Basic Function and Responsibilities
The Senior Director of Workforce Development is responsible for the implementation and oversight of Oakton College's workforce development programs and initiatives. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Workforce Innovation and College Partnerships, this role ensures that the college's workforce initiatives connect students to meaningful career opportunities while addressing local and regional industry needs. The Senior Director oversees a dedicated team and works collaboratively across academic, student, and administrative departments to implement workforce development strategies.
The Senior Director is tasked with maintaining and growing partnerships with external stakeholders, ensuring compliance and success in grant-funded programs, and promoting pathways for student success through work-based learning and career advancement. This position plays a critical role in delivering on Oakton College's broader workforce development goals and ensuring programs align with employer demand and regional economic priorities.
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Sector-Based Career Pathways: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to create and implement sector-specific career pathways and workforce programs, ensuring integration of work-based learning opportunities to enhance student job readiness. Extend these pathways to secondary education, community partners, and non-credit programs. .
2. Strategic Management over Workforce Development Partnerships: Maintain strong relationships with industry leaders, government agencies, and educational institutions to support the college's workforce programs and co-partner in promoting regional economic development. . Ensure college programs are responsive to current and emerging labor market demands.
3. Student Support Services: Collaborate internally to develop and implement support services that address students' academic, career, and personal needs, improving retention and success. Build partnerships with local, regional, and state organizations to connect students to essential resources such as childcare, transportation, housing assistance, and other living supports.
4. Program Outcomes Management: Develop and implement strategies to monitor and improve job placement rates, program completion rates, and student success in securing high-wage, high-demand jobs. Ensure these strategies align with regional economic goals, employer demand, and are informed by labor market data.
5. Alumni Engagement and Re-enrollment: Develop and execute initiatives to encourage alumni to engagement in continuing education and upskilling through stackable credentials. Improving access and reducing barriers to re-enrollment and promote lifelong learning opportunities.
6. Visibility and Reputation: Collaborate with the AVP for Workforce Innovation and College Partnerships to develop and enhance the visibility and reputation of Oakton College's workforce development programs. Promote the college's leadership in addressing workforce development challenges through tailored solutions.
7. Team Leadership and Management: Lead the Workforce Development team in day-to-day operations, fostering a collaborative, and accountable environment.
8. Emerging Workforce Needs: Ensure the college remains agile in responding to current and future workforce demands. Promote awareness of market shifts and trends, ensuring workforce programs evolve in line with industry needs and long-term economic development.
9. Internal Communication and Collaboration: Keep the college community informed of workforce developments, ensuring alignment and engagement across departments. Conduct regular check-ins and professional development sessions Integrate workforce priorities and initiatives into the college's broader institutional efforts.
10. Grant Management and Workforce Equity Initiative: Manage key workforce grants and the Workforce Equity Initiative to ensure alignment with program goals and effective use of resources. Partner with the AVP to secure additional funding through grants, partnerships, and donations to expand workforce development programs ensuring equitable access to advance racial equity and promote workforce readiness.
Supervision Received:
Reports to the Assistant Vice President of Workforce Innovation and College Partnerships.
Supervision Exercised:
Supervises Workforce Development managers and staff, including the Workforce Equity Initiative Team.
Job Requirements:
1. Master's degree in education, economic development, business administration or a related field preferred and/or a combination of experience and education.
2. A minimum of three years of experience in workforce development, economic development, or a related field.
3. Strong strategic planning skills with the ability to develop and implement effective workforce development initiatives.
4. Demonstrated experience establishing and managing employer, community, and sector-based partnerships
5. Experience managing workforce grants, ensuring alignment with goals, compliance, and effective resource use.
6. Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in education and workforce development. Experience identifying and addressing systemic barriers to access and success, emphasizing continuous improvement and fostering an inclusive environment.
7. Proven leadership and management skills.
8. Strong understanding of workforce trends and industry needs.
9. Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
10. Ability to lead and develop teams.
11. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Additional Information:
The salary range for this position is $120 - 125k
A comprehensive benefit package is available which includes medical, vision, and dental insurance; flexible spending; term life insurance; tuition waivers and reimbursement; retirement; paid holidays; sick days.
Appointment to a Administrator position is contingent upon approval by the College's Board of Trustees
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