INTERNAL ONLY - Director of FOCUS (Fostering Optimization, Continuous Upward growth and Strategy - LED FastStart

INTERNAL ONLY
The Director of FOCUS will work within the state economic development organization to lead initiatives focused on improving organizational efficiency, quality measures, and client-facing interactions. This role will streamline internal processes, ensure the highest standards in client service, and support data-driven strategies to facilitate company growth. Reporting to the Executive Director of LED FastStart, this role will help ensure that both internal operations and external client relations are aligned with the highest quality measures, incorporating technology and data analysis, ensuring that it delivers on its promise to support companies and communities within the state.

LED FastStart, Louisiana Economic Development’s single-source, workforce solutions provider is building a world-class team to support Louisiana’s workforce for new and expanding companies. Our primary focus is to assist companies in selection and training. We work with each company and develop and deliver customized training programs for their processes. We also develop innovative stackable certification programs designed to support high-priority industries in Louisiana. We are in partnership with the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) and Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC). Our commitment to our customers is 24/7 responsiveness through value added training materials and programs.

College: LCTCS

Department: FastStart

Type of Appointment: Full time - Regular

Salary: Salary will be commensurate with Education and Experience

Duties and Responsibilities:
Essential Duties and Responsibilities Include:
1. Process Streamlining & Optimization:

• Lead efforts to streamline internal workflows and procedures to increase operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to assess current processes and identify areas for improvement, focusing on reducing redundancies and enhancing productivity.
• Integrate modern web tools for internal and external presentations, training programs, and virtual client interactions to ensure smooth, high-quality delivery.
• Implement quality measures and performance indicators to ensure adherence to best practices across the organization.

2. Training & Development:

• Design and implement training programs aimed at improving internal staff skills in areas such as client relations, process optimization, and use of digital tools.
• Collaborate with the Creative Solutions Team to create training materials that incorporate the latest technology and instructional methods.
• Evaluate training effectiveness through feedback and performance data, adjusting programs to ensure continued relevance and impact.
• Support the development of communication materials and training for client-facing staff, ensuring alignment with the organization’s goals and values.
• Manage training on new tools, processes, and strategies to enhance productivity and performance.

3. Organizational Change & Innovation:

• Act as a change agent within the organization, promoting our values and opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Foster a culture of innovation, encouraging staff to develop creative solutions for improving services and delivering client value.
• Act as a liaison between departments, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration across teams.
• Identify areas for automation or improvement using web tools and platforms, particularly for training and presentations.

4. Data Analysis for Growth & Development:

• Analyze client and training data to generate insights for strategic decision-making, supporting business and workforce development.
• Monitor industry trends and use data analysis to identify new opportunities for client engagement and organizational growth.

Potential Teams to Oversee:

• Client Engagement Coordinators: Team that manages client interactions, ensuring excellence and consistency in service.
• Data Analysts: Individuals tasked with collecting, interpreting, and presenting data related to client and training programs.
• Training and Development Specialists: Focused on designing and delivering high-quality internal and external training programs.

This position would combine curriculum design, adult training and development, passion for organizational change, and focus on optimizing processes for quality and innovation, helping our economic development organization achieve our objectives.

Required Education:

• Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or a related field.

Required Experience:

• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in curriculum design, adult learning, workforce training, or professional development.
• At least 7 years of professional experience in a role focused on process improvement, organizational development, operations management, or project management.
• Proven track record of leadership in organizational change and process improvement initiatives.
• Experience in designing and delivering training programs to diverse learners, to include integration of modern instructional technologies and strategies.
• Demonstrated success in analyzing and using data to inform decision-making and drive organizational growth.
• Experience in streamlining internal workflows and fostering cross-departmental collaboration in state economic development, training organizations, or similar environments.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Skills and Competencies

• Strong expertise in curriculum design and development of adult training programs aligned with organizational goals.
• Proficiency in integrating modern web tools and technology platforms for presentations, training, and virtual interactions.
• Knowledge of process optimization methodologies.
• Exceptional skills in data analysis, with the ability to extract actionable insights from client and training data to support strategic initiatives.
• Outstanding leadership and interpersonal skills, with a history of managing teams and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft clear, compelling presentations for executive stakeholders.
• Knowledge of change management frameworks to drive cultural transformation and process adoption.

Preferred Education:

• Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, Education, or Business Administration preferred.

Benefits: As a member of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, LCTCS has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, term life, disability, accident, vision, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), holidays (14 per year, typically includes longer break at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits and Employee Assistance Program. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.

Application Deadline: Internal applications will be accepted until February 5, 2025.

Application Instructions: Applicants for this position should submit a cover letter that addresses the outlined responsibilities, a resume, and the names and contact information for three professional/work-related references. *If selected, applicant will be asked to provide a certified copy of transcript prior to final offer.

In accordance with LCTCS Policy #6.036, a criminal history check will be conducted on all new hires. LCTCS participates in the federal E-Verify system for identification and employment eligibility purposes. LCTCS is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) agency that supports improved employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. For more information about the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, visit www.lctcs.edu. LCTCS is in partnership with Louisiana Economic Development FastStart.