Director of Education and Workforce Development

JOB POSTING TITLE: Director of Education and Workforce Development

Location: Hybrid: remote up to 80%, with in person component required; preferred to live within 1 hour of Knoxville, Tennessee or be willing to relocate; U.S. travel required up to 30-40%

Description:

The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation, or IACMI–The Composites Institute®, is focused on securing U.S. global leadership in advanced manufacturing by connecting people, ideas, and technology. IACMI is a 160-plus member community of industry, academic institutions, and government organizations designed to enhance competitiveness in U.S. manufacturing with a focus on meeting the needs of the private industry sector. Established in 2015 by the Department of Energy, IACMI is one of 17 Manufacturing USA Institutes collaborating to accelerate new technology, create new products, reduce cost and risk, and enable the manufacturing workforce with the skills of the future. Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, IACMI is managed by the Collaborative Composite Solutions Corporation, a not-for-profit organization established by The University of Tennessee Research Foundation.

We are seeking a passionate and strategic Director of Education and Workforce Development (EWD) to provide vision, planning, and execution to drive mission success, sustainment, and growth. The ideal candidate will be dedicated to cultivating the next generation of talent on a national level in advanced technology and manufacturing. As a key member of our leadership team, the director will lead projects and manage people, contributing to the Institute's overall strategic direction. This role requires an inspirational leader with an inclusive approach, as well as strong skills in brainstorming, problem-solving, consensus building, and practical solution development. The director will be a thought leader with strong speaking and presentation abilities to deliver impactful talks at national conferences. This experienced leader will collaborate closely with internal business units, lead workforce funding proposals and grants, and develop and oversee strong healthy relationships with industry leaders, program sponsors, stakeholders, educators, workers and students. Collaborative leadership, strong people performance management, interpersonal communication skills, and a hands-on proactive approach will be essential in contributing to our mission. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in developing, maintaining, and refining strategic and measurably impactful workforce development and education programs in consultation with IACMI technical, education and workforce communities. We are seeking someone well organized, energetic, and a self-starter who enjoys leading a team focused on changing the lives of individuals and communities through education and training. This role requires the ability to function at a high capacity in individual and team situations.

We value and welcome your unique identity, background, and experiences in becoming part of our organization.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and direct IACMI’s education and workforce program portfolio, including:

*Collaborate with education and industry partners to integrate feedback and enhancements into new and

existing program curriculum.

*Engage with relevant certification bodies and industry organizations to align the programs with recognized

industry standards and certifications.

*Bolster participant recruitment efforts for online and in-person training programs and initiatives.

*Facilitate the expansion of workforce training sites by proactively engaging with and establishing

collaborations with prospective academic and industry partners in different states.

• Establish cohesiveness across the IACMI EWD portfolio of projects
• Develop and foster strong healthy relationships with industry leaders, program sponsors, stakeholders, educators, workers, and students.
• Present to national, regional and local audiences about IACMI education and workforce programs and initiatives.
• Disseminate knowledge and insights with industry professionals, educational institutions, and workforce stakeholders.
• Supervise the work and performance of the education and workforce team, including planning, assigning and scheduling work, assessing travel, training staff, overseeing their productivity, reviewing performance and ensuring quality standards.
• Collaborate closely with the Program Management team to manage subcontractor performance, track progress toward project milestones, timelines, and prepare internal and external reports.
• Collaborate closely with the Project Controller and financial specialists to develop budgets and monitor spending.
• Collaborate closely with the Communications team to plan, develop, and distribute marketing materials for programs and events, as well as create engaging media content.
• Lead workforce team meetings, both in-person and virtual formats.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or higher degree in a related field (relevant experience considered)
• Minimum of 5 years of experience leading a training or workforce development program, including project management experience
• Minimum of 5 years supervising at least 5 or more direct reports
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a project team including external stakeholders
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated planning, organizing, and time management skills
• Enthusiasm for IACMI’s mission to engage, support, and elevate the community
• Highly driven, proactive, and results-oriented
• Problem solver with a proven ability to take initiative
• Technical aptitude and adaptability to learn various software applications and tools
• Experience providing input for project budgets
• Experience with Microsoft 365 products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, MS Teams, etc.), Zoom, Salesforce, and/or Canvas preferred
• Experience with projects funded by U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) or other federal agencies preferred
• Knowledge of composites and advanced manufacturing a plus

·       Knowledge of the machine tool and casting and forging industry a plus

·       CWDP certification a plus

·       PMP Certification a plus

·       Experience with grant writing, non-profits, or grant-funded organizations a plus

·       Experience working in an academic environment a plus

·       Valid U.S. driver’s license required

·       Complete background and drug screens prior to employment

·       Ability to move around freely, lift at least 25 lbs., and sit or stand for extended periods

·       Willingness to travel up to 30-40% of the time, with overnight stays

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package, including 401(k), medical, dental, vision, term life, AD&D, short-term disability,

and long-term disability insurance

• Generous paid time off and flexible work arrangements
• Professional development opportunities
• Annual AAA Roadside Assistance membership provided