Director of Workforce and Economic Development

APPLICATION (DO NOT RESPOND THROUGH SCHOOL SPRING) APPLICATION PROCEDURES BELOW Please email resume and cover letter via email to hroffice@valleytech.k12.ma.us or via mail to the Human Resource Office at Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School District, 65 Pleasant Street, Upton, MA 01568-1499 by the end of the posting period. Career Technical Initiative Grant FY26 N.B. APPOINTMENT TO/APPROVAL OF THIS POSITION IS CONTINGENT ON RECEIPT OF GRANT FUNDS SUFFICIENT TO SUPPORT THIS POSITION The Director of Workforce and Economic Development at Blackstone Valley Technical Institute (BVTI) is a visionary leader responsible for driving transformative workforce training programs, expanding dynamic adult personal enrichment opportunities, forging strong employer partnerships, and propelling economic growth in the region. This role is at the forefront of innovation, designing and managing impactful workforce training and personal enrichment initiatives that bridge the gap between education and industry. Through strategic collaboration with educational institutions, businesses, and government agencies, the Director ensures that BVTI remains a hub for cutting-edge workforce development. This position also champions securing funding through grants and partnerships to fuel high-quality training programs, ensuring alignment with labor market trends and fostering a culture of lifelong learning that benefits both individuals and the broader community. The Director of Workforce and Economic Development works directly under the authority of the Superintendent-Director or designee. Responsibilities and Duties: 1.Develop and execute forward-thinking workforce development strategies that respond to evolving industry needs, economic shifts, and regional employment demands. 2.Innovate and expand adult personal enrichment courses that inspire community engagement, personal growth, and skill enhancement. 3.Build and nurture strategic partnerships with employers, industry leaders, government agencies, and community organizations to drive impactful workforce training and adult education initiatives. 4.Spearhead the creation and expansion of career pathways, credentialing programs, apprenticeships, and specialized training opportunities that provide clear avenues to career success. 5.Identify, secure, and maximize funding opportunities, including grants, sponsorships, and financial partnerships, to support the growth and sustainability of workforce development and personal enrichment programs. 6.Collaborate with institutional leadership, faculty, and key stakeholders to ensure curriculum and training programs align with labor market demands and evolving adult education interests. 7.Measure and enhance the effectiveness of workforce and adult education programs through data-driven evaluation and strategic improvements. 8.Represent BVTI as a thoughtful leader in workforce development, participating in economic development forums, industry conferences, and community events to advance the institution’s mission. 9.Advocate for policies and initiatives that expand employment opportunities, ensuring a skilled workforce that meets the needs of employers and the broader economy. 10.Lead and mentor workforce development and adult education staff, fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and regulatory compliance. 11.Drive comprehensive marketing and outreach efforts to promote workforce development and personal enrichment programs, attracting employers, prospective students, and community stakeholders. 12.Attend meetings hosted by DESE, local Chamber of Commerce groups, area business and jobs related entities, and area legislators. 13.Work cooperatively with the Leadership Team in order to assure that the BVTI program is integrated and coordinated. 14.Complete other assignments as directed by the Superintendent-Director or designee. 15.Agrees to complete sixty (60) hours of professional improvement per year. Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 1.Bachelor’s degree in Workforce Development, Economic Development, Education, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. 2.Minimum of 5-7 years of proven success in workforce development, economic development, adult education, or a related field. 3.Demonstrated ability to design and implement workforce training programs, personal enrichment initiatives, and economic development strategies with measurable impact. 4.In-depth knowledge of labor market trends, workforce policies, and industry needs, with a forward-thinking approach. 5.Expertise in grant writing, fundraising, and securing financial resources to drive program success. 6.Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills that foster strong partnerships and team collaboration. 7.Ability to engage and align diverse stakeholders, including industry leaders, government agencies, educational institutions, and community organizations. 8.Strong analytical skills with experience in data-driven program evaluation and strategic decision-making. 9.Proven experience managing staff and budgets within a workforce development and adult education framework. 10.Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state workforce regulations and policies, ensuring program compliance and innovation. 11.Flexibility to work evening hours as required to support program operations and stakeholder engagement. 12.The candidate must be able to inspire excellence, achieve consensus and respond effectively to the system’s mission with humor and enthusiasm. Compensation and Terms of Employment: 1.Compensation based on qualifications and experience. 2.Full year assignment - 52 weeks, 37.5 hours per week. Regular schedule Monday through Friday, 7.5 hours per day with a half-hour duty free lunch period. Targeted workday is 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The District reserves the right to modify the daily work schedule in concert with the selected employee for this position. Extended hours may be necessary at times to meet deadlines. 3.The school district will provide necessary facilities, equipment, materials and supplies needed to accomplish assignment. 4.All benefits and entitlements available to Full Year Support Personnel will be provided. Those include: 4.1.Paid sick days, vacation, personal days, and holidays. 4.2.Medical/dental/life/vision/long term disability insurance, flexible spending account, pension provisions and professional development.