Preprogram Engagement Specialist

Overview and Responsibilities

The Preprogram Engagement Specialist position will provide targeted support for healthcare preprogram students, Healthcare Academy participants, and transfer students interested in healthcare careers. This position will design and implement a comprehensive preprogram engagement framework and learning community/cohort model and coordinate healthcare career exploration activities in alignment with strategic priorities. Working collaboratively with Student Services, Academic Affairs, Workforce Development, and community partners, this role helps create seamless pathways from application to healthcare program start.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a College-wide healthcare preprogram engagement strategy aligned with enrollment, retention, and student success goals.
• Establish clear goals, metrics, and assessment processes to measure the effectiveness of preprogram engagement efforts.
• Monitor and identify opportunities for continuous improvement initiatives based on student feedback, enrollment data, and retention outcomes.
• Ensure preprogram engagement practices support the institution's strategic plan and equity initiatives.
• Coordinate, implement, and monitor grant activities related to target population.
• Collaborate with Student Services initiatives that help prospective students identify career pathways aligned with their interests, skills, and goals.
• Create realistic program previews and career exploration experiences with guidance from academic leaders and instructors.
• Coordinate industry engagement activities such as employer panels, job-shadowing opportunities, career awareness events, and informational sessions.
• Support students in confirming an appropriate career and program pathways to promote successful program entry, retention, and successful completion.
• Identify students who may require additional support and connect them with appropriate resources and services, to facilitate program readiness.
• Evaluate barriers and gaps affecting specialty student populations and implement targeted interventions to address identified needs.
• Coordinate with Enrollment Services, Advising, High School Academies, Strategic Communications, Workforce Development, and Student Affairs to support a consistent student experience from recruitment through healthcare program entry.
• Establish and advise a collegiate Health Occupations Students of America - Future Health Professionals (HOSA) chapter, as well as other healthcare-related clubs and activities, as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to organize and multi-task.
• Demonstrate strong customer service skills
• Ability to collect, compile, and analyze data.
• Ability to model integrity through self-awareness, personal accountability, ethical behavior, quality standards, and sustainable practices.
• Ability to think critically by applying problem solving practices, acquiring relevant information, using technology and other resources appropriately, and evaluating alternatives.
• Ability to communicate effectively by speaking and writing clearly, concisely, and professionally; practicing active listening; reading critically and adapting communication for audience.
• Ability to recognize personal biases, adapt to different cultural situations, and demonstrate a commitment to respectful interactions with persons of various ethnic, cultural, socio-economic, or educational backgrounds.
• Intermediate knowledge of and skills with technology including software programs for communication, data collection, and decision making including, but not limited to, Office 365 Suite.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in a healthcare-related field with a minimum of two years of related work experience, required; OR bachelor’s degree in a healthcare-related field, preferred.
• Two years of experience working with students in a healthcare pathway or program, preferred.

In evaluating candidates for this position, the College may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform duties of position.

CVTC reserves the right to limit applicant consideration from specific geographic regions when differences in state-level policies, laws, or regulatory frameworks present conflicts with institutional standards and/or fiduciary responsibilities. This practice supports compliance, operational integrity, and alignment with the College’s strategic objectives.The College is seeking to attract diverse instructors and staff who can inspire our increasingly diverse student population. We believe every member on our team enriches our diversity by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, design, and deliver solutions. We value the ability to serve students from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. Therefore, we seek applicants who demonstrate they understand the benefits of diversity in a higher education community. Consideration will be given to equity-minded individuals committed to collaborating with faculty, staff, administration, students, and community partners who are also committed to closing equity gaps.

Benefits Summary

2026 annual benefits include:

• 3 – 4 weeks of paid vacation time based on years of service
• 11 paid holidays
• Paid winter break - varies each year based on academic calendar and, at a minimum, includes days between Christmas and New Year’s holidays (some exceptions may apply for essential workers)
• Paid summer break - the week of July 4th.
• 4 paid personal days
• 3 weeks (15 days) paid sick time annually for absences due to illness, injury, or doctor and dentist appointments of the employee, dependent children, spouse, or parents of the employee or spouse; cumulative to 135 days (1,080 hours)
• Paid bereavement time
• Paid volunteer time
• Health insurance for employee, spouse, and dependents with attached Health Savings Account (HSA); CVTC contributes $3,400 annually for a family plan or $1,700 annually for a single plan to your HSA
• Wellness incentive of up to $600 for employees enrolled in CVTC’s health insurance
• Dental insurance for employee, spouse, and dependents
• Vision insurance for employee, spouse, and dependents
• Life and long-term disability insurance premiums paid by CVTC
• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), CVTC matches 7.2%, vested at 5 years of credible service
• 403(b) tax deferred annuity program
• 457(b) deferred compensation plan
• Section 125 flexible spending accounts
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional development
• Certified Gold Level Family Friendly Workplace (FFW)
• Access to expansive collection of college and public library resources for personal and professional use
• Free or low-cost services offered by CVTC program students, such as computer repair, automotive repair, Shear Inspiration Salon and Spa, aesthetician services and 620 West restaurant and culinary pop ups

Benefits begin on the first date of employment (i.e., there is no waiting period).

CVTC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the college's non-discrimination policies: Tam Burgau, Vice President of Talent & Culture, 620 W. Clairemont Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701, 715-833-6334, WI Relay: 711