Executive Director - Center for Workforce & Professional Education (CWPE)
Grade: 16
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: VSC-UP-SUP

BASIC FUNCTION

The Executive Director for the Center for Workforce & Professional Education (CWPE) at Vermont State University will plan, administer, coordinate, and lead all the general Workforce Education Programs, including professional development, customized upskilling and reskilling programs for industries, non-traditional credit, and non-credit offerings. The role requires a leader who is passionate about higher education and workforce development, and has experience in developing, implementing, and scaling programs that align with the university's mission and goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic and marketing plan for workforce education that aligns with the university's mission and goals.
• Plan, implement, administer, coordinate, monitor, and evaluate all the programs, services, and functions of the CWPE, including all operating policies and procedures.
• Develop and modify programs, services, and operating systems in accordance with institutional objectives and resources, and constituent needs and preferences.
• Negotiate and administer industry-specific upskilling and reskilling program contracts for CWPE.
• Plan, request, and administer the CWPE budget(s), including management of grant funds and revenues generated through workforce training programs. Negotiate and administer contracts with instructors, vendors, and businesses.
• Collaborate with academic departments, industry partners, government agencies, and other stakeholders to design and implement programs that provide VTSU students and the public with the skills and experiences needed to succeed in the workforce.
• Perform a variety of key planning tasks, typically involving general curriculum development efforts; design, evaluation and refinement of individual courses, workshops, and seminars, scheduling and other arrangements for delivery of credit and non-credit programs; development of CWPE operating policy and procedures; design of marketing strategies and plans; researching and pursuing innovative programs, markets, and project funding sources.
• Identify and secure funding opportunities, grants, and sponsorships to support workforce development initiatives.
• Develop and manage budgets, resources, and staff to ensure effective and efficient delivery of workforce development training programs.
• 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.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

General supervision received from Associate VP of Workforce, Community & Economic Development.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Supervise staff that oversee programs related to CWPE programs and other partially or fully grant funded projects such as, but not limited to, Vermont Cooperative for Practice Improvement (VCPI), Vermont Career Advancement Program (VCAP), and EPSCoR Workforce 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.
• Strong curriculum development skills.
• 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 and as part of a team in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

None

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 the educational goals and objectives of Vermont State University.
• 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 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.

VTSU values individual differences that can be engaged in the service of learning. Diverse experiences from people of varied backgrounds inform and enrich our community. VTSU strongly encourages applications from historically marginalized and underrepresented populations. VTSU 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 Sarah Potter for assistance with accommodations at Sarah.Potter@vsc.edu.

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