The Employability Skills Subject Matter Expert (SME) leads the design and development of Newberry College's institution-wide Employability Skills Framework. The SME identifies, defines, and maps workforce competencies; supports employer-informed competency alignment; and develops competency assessment strategies to ensure the Framework reflects employer expectations and workforce needs.
Under the direction of the Employability Skills Framework Project Manager, the SME works collaboratively with the Instructional Designer, faculty, program directors, and other institutional partners to support development, integration, and institutionalization of the Framework. The Framework establishes a common institutional structure connecting workforce competencies, academic learning, credentials, career development, employer engagement, and workforce readiness.
Job Functions
Employability Skills Framework Development and Alignment
- Lead design and development of the institution-wide Employability Skills Framework.
- Identify, define, and document core workforce and employability competencies to establish consistent institutional competency definitions.
- Lead workforce competency mapping and support alignment with academic programs and Degree Plus certification pathways.
- Support employer-informed alignment of Framework competencies with employer expectations and workforce needs.
- Develop and maintain Framework competency documentation and related resources to support consistent interpretation and application across academic programs.
Assessment and Integration
- Develop Framework-level competency assessment strategies and approaches for evaluating attainment of Employability Skills Framework competencies.
- Provide subject-matter expertise on Framework competencies to inform curriculum alignment and integration activities led by the Instructional Designer in collaboration with faculty and program directors.
- Support alignment of the Framework with workforce credentials, employer engagement activities, and career readiness outcomes.
- Collaborate with the Instructional Designer and other institutional partners to support alignment of competency definitions, associated learning outcomes, and assessment approaches.
Framework Implementation and Collaboration
- Collaborate with the Employability Skills Framework Project Manager, Instructional Designer, program directors, faculty, and other project personnel to support Framework development and implementation.
- Provide subject-matter expertise and guidance to support consistent interpretation and application of Framework competencies across academic programs.
- Develop and maintain competency definitions, mapping references, and Framework-level guidance that support long-term institutionalization and sustainability of the Employability Skills Framework.
- Participate in Framework-related project activities and perform other duties as assigned.
Additional Information
This is a part-time, 0.5 FTE, grant-funded position supporting development and implementation of Newberry College's institution-wide Employability Skills Framework during Years One and Two of the Degree Plus Workforce Readiness and Institutional Capacity Initiative.
Preferred and Required Qualifications
Master's degree in education, organizational development, workforce development, human resources, business, or a related field. Experience in employability skills, workforce readiness, competency development, talent development, career development, or a related area. Experience developing, applying, mapping, or assessing professional, workforce, or transferable competencies.
Demonstrated ability to analyze and synthesize information and translate findings into practical competency frameworks, definitions, or recommendations. Experience collaborating with multiple stakeholders to support program or organizational initiatives. Strong written, verbal, analytical, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Doctoral degree in a related field. Experience developing or implementing employability skills, workforce competency, professional competency, or career readiness framework. Experience with curriculum alignment, competency assessment, or learning outcomes in an academic setting. Experience working in higher education or with academic programs. Experience incorporating employer or workforce perspectives into competency development or workforce readiness initiatives.
Application Details
Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, résumé, and contact information for three professional references to Human.Resources@newberry.edu with “Employability Skills Subject Matter Expert” in the subject line. References will not be contacted without applicant’s permission.