Program Manager - Service Learning and Impact Learning

Program Manager - Service Learning and High Impact Learning

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Program Manager - Service Learning and High Impact Learning at its Detroit campus location. Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

The Program Manager plays a vital role in advancing Wayne State University’s Student Success 2.0 priorities and institutional commitment to career readiness and civic engagement. Reporting to the Vice Provost for Partnerships and Workforce, this role supports all schools, colleges, and academic units by coordinating project-based learning opportunities that connect students with community organizations through academic and co-curricular experiences. The Manager collaborates with faculty, staff, and community partners to develop community-based and service-learning experiences that foster student development, real-world skill-building, and reciprocal community impact across the university.

• Coordinate Community-Based Learning and Service-learning Projects Across Campus: support faculty and departments across all schools and colleges in integrating community-based projects and service learning into courses and programs. Consult on course design, facilitate project planning, and assist with implementation.
• Develop and Maintain University-Wide Community Partnerships: establish and sustain partnerships with nonprofit and community organizations that align with a wide range of academic disciplines and institutional goals. Ensure experiences are meaningful, reciprocal, and accessible to diverse student populations.
• Support Student Learning and Civic-Career Integration: develop and facilitate student-facing materials, orientation sessions, and reflection activities that help students understand and articulate the personal, civic, and career value of their experiences.
• Manage Centralized Operations and Communications: oversee systems for tracking, scheduling, and managing partnerships and projects elop centralized communication materials, web content, and shared resources for use across units.
• Assessment, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement: track participation by school/college, community partner engagement, and learning outcomes. Support campus-wide reporting efforts.
• Supervision & Leadership: may functionally supervise student employees, graduate interns, or part-time staff supporting career-engaged learning activities.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in education, nonprofit leadership, public administration, social sciences, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.

Intermediate (3 to 4 years job-related experience). Minimum five years of experience in higher education, community engagement, or program coordination. Experience working across academic units or centrally supporting a diverse set of programs. Demonstrated experience supporting applied or service-based learning, civic engagement, or project-based education. Experience working with community organizations and diverse student populations. Familiarity with university systems, student development theory, or experiential education preferred.

• Strong understanding of community-based learning and service learning in a higher education context.
• Ability to collaborate with faculty and staff across disciplines and academic units.
• Strong relationship-building skills with community partners, nonprofits, and civic organizations.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and project management skills.
• Capacity to support student development and reflection with a focus on civic and career competencies.
• Familiarity with tracking tools, databases, or reporting systems.
• Commitment to equity, access, and…