculty and academic administrators to assist with classroom activities, guest speakers, industry tours, job shadows, and internships for Riverland students. The Specialist will be responsible for overall program management, data collection and reporting, student outcome tracking, graduation follow-up, and alumni career connections that strengthen the program.
This position will serve as a liaison between faculty and businesses, exploring opportunities to develop apprenticeships, internships, dual-training, capstone projects, and other experiential learning and career placement activities as well as oversight to ensure consistent practices across credit and non-credit programs in high-demand areas to build market-driven career pathways for students.
All employees of Riverland Community College are responsible for promoting a culture that supports diversity and inclusion in all forms as well as providing excellent customer service continuously to all internal and external contacts.
This position requires regular travel within our service areas, including travel to all three campuses.
Salary Range
$53,599.00 - $77,799.00
Minimum Qualifications
Two (2) years of professional experience coordinating programs, projects, or initiatives that involve multiple stakeholders, timelines, and reporting requirements OR bachelor's degree and one (1) year of related work experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.An associate degree could substitute for 6 months of experience, a bachelor's degree is 12 months, and a master's degree is 18 months in education, workforce development, public administration, social sciences, or a related field.
Experience working with data, reports, or accountability measures to support program monitoring, compliance, or continuous improvement
Experience coordinating activities across departments, units, or external partners.
Demonstrated ability to organize work, manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate documentation.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, administrators, students, and external partners.
Proficiency with standard office software and data systems (e.g., spreadsheets, databases, reporting tools, or similar platforms).
Preferred Qualification
Experience working with Carl D. Perkins, CTE programs, federal or state grants, or other publicly funded education or workforce initiatives.
Experience supporting or coordinating work-based learning, internships, apprenticeships, employer partnerships, or experiential learning programs.
Experience working in a postsecondary education or K-12 education environment, particularly within a system or consortium structure.
Experience using disaggregated data to support equity, access, participation, or student success initiatives, including work related to underrepresented populations or non-traditional occupations by gender.
Familiarity with Minnesota State, state workforce agencies, or public-sector compliance and reporting environments.
Experience supporting advisory committees, articulation agreements, or secondary-postsecondary partnerships.
Bilingual/multilingual fluent in Spanish, Karen, Karenni, Somali, Pohnpeian, French, Nuer, Anuak, or other languages that reflect our student body, workforce, and communities.
Demonstrated experience working with multicultural and underserved populations.
Other Requirements
A complete online application will include a letter of interest and resume/curriculum vitae. Please note that the search committee will not review incomplete applications.
This position requires completing employment references and a driver's license background check.
In accordance with the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities (Minnesota State) Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, employees driving on college/university business who use a rental or state vehicle shall be required to conform to Minnesota State's Vehicle use criteria and consent to Motor Vehicle Records check.
Minnesota State is unable to sponsor Applicants for work visas. All Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.
If you would like to request an accommodation as part of the application process, please contact Aimee Sue Larson at aimee.larson@riverland.edu (brian.tiegs@southcentral.edu)
Work Shift (Hours / Days of work)
8:00am - 4:30 pm / Monday - Friday
Telework (Yes/No)
About
Riverland Community College is dedicated to fostering an environment where employees, students, and the region thrive. Guided by our vision, mission, and values, we provide excellent opportunities for students to reach their academic and career goals. Our values focus on cultivating student growth through service, collaboration, innovation, and respect. We offer a supportive and innovative culture that values individual and team contributions and is committed to diversity and inclusion.
Diversity and Inclusion : We are dedicated to continually developing a workforce that mirrors the diversity of our students and communities. We recognize the value of diverse experiences and perspectives, which enhance our ability to serve the people of our region effectively.
Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Commitment: Riverland is an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution. We welcome candidates who understand HSIs and the Latinx student experience, further enriching our inclusive community.
Student-Centered Education: With small class sizes, personalized instruction, and hands-on learning. Riverland offers student-centered education that empowers individuals to succeed. Our diverse range of credit and non-credit courses caters to various learning modalities.
Program Offerings: With campuses in Albert Lea, Austin, and Owatonna, Riverland offers associate degrees in over 90 career options, liberal arts and sciences, and customized training, providing comprehensive educational opportunities for all.
Community and Quality of Life: Located in southern Minnesota, our region boasts excellent public and parochial education systems, diverse recreational activities for all seasons, and upscale communities that enrich personal and professional lives.
Join Riverland Community College, where dedication to employees, students, and the region drives excellence in education and service. To learn more about Riverland or Minnesota State, visit www.riverland.edu or www.minnstate.edu.
Benefits Information:
At Minnesota State, we have a GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! Our generous benefits include 11 paid Holidays, Vacation Time, Sick Time, six weeks of Paid Parental Leave, low cost medical and dental insurance with low deductibles ($250 - $1500), a Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement plans and other retirement investment options, pre-tax medical and dental expense (with roll-over option) and dependent care accounts, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, as well as professional development and a tuition waiver program for employees and their dependents, etc. We promote the health and well-being of our employees and take work/life balance seriously.
Desired Start Date:
03-26-2026
Position End Date:
Open Date:
02-09-2026
Close Date:
03-03-2026
Posting Contact Name:
Mary Ellen Greeley Abdo
Posting Contact Email:
Mary.Abdo@riverland.edu
