Director of the Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP)

Director of the Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP)

Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep | Waukegan, IL

Full-Time | Reports to: President

Annual Salary: $100,000–$115,000 based on experience

Full Benefits (PTO, subsidized Health Insurance, 401k, etc.)

This is a unique opportunity to lead a nationally recognized work-study program that transforms the lives of young people and the communities they will one day lead. The successful candidate will bring both business acumen and a servant leader’s heart, joining a team committed to excellence, equity, and a faith-based mission. 

We are seeking a dynamic, mission-driven leader to serve as Director of the CWSP. This entrepreneurial and relationship-centered role is vital to our school’s success. The Director oversees a robust program serving 400 students and partnering with 100 corporate sponsors across Lake County, northern Cook County, & southeastern WI.

About Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep

Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep (CRSM) is a Catholic, college-preparatory high school and part of the nationwide Cristo Rey Network. Located in Waukegan, Illinois, CRSM serves students of limited economic means by combining rigorous academics with a unique Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP), through which all students earn a majority of their tuition by working five days a month in professional settings.

The Ideal Candidate

·       Be passionate about the mission of Cristo Rey and believe in the God-given potential of all our students.

·       Demonstrate a deep understanding of and commitment to working with first-generation college-bound students and families from diverse racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds. 

·       Exhibit strong leadership, strategic thinking, and business development skills.

·       Bring experience in B2B sales, customer relationship building, moves management, and/or human resources/talent management.

·       Possess exceptional communication, organizational, and supervisory abilities.

·       Be comfortable representing the school publicly and building relationships across industries and sectors.

·       Embrace lifelong learning and stay informed about employment trends and best practices.

·       Be a faith-filled presence in the school community and participate in school events (Masses, assemblies, service days, etc.).

Key ResponsibilitiesI. Leadership & Strategy

·       Set the vision and strategic direction of the Corporate Work Study Program in collaboration with school leadership.

·       Hire, train, supervise, and support CWSP staff and volunteers.

·       Oversee CWSP budgeting, operations, policies, and compliance.

·       Participate in strategic planning and serve on the school’s leadership team.

II. Business Partner Relations

·       Secure and retain paid student job placements to meet or exceed the annual target for student employment.

·       Cultivate and maintain high-quality relationships with business partners at multiple organizational levels.

·       Oversee contracting and renewals in coordination with the President and CFO.

·       Develop a structured client contact and visit schedule for CWSP staff to engage regularly and meaningfully with partner organizations.

·       Lead annual business partner events such as the CWSP Kick-Off, Mid-Year Meeting, and Recognition events and regularly evaluate their effectiveness.

III. Student Workforce Development

·       Oversee the student job assignment process, ensuring appropriate placements and 100% deployment.

·       Lead the design and implementation of a 4-year CWSP training curriculum, including the Summer Bridge Program.

·       Evaluate student performance using tools such as time cards, supervisor feedback, professional standards (e.g., Purposeful Professional framework), and grading.

·       Guide the coaching, retraining, and discipline process for student workers in coordination with school leadership.

·       Engage and communicate with parents to ensure positive student performance. 

IV. Operations & Compliance

·       Maintain all student work-related documentation (e.g., I-9s, W-2s, work permits, hours/days worked, compliance visits, etc.) and ensure workplace safety.

·       Coordinate daily operations including student check-ins, transportation logistics, communication, attendance, and make-up days.

·       Support the Business Office with CWSP billing, invoicing, and collections.

V. Collaboration & Integration

·       Collaborate with the Principal to align CWSP with academic calendar and curriculum.

·       Ensure CWSP participation in Student Support Team meetings.

·       Assist Admissions process by participating in interviews, Open Houses, and selection decisions.

·       Engage with the Development Office and Alumni Office to share program impact and align messaging.

VI. Other Responsibilities

·       Perform other duties as assigned by the President.

Requirements

·       Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Business or related major

·       Demonstrated B2B Sales and/or Client Service Management experience

·       Spanish language ability a plus

To Apply

Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to:

Preston Kendall

Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep

3106 Belvidere Road

Waukegan, IL 60085

(847) 287-8741

prestonkendall@cristoreystmartin.org