MnSCU Academic Professional 4 - Industry Engagement Manager

Complete Application Requirement - Please Read Before Applying
To be considered for this position, applicants must submit a complete application. Applications missing required documents will be marked incomplete and will not advance to review.

Your complete application must include:

• Current Resume (Required): Must list employment dates (month and year) for each position and indicate average hours worked per week.

• Cover Letter (Optional): Encouraged to highlight your interest and qualifications.

• Transcript (Optional)

Job Description

The Industry Engagement Manager develops and maintains strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders across Minnesota's transportation sector including aerospace, automotive, aviation, logistics, maritime, rail, and emerging mobility technologies. The position strengthens collaboration between industry and Minnesota State colleges and universities to support workforce development, program alignment, applied learning opportunities, and innovation in transportation technologies.

This role advances the mission of the Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence by building an ecosystem of industry partnerships that support education, workforce pathways, and economic competitiveness across the transportation sector. The position will engage employers across multiple transportation modes (ground, air, maritime, rail, and space/aerospace) and connect them with Minnesota State programs to address workforce needs, emerging technology adoption, and industry-driven curriculum development.

Travel requirement: This position requires approximately 25% statewide travel to support employer engagement, industry partnerships, advisory committee meetings, college collaboration, workforce events, conferences, and outreach activities across Minnesota. Occasional regional and national travel may also be required to support strategic initiatives, professional development, and representation of the Transportation Center of Excellence at industry and workforce development events. A valid driver's license and reliable transportation are required.

Salary Range:

$31.26 - $46.15/Hour; $65,271 - $96,361/ Year

Minimum Qualifications (Must be reflected on application/resume)

• Three years of professional experience working in workforce development, transportation, or engineering. A bachelor's degree may substitute for one year of experience; an associate's degree may substitute for six months of experience. Degree must be in business, workforce development, transportation, engineering, or a related field.

• Experience developing partnerships with industry, workforce organizations, or educational institutions.

• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders including employers, educators, and government partners.

• Strong communication and presentation skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously.

• Knowledge of workforce development systems, technical education, or industry engagement practices.

Preferred Qualification 

• Experience working within transportation industries such as automotive, aviation, logistics, maritime, rail, or emerging mobility sectors.

• Experience collaborating with higher education institutions or workforce development organizations.

• Knowledge of emerging transportation technologies such as electrification, automation, autonomous systems, or advanced mobility.

• Experience organizing industry engagement events or workforce initiatives.

• Familiarity with Minnesota State colleges and universities.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel within Minnesota to visit employers, attend industry meetings, and participate in workforce events.

• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.

• Ability to present and facilitate meetings with stakeholders.

Other Requirements

• In accordance with the Minnesota State Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, employees driving on college/university business who use a rental or state vehicle shall be required to conform to Minnesota State's vehicle use criteria and consent to a Motor Vehicle Records check

Work Shift (Hours / Days of work)

Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 4:30pm

Telework (Yes/No)

Yes, May be eligible for up to 3 day(s) of telework per week, depending on departmental needs and travel requirements. 

Internal Applicants:

All current Minnesota State employees will need to log into Workday to apply for the position via the Jobs Hub. The Jobs Hub can be found under the Menu, in the upper left-hand corner of Workday, under the Apps, and then Jobs Hub.  Employees may also search for ""Browse Jobs - Employees"" in Workday via the search bar at the top to view open positions.

External Applicants

Applicants not currently employed by Minnesota State can access the career site to search and apply for jobs, and to check the status of applications. Those applying for a position will be prompted to create a profile in Workday. This does include other state of Minnesota employees who work for agencies other than Minnesota State.

Contact:

If you have questions about this position or are in need of a reasonable accommodation during this search process, please contact Human Resources at hr@dctc.edu and or at 651-423-8411.

If you experience any issues while submitting your application or creating an account please contact careers@minnstate.edu for assistance.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
We are a proud equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, and we seek applicants with deep connections to the cultural communities to which our students belong. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

About The Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence (TCOE)

The Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence (TCOE), housed at Dakota County Technical College, serves as a statewide leader in transportation workforce development, education-industry collaboration, and emerging mobility innovation. TCOE works across multiple transportation sectors-including automotive, diesel, aviation, aerospace, supply chain/logistics, rail, maritime, and advanced mobility technologies-to strengthen talent pipelines, support workforce alignment, and advance innovative education strategies throughout Minnesota. Through partnerships with industry, colleges, K-12 systems, workforce organizations, and public agencies, TCOE helps prepare a skilled, future-ready transportation workforce that supports Minnesota's evolving economy. https://minntran.org/

About Dakota County Technical College and Inver Hills Community College

Dakota County Technical College is focused on outstanding education for employment that emphasizes hands-on learning, serving students with a wide variety of diploma and degree programs. Many graduates enter the workforce right away, while others continue their education by transferring to four-year colleges or universities. DCTC is also a leader in noncredit and customized training, working with businesses to improve the skills of their employees. DCTC serves the local community by enhancing economic prosperity for students, their families, and regional businesses.

Dakota County Technical College is aligned with Inver Hills Community College. Located nine miles apart, Inver Hills offers a broad range of liberal arts and professional programs that complement programs at DCTC. Both Dakota County Technical College and Inver Hills Community College are recognized as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon employers offering support for veteran and military employees and students.

Inver Hills Community College is an accredited 2-year college in the Southeast suburbs of the Twin Cities, Minneapolis & St. Paul, Minnesota. We offer nearly 40 programs and hundreds of classes for students of all ages and backgrounds. At Inver Hills, we are dedicated to advancing the power and promise of education. This vision guides our daily work and captures the spirit of our campus. Through career exploration and professional preparation, our graduates leave Inver Hills fully prepared to launch their careers or pursue further education at a four-year institution.

In accordance with the Clery Act, prospective employees may review the Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports for Inver Hills Community College and Dakota County Technical College at https://www.inverhills.edu/about/departments/security/security-reports/ and https://www.dctc.edu/support-services/campus-security/security-reports-clery-act/.