Executive Director for the Center for Workforce and Professional Education

Executive Director for the Center for Workforce and Professional Education

EXEMPT

GRADE16

NON-BARGAINING UNIT

BASIC FUNCTION

The Executive Director for the Center for Workforce & Professional Education (CWPE) at Vermont State University will provide vision and strategy to the team leading all programs residing in CWPE including advanced manufacturing education, electrical and plumbing apprenticeships, business training and more, as well as developing new workforce and professional education programs. The role requires a leader who is passionate about higher education and workforce development, and has experience working with a team in developing, implementing, and scaling programs that align with the needs of Vermont industry and employers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan for workforce education that aligns with the university's mission and meets the needs of Vermont employers and industries.

• Plan, supervise, monitor, and evaluate all the programs, services, and functions of the CWPE for revenue generation and impact for Vermont employers and industry.

• Negotiate and administer industry-specific training and education contracts.

• Supervise the administration of the CWPE budget(s), including management of grant funds and revenues generated through workforce training programs.

• Collaborate with academic departments, industry partners, government agencies, and other stakeholders to design and implement programs that provide participants and employers with the skills and experiences needed to succeed in the workforce.

• Perform a variety of leadership tasks, including determining marketing strategies and plans; researching and pursuing innovative programs, markets, and project funding sources.

• Stay up to date on emerging trends and best practices in workforce education and recommend changes and improvements to programs, as necessary.

• Represent the university and promote its workforce education programs to internal and external audiences and stakeholders.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

General supervision received from the VP of Business Operations

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Supervise staff of 12 that oversee programs related to CWPE programs and other grant funded projects such as, but not limited to, Vermont Career Advancement Program (VCAP), and EPSCoR SOCKS Workforce and Education development team.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree in business, education, or other appropriate discipline, plus at least 5-7 years of relevant experience in adult education, or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired.

• Broad-based knowledge of adult education, program development and higher education administration.

• Relevant experience dealing with business/industry personnel and government agencies.

• Excellent planning, administrative, organizational, supervisory, and budget management skills.

• Ability to deal effectively with a wide range of university personnel and students, as well as outside consultants, businesses, and government agencies, requiring leadership, coordinating public relations, public presentation, training, and negotiating skills.

• Demonstrated commitment to advancing equity and social justice in education and the workforce.

• Ability to work independently.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience with the manufacturing industry

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of trends, issues, and accepted practices relevant to the position.

• Expertise in using data, analytics, and emerging technologies to successfully administer and monitor programs.

• Understanding of workforce training and professional development needs of Vermont employers.

• Commitment to developing your own professional knowledge and the professional knowledge of team members regarding diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice and how it informs practices within your area of expertise.

SKILLS:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Strong organizational and conceptual skills.

• Excellent strategic planning skills.

• Successful record of interacting with professionals across organizational levels and disciplines.

• Proven record of accountability and follow-through.

• Good planning, administrative, organizational, and supervisory skills with proven effectiveness in allocating and managing resources.

Abilities:

• Strong relationship management skills and a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.

• Ability to deal effectively with a wide range of individuals/groups inside and outside the VSC.

• Ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community.

• Ability to think and act creatively within the confines of regulatory rules and regulations.

Location: This position is primarily located at the VTSU Randolph campus but can be at any other campus. May require some travel to other campuses as needed. Hybrid work arrangements are possible.

This general outline illustrates the type of work which characterizes the job classification. It is not an all-encompassing statement of the specific duties, responsibilities and qualifications of individual positions assigned to the classification

We encourage applicants with a demonstrated interest in building and supporting an inclusive, equitable, and diverse community at VSC.

Benefits Package

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Tuition Waiver to Vermont State Colleges
• Tuition Waiver to UVM* for dependent children
• Employee Assistance Program
• Long Term Disability
• 14 Paid Holidays
• Medical, Personal, and Vacation Leave

Vermont State University is a part of the Vermont State Colleges System (VSCS). VSCS values individual differences that can be engaged in the service of learning. Diverse experiences from people of varied backgrounds inform and enrich our community. VSCS strongly encourages applications from historically marginalized and underrepresented populations. VSCS is an equal opportunity employer, in compliance with ADA requirements, and will make reasonable accommodations for the known disability of an otherwise qualified applicant. Please contact our HR office for assistance with accommodations at humanresources@vermontstate.edu.

NOTE: This job is subject to a criminal background check. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon the satisfactory results of this check.