Cooperative Education Innovation Coordinator and Project Manager

General Summary of Position:

The University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell or UML) is an R1 public university committed to preparing students for work in the real world by providing an affordable, high-quality education.

The UML Career & Co-op Center's Undergraduate Professional Cooperative Education program combines classroom education with structured work experience. Launched in 2009 as a pilot in the Plastics Engineering Department, the program has grown to support nearly 400 students annually and is now scaling toward 1,000 undergraduate co-ops per year. This scaling effort advances Chancellor Chen's guarantee that every student will have access to at least one paid career experience before graduation.

Through a partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education Innovation Hub, UML is scaling its co-op program while contributing to statewide work-based learning innovation.

The Cooperative Education Innovation Coordinator and Project Manager will lead strategic initiatives to expand UML's cooperative education program and coordinate partnerships across Massachusetts to strengthen the state's co-op ecosystem. The role requires expertise in work-based learning, stakeholder engagement, resource development, cross-institutional collaboration, and policy innovation to increase equitable access to career experiences.

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

Education:

* Bachelor's degree required

Experience:

* 3-5 years of related professional experience
* Strong project management skills with ability to coordinate multiple initiatives simultaneously
* Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
* Experience working collaboratively across multiple organizations or institutions
* Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office suites
* Valid driver's license and willingness to travel within Massachusetts
* Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment

Additional Considerations:

* Experience in career services, employer engagement, work-based learning, or student advising
* Background in institutional research, development/fundraising, or policy work
* Familiarity with higher education systems and cooperative education models
* Experience with Salesforce and Tableau
* Data analysis skills
* Startup or innovation environment experience

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Only current UML Employees within the Grants & Contracts (MTA/GRACE) bargaining unit will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period.

This is a full-time, benefited Grace & Contracts union position in grade P17. Anticipate salary up to $75,000 based on range, however, the formal range is minimum $65,693, 25th quartile $74,725 and midpoint of $83,758.

This position is contingent upon funding. The initial appointment will be for one year, subject to continued funding availability.

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. Names and contact information of three references will be required during the application process.