Director of Undergraduate Cooperative Education (Co-op) and Internship Programs (Academic Professional/ Sr/Principal) - Open Rank

Overview

Georgia Tech prides itself on its technological resources, collaborations, high-quality student body, and its commitment to building an outstanding and diverse community of learning, discovery, and creation. We strongly encourage applicants whose values align with our institutional values, as outlined in our Strategic Plan. These values include academic excellence, diversity of thought and experience, inquiry and innovation, collaboration and community, and ethical behavior and stewardship. Georgia Tech has policies to promote a healthy work-life balance and is aware that attracting faculty may require meeting the needs of two careers.

About Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech is a top-ranked public research university situated in the heart of Atlanta, a diverse and vibrant city with numerous economic and cultural strengths. The Institute serves more than 45,000 students through top-ranked undergraduate, graduate, and executive programs in engineering, computing, science, business, design, and liberal arts. Georgia Tech's faculty attracted more than $1.4 billion in research awards this past year in fields ranging from biomedical technology to artificial intelligence, energy, sustainability, semiconductors, neuroscience, and national security. Georgia Tech ranks among the nation's top 20 universities for research and development spending and No. 1 among institutions without a medical school.

Georgia Tech's Mission and Values

Georgia Tech's mission is to develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. The Institute has nine key values that are foundational to everything we do:

1. Students are our top priority.
2. We strive for excellence.
3. We thrive on diversity.
4. We celebrate collaboration.
5. We champion innovation.
6. We safeguard freedom of inquiry and expression.
7. We nurture the wellbeing of our community.
8. We act ethically.
9. We are responsible stewards.

Over the next decade, Georgia Tech will become an example of inclusive innovation, a leading technological research university of unmatched scale, relentlessly committed to serving the public good; breaking new ground in addressing the biggest local, national, and global challenges and opportunities of our time; making technology broadly accessible; and developing exceptional, principled leaders from all backgrounds ready to produce novel ideas and create solutions with real human impact.

About the Office of Undergraduate Education (OUE) and the Office of Experiential and Engaged Learning (E2L)

Under the leadership of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, the Office of Undergraduate Education (OUE) enriches undergraduate education and empowers students to succeed as leaders in progress and service. We engage in collaborative development and delivery of transformative learning experiences, and we continuously pursue initiatives to foster success for all students. We do this through the efforts of our faculty, professional staff, and students. Visit www.oue.gatech.edu.

The Office of Experiential and Engaged Learning (E2L), a unit within the Office of Undergraduate Education (OUE), embodies the lifeblood of the Institute's "hand and mind" approach to education and its aspirations "to provide all students with transformative learning experiences to grow as creative, ethical, globally aware, technologically sophisticated leaders who can define and solve problems to improve the human condition." We activate this ambition through the facilitation and development of High-Impact Practices including community-based learning, learning communities, transition seminars, student innovation, undergraduate research, and work-based learning.

Atlanta GA

Georgia Tech's Office of Experiential and Engaged Learning (E2L) and the Career Center, both units of the Office of Undergraduate Education (OUE), invite applications and nominations for Director of Undergraduate Cooperative Education ("Co-op") and Internship Programs (D-UCI). Reporting directly to the Assistant Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education/Executive Director of E2L, with a dotted line to the Executive Director of the Career Center, the D-UCI provides leadership and direction for Georgia Tech's (GT) undergraduate cooperative plan and internship programs, ensuring alignment with GT's overall strategy for undergraduate high-impact practices and experiential learning. The D-UCI is critically important in fostering the practical and professional development of Georgia Tech's undergraduate students. This position is designed to enhance the student experience by integrating academic learning with real-world application. This ensures that graduates of Georgia Tech are not only equipped with theoretical knowledge but also possess the hands-on skills that are highly valued in today's dynamic job market.

The Director will be responsible for all aspects and logistics of the undergraduate co-op and internship program, including program marketing and communication, staff supervision, student advisement, job placement, registration, employer engagement and outreach, program policy approvals, risk management oversight, reporting and data coordination, and accreditation. Additionally, the Director will work closely with academic units and other campus stakeholders to advance coordination, strategy, and policy development of the undergraduate internship programs. This role also involves assisting with other leadership duties for E2L, Career Center (CC), and OUE. The Director will have a dotted line reporting to the Executive Director of the Career Center (ED-CC) and serve on the Career Center leadership team to ensure work-based learning is appropriate aligned with career preparation and employer needs and operationally supported in the Career Center.

