Innovation Manager

Education Systems Center (EdSystems) at Northern Illinois University (NIU) is seeking a full-time Innovation Manager to support statewide initiatives in work-based learning and provide technical assistance to communities for the implementation of college and career readiness initiatives. This position plays a pivotal role in advancing educational and workforce development goals by fostering partnerships between educational institutions, businesses, and community organizations. Reporting to the Director of Innovation, the Innovation Manager will drive or support interrelated project areas across EdSystems’ portfolio, including, but not limited to:

• Providing expert guidance and support to local communities in designing, implementing, and scaling a continuum of high-quality work-based learning experiences in alignment with the Illinois Career Pathways Dictionary and related state policies and funding streams.
• Cultivating relationships with educational institutions, businesses, and community organizations to create sustainable work-based learning programs aligned with workforce needs.
• Developing and facilitating workshops and webinars through the Illinois Work-Based Learning Innovation Network to build capacity among educators, employers, and community leaders on best practices in work-based learning.
• Identifying, documenting, and disseminating effective models, resources, and strategies from local communities to support statewide implementation.
• Promoting the value and impact of work-based learning through presentations, reports, and strategic communication efforts, advancing policies that support access to students further from opportunity.

Collectively, these projects enable the Innovation Manager to play a critical supporting role in shaping the strategic vision for the growth of equitable and quality college and career readiness systems and related pathways in the State of Illinois and the other geographies where EdSystems works. Over time, the Manager is expected to expand existing projects and lead new projects that strategically maintain EdSystems’ leadership position in this field.

Key Responsibilities

• Effectively manage and execute projects across EdSystems’ portfolio of statewide work-based learning efforts.
• Lead relevant meeting preparation, coordination, facilitation, and follow-up.
• Offer one-on-one coaching, technical support, and implementation guidance to school districts, regional collaboratives, and workforce development entities.
• Remain current on national best practices and emerging research in the field of work-based learning and apply that research to EdSystems’ work with an eye toward equity.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with K-12 schools, community colleges, universities, community-based organizations, and industry partners to develop meaningful and scalable work-based learning opportunities.
• Conduct case studies and site visits to identify and evaluate successful work-based learning models across Illinois.
• Contribute to a statewide resource repository of best practices, implementation tools, and success stories to support local adoption of work-based learning.
• Represent Illinois in statewide and national initiatives, policy discussions, and advisory groups to ensure alignment with best practices and innovation in work-based learning
• Engage with team members to identify strategic work-based learning priorities grounded in data gathered and lessons learned through EdSystems’ project portfolios.
• Develop project scopes and budgets for inclusion in proposals to public and private project funders.

Qualifications

Desired Competencies

• Passion for EdSystems’ mission and expanding opportunities for young people and adult learners through equitable and quality college and career preparation.
• Experience designing, implementing, and scaling career exploration, apprenticeships, internships, or other work-based learning experiences.
• Demonstrated experience building and sustaining partnerships with K-12 schools, higher education institutions, employers, workforce development boards, and community organizations.
• Strong project management and analytical skills with the ability to multitask and manage multiple projects, collect and analyze information, remain execution-focused, and troubleshoot challenges as they arise. Includes competency in using tools such as Asana for managing complex projects.
• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to large and small groups.
• Problem-solving and innovation skills to develop creative solutions to work-based learning challenges and streamline project workflows.
• Collaboration and partnership-building skills to work effectively with external partners, stakeholders, and team members.
• Willingness to travel statewide to support communities and engage with partners to provide on-the-ground support, facilitate community convenings, and strengthen local work-based learning ecosystems.

Education & Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in education, workforce development, public policy, or a related field is required. A master’s degree is preferred.
• Three to five years of experience in work-based learning, career pathways, workforce development, Career and Technical Education, or related fields.

Why Join EdSystems?

EdSystems helps create a world where students have clear, unambiguous paths to college and career opportunities that equip them for meaningful participation in the global economy. We collaborate with state and local education agencies, workforce boards, community colleges, universities, and other stakeholders to design, implement, and evaluate policies and practices that ensure successful transitions to and through postsecondary and career opportunities for students, with a particular emphasis on historically marginalized populations.

• Impactful Work: Be part of a team that is dedicated to driving systemic change and improving educational and workforce outcomes for students and communities.
• Collaborative Environment: Work in a dynamic and collaborative environment where your contributions are valued and innovation is encouraged.
• Professional Development: Access opportunities for professional growth and development through training, workshops, and conferences.
• Flexible Work Options: Enjoy a flexible work environment that promotes work-life balance, including a hybrid work schedule.
• Competitive Benefits: NIU offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, tuition waivers, and more.

Northern Illinois University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.