Executive Director of Community Engagement, Elkhart County

This position drives measurable growth in Ivy+ CareerLink enrollment and revenue, employer partnerships, student enrollment at the Elkhart County Campus, and community engagement outcomes. A current Ivy Tech candidate may also serve in their current role. Success will be measured through achievement of established metrics related to enrollment growth, workforce development activity, employer engagement, revenue generation, and program performance. This role is collaborative, working across divisions with reporting expectations to multiple divisions.

Supervision

Reports to: Vice Chancellor Strategic Initiatives. May also report to Divisional Vice Chancellor or Dean for specific initiatives. Supervises: Project team members.

Compensation

$87,800–92,000

Key Performance Indicators

• CareerLink headcount growth (skills training, AYD, and apprenticeships)
• CareerLink revenue growth
• Elkhart County Campus enrollment growth
• Employer partnership development and engagement
• Community partnership outcomes
• Criminal Justice and Legal Studies enrollment and retention performance

Responsibilities

Employer Engagement and Workforce Development

• Create strategy for employer engagement with the Ivy+ CareerLink team
• Execute strategy under the direction of the Vice Chancellor of Ivy+ CareerLink
• Develop and maintain relationships with employers to identify workforce and talent pipeline needs and position Ivy Tech as a preferred talent development partner
• Increase CareerLink enrollment, employer participation, and revenue through workforce training, certifications, apprenticeships, and educational pathways
• Collaborate with academic and workforce teams to connect employer needs with college solutions
• Maintain an active pipeline of employer partnerships and track outcomes against established goals

Enrollment Growth and Community Engagement

• Lead initiatives that increase enrollment at the Elkhart County Campus
• Build relationships with community organizations, nonprofits, economic development partners, chambers, and local leaders
• Create partnerships that support student recruitment, work-based learning, internships, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities
• Serve as a visible representative of the college through community events, meetings, boards, and stakeholder groups
• Identify partnership and philanthropic opportunities and facilitate warm handoffs to Resource Development when appropriate
• Monitor and report progress toward enrollment, engagement, and workforce development metrics

Strategic Planning and Performance

• Establish and monitor goals aligned with campus priorities
• Utilize data and metrics to evaluate performance and drive continuous improvement
• Prepare reports demonstrating progress toward enrollment, employer engagement, and revenue targets
• Assume direct responsibility for achieving established performance metrics related to enrollment growth, CareerLink participation and revenue, employer engagement, community partnerships, and program performance while coordinating efforts across Ivy+ CareerLink, Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Resource Development, and Strategic Initiatives

The staff member will conduct all activities with appreciation, respect, and promotion of diversity of people, styles, and views. Additional duties logically associated with the position may be assigned.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in a related field
• Five (5) years of experience in community engagement, workforce development, business development, economic development, higher education, or a related field
• Demonstrated success building employer and community partnerships
• Experience achieving measurable outcomes related to enrollment, workforce development, revenue generation, or community engagement
• Strong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills

Benefits

Health & Wellness

• Multiple medical plan options paired with a Health Savings Account with a generous employer contribution
• Dental plan with no-cost preventive services and coverage for orthodontia
• Vision plan with low-cost exams and allowances for glasses or contact lenses
• Employee Assistance Program offering no-cost confidential counseling sessions, legal consultations, financial planning consultations, and other resources
• Wellness program with opportunities to earn $250 in Wellness Rewards
• Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare (limited purpose) and dependent care

Retirement & Financial Security

• 10% employer retirement contribution, fully vested after two years
• Basic life insurance equal to annual salary paid by the College, with optional supplemental coverage
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits

Educational Benefits

• Fee remission for employees, spouses, and dependent children
• Tuition assistance for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs
• Paid professional development opportunities

Work-Life Balance

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, holidays, and winter recess
• Flexible work arrangements where available
• Paid childbirth recovery leave (8 weeks)
• Paid parental leave (4 weeks)

Additional Perks

• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Discounts on gym memberships, transportation, and various retail services