Position Scope and Responsibilities

The Director of Undergraduate Cooperative Education and Internship Programs is responsible for the strategic leadership and management of work-based learning (co-ops and internship) across campus. This role includes program development and curricular integration, faculty and staff engagement, student recruitment, data collection and assessment, and aligning initiatives with strategic goals. The D-UCI will join a team of directors at E2L who each contribute a critical piece to the broad vision of transformative teaching and learning; those units include undergraduate transition seminars, living learning communities, student innovation and entrepreneurship, undergraduate research, community-based learning and work-based learning. The Director will also contribute the overall leadership of the Career Center.

Examples of expected responsibilities of the D-UCI include but are not limited to:

• Provide leadership and oversight of the undergraduate co-op and internship program, including: marketing and communication; policies and processes; managing partnerships with internal and external stakeholder; working with employers; implementing programming, data collection and evaluation; and ensuring the program aligns with academic and institutional goals.
• Advocate for the integration of work-based learning (co-ops and internships) into institutional academic programs, policies and practices. Promote the value and benefits of work-based learning across campus via committees, student organizations, orientations and related events (e.g., New Faculty Orientation, FASET (new student orientation), Homecoming, Family Weekend, GTAAN, etc.)
• Establish and lead governance frameworks to ensure active faculty involvement in the design, implementation, and evaluation of work-based learning programs. This includes creating policies and procedures that integrate faculty insights and expertise, ensuring these programs align with academic standards and contribute to the overall academic success of students. Collaborate with faculty committees to regularly review and update these structures, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and shared responsibility in student development.
• Provide guidance and support to faculty in designing courses and projects that enhance student learning outcomes via the incorporation of work-based learning.
• In collaboration with the Career Center's leadership, build and sustain strong partnerships with industries, government organizations, startups, and other employers that provide internships and co-ops. Actively engage with these stakeholders to understand their needs and expectations, ensuring alignment with the institutions academic goals. Facilitate regular communication, organize networking events, and collaborate on initiatives that enhance the quality and availability of work-based learning opportunities for students.
• Design, execute and evaluate workshops, information sessions, class activities, events, presentations, etc., that promote work-based learning and support student development. These initiatives should educate students on the benefits of internships and co-ops, provide practical skills and knowledge, and prepare them for successful participation in these programs. Collaborate with faculty and industry partners to ensure these activities are relevant, engaging, and aligned with academic and professional standards.
• Regularly review co-op and internship programs to enhance flexibility and student engagement. Assess participation rates, gather feedback, and analyze industry trends to introduce innovative work-based learning experiences. Develop strategies for internships that meet student needs and support their academic and professional growth.
• Establish and maintain data-driven processes for tracking, analyzing and reporting student outcomes, internship placements, and employer engagement metrics. Use assessment data to continuously evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of work-based learning programs and services. Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations for colleges/schools and other stakeholders as needed. Ensures data management and oversight are in alignment with all OUE and GT policies and procedures.
• Manage communication channels and marketing strategies, in alignment with OUE communication and marketing policies, to promote the co-ops and internships to prospective and current students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders.
• Partner with the Alumni Association to engage and support Co-op alumni; engage in homecoming and other alumni activities.
• Establish and oversee an undergraduate co-op ambassador peer program. Serve as faculty advisor to the Briarean Honor Society as well as other student organizations related to undergraduate coop/internship.
• In coordination with the AVP/ED-E2L, and in alignment with all OUE and GT financial policies and procedures, administer and manage the budget and operations supporting co-ops and internships, ensuring the responsible allocation of funds for program development, campus partnerships, student and faculty support, and other related expenses.
• Keep abreast of current trends, research, and best practices in co-ops and internships. As funding allows, contribute scholarship in the field and attend conferences, workshops, and professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills in the field.
• Supervise professional staff as assigned, including graduate and undergraduate student assistants.
• Maintain a regular 1:1 meeting schedule with the Executive Director of Career Center and participate in CC leadership and staff meetings. Receive direction and guidance from the ED-CC on all programs.
• Participate fully in all programs, events, and other aspects of OUE, E2L, and CC including trainings, town halls, marketing, outreach, operations and campus relations.
• Serve on the OUE Directors Leadership Team, supporting the VPUE in advancing the mission of OUE and the Institute Strategic Plan, including performing other duties that may be assigned in connection with your role as a member of the leadership team.
• Teach at least one section of GT1000 or GT2000 (or equivalent course) each academic year. Depending on the selected candidate's academic background, and with supervisor and departmental approvals, there may be opportunities to teach an undergraduate course.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of E2L, CC, or OUE.

