Associate Vice President of Workforce, Innovation, and Strategic Partnerships

College of Southern Maryland • Hughesville, MD

76d

About The Position

Located 45 minutes from the Nation's Capital, nestled in a history-rich community of southern Maryland, The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) has been twice named in the top 150 community colleges by the Aspen Institute with academic programs in over 100 disciplines. CSM is among America's top 100 producers of Minority associate degrees in twenty categories, according to Diverse Issues in Higher Education. CSM offers excellent health insurance benefits; State Retirement Pension plan; wellness programs; Code Green early closure Fridays in the summer; college closure for spring break and several major holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year; and for several days in March for Spring Break. We are an innovative institution committed to student success and well known for our flexibility to meet student and community needs. The Associate Vice President (AVP) of Workforce, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships provides visionary, collaborative and inclusive leadership advancing CSM's commitment to economic mobility, employer engagement and regional prosperity. The AVP for Workforce, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships advances the college's institutional strategic priorities by expanding access to high-quality workforce training, work-based learning, and credential-based pathways. The AVP leads efforts to strengthen industry partnerships, develop innovative workforce solutions, and scale community-centered programming aligned with regional economic needs. The AVP collaborates across departments, works closely with local and state agencies, and ensures that programming aligns with labor market trends, state and federal policy, and the college's mission of student and community success. Reports to: Vice President, Continuing Education and Workforce Development The hiring salary for this position will be from the min to mid-point of the salary range advertised. This position is open until filled.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with 10 years of experience working in industry, or in education, workforce development, business, public administration or related fields.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive leadership experience in workforce development, continuing education, industry or related fields
• Demonstrated success in partnership development with business, government and community organizations
• Proven ability to lead complex projects, manage budgets, and supervise cross-functional teams
• Demonstrated excellence in oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse populations.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and prioritize multiple tasks in a dynamic environment.
• Adaptable and responsive to a fast-paced and evolving work setting, with the capacity to manage change constructively.
• Knowledge of adult and community education with experience in the development and delivery of educational programming.
• Proficient in the use of integrated data systems, with the ability to interpret and apply technical information accurately.
• Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, educational technologies, and standard office equipment to support program operations.
• Strong organizational skills, with a keen attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy in all work.
• Willingness and availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as required.
• Knowledge of labor market analytics and work-based learning models.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred
• Experience in a community college setting
• Experience working with labor market trends and analysis, unemployment data and reporting.
• Experience with grant development and management
• Familiarity with workforce policy and funding streams (e.g., WIOA, EARN, Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program)
• Strong background scaling up workforce programs in the Trades.
• Engagement with industry/ manufacturing trades organizations and people.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary strategic leadership in the planning, development and delivery of non-credit and credit-aligned workforce programs with an emphasis on innovation and economic impact that drives economic mobility and student success.
• Serve as the internal lead/champion the development of high-impact career pathways that include stackable credentials, registered apprenticeships, industry certifications, and seamless transfer options, in alignment with emerging industry needs.
• Lead cross-functional teams to implement high-demand workforce pathways that include stackable credentials, apprenticeships, certifications and transfer options.
• Identify emerging workforce trends and proactively guide program design to meet regional employer and community needs.
• Partner on the design and expansion of dual enrollment and early college experiences that connect high school students to workforce-aligned career and technical education (CTE) pathways.
• Proactively analyze national and global workforce trends (e.g., electric vehicles, robotics, green technologies, and aviation) to provide detailed summaries and analysis to the Vice President of CWD to position the college as a leader in next-generation workforce development.
• Advance initiatives that embed innovation in workforce program delivery (e.g., flexible modalities, micro-credentials, digital badging).
• Lead efforts to integrate emerging innovations into program design and delivery, including hybrid and immersive learning formats, micro-credentials, digital badging, and AI-enhanced instruction.
• Develop and scale bold strategies to scale workforce access for underserved, rural, underemployed and other targeted populations, reducing barriers and advancing positive student outcomes.
• Foster and maintain cross-departmental and division collaboration with academic and student affairs, institutional research, and marketing to ensure workforce programs are aligned, well-promoted, and data-informed.
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess program impact, ensure accountability, and inform continuous improvement and ROI analysis. Identify, pursue, and steward public and private funding sources-including grants, philanthropic investments, and industry partnerships-to support innovation and long-term sustainability of workforce initiatives.
• Ensure all team activities align with the strategic plan and regularly review progress to keep initiatives on track.
• Visit each CWD center regularly to offer hands-on support, address staff needs and resolve issues in real time.
• Coordinate strategic alliances with industry leaders, K-12 and higher education partners, workforce boards, and economic development agencies to co-create innovative, demand-driven training pipelines.
• Advocate for state and regional workforce development initiatives and policies.
• Performs other related work as required

Benefits

• excellent health insurance benefits
• State Retirement Pension plan
• wellness programs
• Code Green early closure Fridays in the summer
• college closure for spring break and several major holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year
• for several days in March for Spring Break

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees