Career-Based Learning Coordinator - Vacancy ID: 231427

ABOUT CESA 1

As a regional agency, we're dedicated to transforming the landscape of learning through our comprehensive array of services.  From staffing solutions for schools, to empowering educators with top-notch professional learning experiences, and providing direct support to students, we're on a mission to unlock the full potential of every learner.

But here's the real heart of our Agency: our incredible team of passionate individuals who are driven by a deep commitment to helping students thrive.  If you are someone who shares our unwavering dedication to education and wants to be part of something truly extraordinary, click this link to discover more about who we are.

POSITION SUMMARY

CESA 1 is seeking a dynamic and innovative Career-Based Learning Coordinator to support youth apprenticeship (YA) programming and expand career-connected learning opportunities for students in the M7 Region. This role will focus on bridging the gap between education and industry, helping school districts establish meaningful partnerships with businesses to create high-quality work-based learning experiences.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic relationship-builder, comfortable working with school leaders, teachers, employers, and industry partners to align career-based learning with workforce needs.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Youth Apprenticeship Coordination (50%)

• Lead the CESA 1 YA Consortium, ensuring school districts have the support needed to launch and sustain YA programs.
• Collaborate with school-based YA coordinators to recruit students, match them with employers, and ensure successful placements.
• Manage the YA program’s compliance and documentation, including student applications, employer agreements, and reporting.
• Develop targeted outreach efforts to increase participation in non-traditional career pathways (e.g., female students in construction, IT, and manufacturing).
• Organize and facilitate YA steering committee meetings, ensuring programming aligns with regional workforce trends.
• Coordinate training and support for workplace mentors to enhance the student apprenticeship experience.

Business Partnership Development & Career-Based Learning (50%)

• Engage local employers, trade organizations, and economic development groups to build sustainable business-education partnerships.
• Support teachers and school leaders in integrating real-world industry experiences into the classroom.
• Develop and promote job shadows, guest speaker opportunities, internships, and industry tours for students.
• Assist school districts in leveraging regional career pathways, labor market data, and employer input to guide student career exploration.
• Collaborate with chambers of commerce, workforce boards, and higher education institutions to expand career-based learning opportunities.
• Develop and implement marketing strategies to promote career-based learning to students, parents, and employers.

Work Conditions

• Work may take place in multiple settings, including office environments, schools, employer sites, and remote locations as needed.
• Frequent travel is required to school districts, employer sites, and community events throughout the CESA 1 region.
• Flexible schedule, but some evening and summer work is required to support school districts and industry partners. This includes work in summer 2025 to help develop the program.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Workforce Development, Business, School Counseling, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• WI Department of Public Instruction license as a Career and Technical Education Coordinator preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience in Career & Technical Education (CTE), workforce development, employer engagement, or K-12 education.
• Knowledge of Wisconsin’s Youth Apprenticeship program, work-based learning models, and career pathway development is preferred.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain business partnerships to support student career readiness.
• Strong project management, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage a variety of stakeholders.
• A high capacity to navigate policy and relationships in both academic and political settings.
• Agile, demonstrating a growth mindset by leveraging flexibility, resilience, and change.
• Highly collaborative, working with others to achieve a common goal in a way that promotes representation and participation by all.
• Excellent verbal, non-verbal, and written communicator who expresses ideas and information with clarity and respect aligned to an intended audience and purpose.  
• Thinks critically to analyze multiple perspectives, contexts, and data to creatively question, make connections, and evaluate options leading to reasonable conclusions with on-going reflection for future improvements.
• Empathetically engages with others to understand and recognize their perspectives, experiences, and emotions.
• Practices self management to leverage one’s abilities and emotions to direct one’s path as a resilient lifelong learner.
• Current driver’s license and the ability to transport oneself to multiple work locations.

WHY WORK FOR CESA 1?

At CESA #1, we don't just offer a job; we provide an enriching journey filled with great benefits and opportunities.  Here's why joining our team is a game-changer for your career.

Award-Winning Workplace Culture: Step into a welcoming environment where your contributions are celebrated. We’re proud recipients of national and regional awards for being a top workplace. CESA #1 employees consistently rate us highly for our supportive culture.

Competitive Compensation and Benefits: Enjoy more than just a paycheck; we offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, including enrollment in Wisconsin’s fully-funded retirement system. Click here to see an overview of our current benefits.

Work/Life Balance: At CESA #1, our leadership team genuinely cares about the well-being of all employees.  We offer flexibility in certain work hours and locations. We also have a robust wellness program designed to support both your mental and physical health.

Meaningful Impact: Your work directly impacts the growth and development of children, ultimately benefiting their futures. At CESA #1, we are dedicated to empowering the 27,000 educators in our region to be their best and thrive in their positions.

Continuous Learning: CESA #1 is committed to ongoing professional development for all employees. We believe continuous improvement provides the knowledge and skills necessary to stay up-to-date on educational practices and to excel in your role. In addition, because we employ highly skilled educators around the state, you'll have access to expert colleagues and peer networks as key professional resources.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

CESA #1 provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, and prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, arrest or conviction record, military service, genetic information, use or nonuse of lawful products off CESA #1’s premises during nonworking hours, and any other reason prohibited by state or federal law. CESA #1 complies with all applicable state and federal laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. CESA #1 will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement promotion, termination, layoff, leaves of absences, compensation and training.