This position vacancy is an open rank announcement. The final job offer will be dependent on candidate qualifications in alignment with Non-tenure Track Academic Faculty ranks as outlined in section 3.2.2 of the Georgia Tech Faculty Handbook: https://www.policylibrary.gatech.edu/faculty-handbook/3.2.2-non-tenure-track-academic-faculty-members-hiring-and-promotion-guidelines

Academic Professional

• Terminal degree from a research-intensive university
• Significant related experience or promotion from the rank of Associate Academic Professional.
• Quality of performance and potential development must be recognized by peers.

Senior Academic Professional

• Terminal degree from a research-intensive university.
• Evidence of superior performance in the chosen field.
• Recognition by peers (whether national, regional, or local).
• Successful and measurable related experience.
• Five (5) years or more as an Academic Professional (or equivalent rank).

Principal Academic Professional

• Terminal degree from a research-intensive university
• Evidence of superior performance in the chosen field.
• Recognition by peers (whether national, regional, or local).
• Successful and measurable related experience supervising others' work.
• Successful and measurable related experience in a position of significant responsibility and authority within a program area.
• Demonstrated impact.
• Six (6) years or more as a Senior Academic Professional (or equivalent rank).

• Doctoral/terminal degree earned from a research-intensive university.
• Broad leadership experience in higher education (minimum of 5 years), which may include administrative positions or leadership positions with task forces, working groups, grant projects, or similar.
• Experience in developing, implementing, and managing cooperative education and work-based learning within a higher educational setting.
• Strong understanding of work-based learning scholarship, pedagogy, best practices and ethics. Demonstrates scholarly grounding and/or publishing record in field
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, students, staff, and community members.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities to coordinate multiple initiatives and meet deadlines.
• Strong commitment to expanding and supporting student success.
• Strong use of data and statistics to inform assessment and other forms of evidence-based decision making
• Supervision of professional staff

Compensation will be determined based on the selected candidate's rank in consultation with the Office of Faculty Affairs.

Applications will be accepted immediately and through the application deadline of May 10, 2025.

The application packet must consist of a single PDF document that includes:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vita
• The names, titles, and contact information (email, phone) for four professional references (references will not be contacted without prior notification)
  

Requests for information may be directed to Dr. Chris Reaves at chris.reaves@gatech.edu

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for all. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, Georgia Tech provides equal opportunity to all faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including applicants for admission and/or employment, contractors, volunteers, and participants in institutional programs, activities, or services. Georgia Tech complies with all applicable laws and regulations governing equal opportunity in the workplace and in educational activities.

Georgia Tech prohibits discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, on the basis of race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status in its programs, activities, employment, and admissions. This prohibition applies to faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including affiliates, invitees, and guests. Further, Georgia Tech prohibits citizenship status, immigration status, and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, and recruitment, except where such restrictions are required in order to comply with law, regulation, executive order, or Attorney General directive, or where they are required by Federal, State, or local government contract.

More information on these policies can be found here: https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/c2714 Board of Regents Policy Manual | University System of Georgia (usg.edu).

The appointment as D-UCI is a full-time, 12-month, non-tenure-track academic faculty member at the rank of academic professional (academic rank may be negotiable depending on selected candidate's credentials). The anticipated start date will be July 1, 2025 but is negotiable based on the selected candidate.

The candidate of choice will be required to pass a pre-employment background screening. http://policylibrary.gatech.edu/employment/pre-employment-screening