Job Details

Reports To: ORHS Principal & CTE Director
Supervises: Work-Based Learning and pre-internship students

Collaborates with designated support staff and program partners

Position Summary

The Work-Based Learning and Innovation Coordinator provides leadership and oversight for district-wide work-based learning (WBL) initiatives, innovation programs, and Portrait of a Graduate implementation. This position ensures high-quality student experiences that connect classroom learning with real-world applications, industry partnerships, and future-ready skill development.

The coordinator manages student placements, practicum programs, and pre-apprenticeships while actively collaborating with industry leaders to design and sustain meaningful work-based learning internships that align with local workforce needs and student career pathways.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Work-Based Learning Leadership

• Oversee all district work-based learning programs in compliance with Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) policies and reporting requirements.
• Develop, implement, and monitor systems for student placements, including internships, co-ops, and school-based enterprises.
• Collaborate with industry leaders, business partners, and community organizations to create and expand meaningful WBL internships and career experiences.
• Support WBL coordinators and teachers in designing high-quality experiences aligned to CTE pathways and industry standards.
• Facilitate onboarding, orientation, and evaluation processes for students and business partners.
• Collect and analyze WBL data to ensure quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Innovation and Program Development

• Lead district efforts to integrate innovative practices that support career-connected learning, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary projects.
• Collaborate with schools to pilot new instructional models such as design thinking, project-based learning, and industry-driven challenges.
• Partner with local industry, higher education, and community organizations to expand innovation opportunities and pathways.
• Identify and manage grants and external funding opportunities that support innovation and workforce development.

Portrait of a Graduate Implementation

• Champion the district's Portrait of a Graduate framework, ensuring integration into academic and career programs.
• Facilitate professional learning for teachers and administrators on embedding Portrait competencies (e.g., collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking) into instruction.
• Monitor progress toward district goals for student readiness and postsecondary success.

Student Placement and Practicum Oversight

• Coordinate and approve all practicum and placement experiences to ensure alignment with student career goals and pathway requirements.
• Maintain partnerships with employers and community agencies for ongoing student placements.
• Support teachers and site supervisors in developing evaluation tools and ensuring safety, compliance, and quality mentorship.

Pre-Apprenticeship and Career Pathway Expansion

• Oversee district pre-apprenticeship programs and partnerships with local industries, trade unions, and technical colleges.
• Collaborate with secondary and postsecondary partners to create clear pathways to apprenticeships, certifications, and employment.
• Ensure alignment of pre-apprenticeship experiences with state-recognized programs and federal guidelines.

Stakeholder Collaboration and Communication

• Serve as the district liaison to local businesses, workforce development boards, and community partners.
• Communicate program goals, student successes, and partnership outcomes to the community and school board.
• Promote work-based learning and innovation through district publications, events, and social media.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Deep understanding of CTE pathways, WBL regulations, and industry credentialing systems.
• Proven ability to engage industry leaders in the development of internship and pre-apprenticeship programs.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to cultivate and maintain partnerships with business, industry, and higher education.
• Knowledge of Oak Ridge Schools' Portrait of a Graduate and career readiness standards.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to lead collaborative teams and manage multiple initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Career and Technical Education, Business, or related field (Master's preferred).
• Valid Tennessee teaching license with WBL certificate .
• Minimum of three years of relevant experience in CTE, career development, or workforce partnerships.
• Demonstrated success in program design, partnership coordination, or innovation initiatives.

Evaluation

Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with TDOE and Oak Ridge Schools' District evaluation policies procedures.

Terms of Employment

• 220-day coordinator contract
• Salary and benefits according to Oak Ridge Schools certified personnel schedule