Description
CAREER CONNECTIONS DIRECTOR
POSITION PURPOSE:
The Career Connections Director will be the primary liaison between the local employers of Preble County and the public school systems of Preble County. The main responsibility will be to develop, market, and facilitate programs that encourage the appropriate skills and expand the workforce skill set to meet the needs of area businesses. Programs developed should include, but not be limited to, all partner schools in grades K-12, Edison State Community College, Miami Valley Career Technology Center, county agencies, and local employers as stakeholders.
DIRECTLY REPORTS TO:
Preble County Educational Service Center Superintendent
Preble County School District Superintendents
COMPENSATION: consistent with the candidate's experience and education
CONTRACTED WORK DAYS: 210, effective July 1 2026
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Coordinate, organize, and attend meetings and/or events related to workforce development, including board meetings, classroom activities, county agencies, and other related events.
Work with Apprenticeship Ohio, Edison State Community College, Sinclair Community College, Miami Valley Career Tech, and our local businesses to create pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship opportunities in the county
Create opportunities for tours and visits to local businesses for potential future employees
Visit and benchmark local businesses to assess workforce needs and requirements, both current and future skills needed
Coordinate industry needs and education needs into programs that develop the needed skills in the available future workforce
Work with the local school systems and county agencies to develop skills needed to be a good employee, including interviewing, teamwork, and computer skills, along with the technical skills
Development and execution of presentations to local students, parents, community members, and community groups about potential workforce opportunities and career options in the county
Development and promotion of appropriate career events, job shadowing, internship, and/or co-op programs to students, parents, schools, and businesses
Collect metrics to measure the results and success of the Career Connections program
Research other programs to develop innovative and best-in-practice programs
Chair the Preble County Workforce Development Committee and adhere to the minimum meeting guidelines and requirements therei
Chair the Business Advisory Council for Preble County Public Schools and local industry partners, and adhere to the expectation level at the discretion of the Preble County ESC Superintendent
Provides regular communication to the school district superintendents, investors, the citizens of Preble County, and key influential contacts via the Preble County ESC website, newsletters, and a variety of formal and informal communications, including regular attendance and reporting to cohort meetings of Superintendents, Principals, and School Counselors, and/or others at the discretion of the Preble County ESC Superintendent
Development of programming that brings schools, students, parents, and businesses together
Evaluate and promote current programming in place and adjust accordingly
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's Degree in leadership, management, or a similar professional background
Appropriate state of Ohio certification/license, including (at minimum) Pupil Services Permit or Educational Aide Permit issued from the State of Ohio
Valid background check
Five or more years of relevant experience in education/business development
Valid Ohio driver's license with proper certification of a school van transportation certification and/or Commercial Drivers License Class B
Alternative to the above qualifications accepted as the PCESC Superintendent and/or PCESC Board of Education may find appropriate
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND ABILITIES:
Working knowledge and ability to operate a computer and Google Suite/Microsoft Office Applications, with an ability to become familiar with emerging programs and software, including YouScience and Lean Six Sigma Certifications, and others as deemed appropriate by the Preble County Educational Center Superintendent
Ability to maintain confidentiality of corporate information
Ability to maintain accurate records and files
Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills
Exceptional interpersonal skills
Understanding of the local educational systems
Ability to create and implement marketing plans, including web page design and social media outlets
Excellent communication skills, must be comfortable in interfacing with multiple groups of people, develop positive relationships and partnerships
Experience in public speaking to small and large audiences
Must demonstrate a mature, professional demeanor and proven ability to work well in a fast-paced and collaborative work environment
Must be capable of leading when appropriate, working flexible times, be a self-starter, and have the ability to work with little supervision
Experience with fundraising and/or grant writing at a local/regional level
Meet all health requirements as mandated by law
ADDITIONAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
Occasionally lift and carry various items up to a maximum of 50 lbs.
Occasional operation of a vehicle in inclement weather conditions, i.e., being prepared to work on all scheduled school days, except calamity days
Occasional salaried overtime, weekend/evening work, and summer work
TRAVEL: 10% to 50% of the time out of the office, generally contained to the local regional driving area. Mileage will be compensated monthly at the government rate, pending proper documentation.
NOTE 1: In the section of this application marked for "supplemental materials," please upload any current licensures that apply to this position in the space marked for "teacher certificate"
NOTE 2: This job description is subject to change and in no manner states or implies that these are the only duties and responsibilities to be performed by the incumbent. The incumbent will be required to follow the instructions and perform the duties required by the incumbent's supervisor, appointing authority.