Director, Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) - Economic and Workforce Development

Director, Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) - Economic and Workforce Development

Position Summary

The Director of the Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) provides leadership and oversight for Southeast Missouri State University's CAPS program. 

This position develops and maintains partnerships with K-12 school districts, business and industry leaders, and community stakeholders to create career-focused learning experiences for high school students. 

The Director oversees program planning, operations, curriculum alignment, student recruitment, and stakeholder engagement to ensure high-quality educational opportunities. As the program's lead administrator, the Director supports program growth, strengthens workforce partnerships, and helps students prepare for college, careers, and lifelong success while advancing regional workforce and economic development goals.

Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with SEMO leadership and local/regional businesses to recruit, develop, retain, and engage industry partners that support student learning through internships, project-based experiences, and other workforce engagement opportunities
• Recruit, develop, support, and provide professional development opportunities for CAPS instructors, guest speakers/instructors, and staff, to ensure a high-quality learning experience for students
• Build and maintain productive relationships with high school administrators and expand partnerships with high schools through origination and management of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs)
• Partner closely with SEMO departments, including student financial services, marketing and communications, facilities management, and IT, to ensure seamless program operations
• Work collaboratively with counselors, students, and families to ensure CAPS coursework aligns with student interests, academic goals, graduation requirements, and schedules
• Work with SEMO leadership to develop and implement internal and external marketing and communications strategies that increase program visibility and impact
• Oversee curriculum development, implementation, evaluation, and record keeping processes, using multiple forms of assessment data to enhance program quality, support student success, and explore future program offerings
• Monitor student attendance, academic progress, and behavior; collaborate with schools, families, instructors, and mentors to develop individualized intervention and success plans; and serve as the primary point of contact for high school personnel regarding student concerns
• Oversee the application, selection, and enrollment processes for prospective CAPS students, developing streamlined procedures that align with participating school districts
• Coordinate and manage recruitment and outreach activities, including tours, open houses, orientation events, and career fairs
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all CAPS program operations
• Support student future success by coordinating business partner recommendations, references, and testimonials that strengthen admissions and scholarship opportunities
• Promote a culture of professionalism by upholding CAPS expectations related to conduct, workplace readiness, attendance, and professional appearance
• Oversee student fee processes and collections while ensuring sound fiscal stewardship and operational efficiency 

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree with examples of experience in curriculum and/or workforce development
• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience, demonstrating education, education leadership, counseling, career development and/or related experience within a K-12 or Higher Education setting
• Strong leadership and administrative skills including planning, budgeting, and resource management
• Demonstrated experience in data collection, analysis, and report writing
• Demonstrated successful communication and stakeholder engagement skills to build partnerships and lead collaborative initiatives
• Experience delivering engaging presentations to internal and external audiences 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Excellent problem-solving abilities
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of customer service

Required Information & Deadline

Application Deadline: To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by September 17, 2026. The position is available immediately and will remain open until filled.

To Apply: Complete the application by clicking on the APPLY button.  You will need to submit the following in order for your application materials to be complete.

• Cover letter
• Current resume 
• Names and contact information of three professional references may be asked for later, if not previously submitted

Additional Information

About Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO): Founded in 1873 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Southeast Missouri State University provides student-centered education and experiential learning with a foundation of liberal arts and sciences, embracing a tradition of access, exceptional teaching, and commitment to student success that significantly contributes to the development of the region and beyond. SEMO values access to high-quality, affordable education with a broadly representative student body, faculty, and staff that respects and celebrates a diverse learning community in a global society.

How to Apply: Please click the "Apply Now" button below.

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