Executive Director, Workforce and Economic Development – Owens Community College

The Executive Director, Workforce and Economic Development provides college-wide transformational leadership, vision, and strategic direction for the Workforce and Economic Development area, in alignment with the Owens mission, vision, values, and strategic plan. This leader is in a critical role to drive the college’s mission in workforce and economic development, creating synergy at Owens, business and industry, economic development partners, and the greater community around solutions that support and help create prosperity for our region. This role is responsible for anticipating and providing solutions for the workforce development needs of partners in business and industry as well as key economic development and community partners.

Essential Functions:

• Create vision for workforce and economic development that is in alignment with the college’s strategic vision for the near, intermediate, and long term. 
• Develop and implement a strategic business plan and annual goals for the Workforce division that are consistent and congruent with overall college goals and strategic plan, assuring appropriate tracking mechanisms.
• Work closely with the academic schools to identify and develop programs, courses, workshops and customized training to be offered to business and industry partners.   Effectively partner with Academic Affairs to assure appropriate coordination of academic credit, where appropriate.
• Maintain working relationships within Owens, particularly with areas such as Enrollment Management, Marketing and Communications, Institutional Advancement, and Business Affairs.
• Develop effective and collaborative relationships with business and industry, economic development partners, and the community around shared vision and goals to solidify the college’s position as a driver in workforce and economic development.
• Supervise the preparation of customized training proposals and contracts for business, industry and government agencies, and other third-party stakeholders.  Provide leadership, content expertise, and partnership with colleagues on grants and other proposals.
• Accountable for developing, maintaining and achieving financial goals and targets for training.  Collaboratively develop budget and financial goals.  Responsible for budget, budget management, and financial results. 
• Perform necessary leadership, supervision, and management within purview.
• Other duties in alignment with divisional and college strategy may be assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability to implement best practices in workforce development and economic development, as applicable in this role.
• Ability to cultivate and develop a team atmosphere, focused on shared vision and goals, mutually accountable, in order to move the college and the region forward.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with colleagues.
• Excellent verbal, listening and written communication skills.
• Excellent strategic thinking skills and experience transforming strategy to implementation.
• Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, focused on measurable results.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience leading and supervising successful teams required.
• Experience developing training plans required.
• Track record of successful relationship-building and collaboration required.
• Experience using constituent management systems or similar technology, required.
• Experience in higher education administration preferred.
• Ability to develop grant partnerships or manage grants preferred.

Candidates are asked to include a cover letter with their application. The preferred date for consideration of candidates is February 21, 2024.