Business Liaison – Johnson County (195 Day)

Salary: $40,000.00 Annually

Location: Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa, IA

Job Type: Full-Time Board-Approved

Job Number: 01776

Division: Academic Affairs

Department: Workplace Learning Connection

Opening Date: 05/14/2026

JOB GOAL:

To advance the college’s mission, vision, principles, values and strategic initiatives through continuous improvement decisions.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

Workplace Learning Connection is a work-based learning intermediary, providing for the work-based learning needs of educators, businesses and community organizations in Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn and Washington Counties. Our service population are middle and high school students, educators and administrators. We believe in a vibrant community with a workforce ready for a changing world and will engage with the next generation as they learn to navigate and connect to our shared future. Workplace Learning Program Specialist will share responsibility for supporting the needs of business and education in developing our future workforce within a regional system delivering quality work based learning programs and experiences.
The typical work schedule for this position will be Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm with 195 days during the school year.

UNIVERSAL CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence.
• Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working together with a willingness to take ownership and account for our actions.
• Champion Service- anticipating needs and creating a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment.
• Perseverance- commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success.
• Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide for delivery of Workplace Learning Connection services which include student job shadows, internships, worksite tours, interactive speakers, career fairs and events, and College Credit in High School (CCHS) program collaboration.
• Build and guide existing and new relationships with community partners and volunteers to support specific career pathway work-based learning programs and services.
• Provide service planning and coordination while supporting the WLC business liaison team members in working with school districts, including support of regional CCHS programs.
• Work collaboratively with all the WLC Program Specialists and Director: Businesses, Schools, Students, and support staff.
• Coordinate with WLC team to assess work-based learning needs and support school district career plans.
• Promote business, education and community visibility of Workplace Learning Connection offices.
• Support communication and public relation efforts to promote the work of WLC.
• Provide other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

• Able and willing to represent Kirkwood Community College and Workplace Learning Connection in the most positive manner with students, businesses, school districts and community partners.
• Self-motivated, energetic and possess high quality standards for program outcomes.
• Willing and able to work in a team-based environment.
• Ability to express oneself effectively in written and oral communication.
• Comfortable with current technology and database navigation.
• Positively represent WLC office, diverse business, and school and community audiences.
• Able to effectively prioritize and manage multiple projects and timelines.
• Able to work under pressure and participate, occasionally, in events during non-traditional work hours.
• Assess work-based learning needs of businesses and develop services to meet those needs in collaboration with WLC team.
• Evaluate program effectiveness with guidance from WLC colleagues.
• Welcome, value, and nurture people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, as well as support and promote an environment that accepts differences.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential job duties/responsibilities and performance expectations of the job, which should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES WITH/WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:

Constant (67-100%) reaching, sitting, grasping, talking and hearing and viewing computer screen and other types of close visual work. Frequent (34-66%) standing, walking and repetitive motion. Frequent (34-66%): travel to businesses, industries, schools and agencies. Occasional (10-33%) kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting up to 50 pounds.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree with two years of demonstrated successful, relevant experience in areas, such as education, business and/or project management, program and resource development
• Working knowledge of databases, Microsoft software, and Google Docs, Sheets, Slides and Forms
• A valid driver’s license and the use of a personal vehicle.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:

• Existing business connections in Johnson County.
• Preference will be given to candidates with successful related experiences in both business and education.

EEO/AA STATEMENT:
It is the policy of Kirkwood Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact the Vice President, Human Resources and Institutional Effectiveness (employees) or the Vice President of Student Services (students), 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404,319-398-5572,equity@kirkwood.edu, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone:(303) 844-5695FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email:OCR.Denver@ed.gov.

WHY KIRKWOOD:
Kirkwood Community College prides itself on fostering a diverse workforce and values unique perspectives throughout its campus community. The college is a convenient, innovative, visionary educational leader striving to remain affordable and accessible. With more than 140 majors and programs, Kirkwood boasts 16,000 annual college-credit students while maintaining one of the lowest tuitions in the state. All degree-seeking students are eligible for federal financial aid and the college offers more than $3 million in scholarships each year to students from all walks of life.

Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Benefits

Kirkwood offers a wide range of employee benefits. Read more about them here!