Deputy Director, Business Engagement

Communities Foundation of Texas•University Park, TX

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The mission of Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) is to improve the lives of all people in our community by investing in their health, wealth, living, and learning. CFT works to accomplish this by growing community giving, expanding community impact, and advancing community equity. With a vision of building thriving communities for all, CFT works locally and across the state with many individuals, families, companies, foundations, and nonprofits through a variety of charitable funds and strategic grantmaking initiatives. CFT professionally manages more than 1,300 charitable funds and has awarded more than $2.5 billion in grants since its founding in 1953. Educate Texas (EDTX), an initiative of Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT), exists to help solve the most significant challenges facing public education. Our vision is for all Texans to have the education they need to earn a thriving, living wage, pursue a purposeful career, and realize their dreams for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
5 or more years of leadership experience in higher education, workforce development, or employer partnerships.
Experience leading and managing large projects and programs with multiple partners and key stakeholders.
Knowledge of Texas higher education and workforce systems and initiatives that promote the Tri-Agency Work-Based Learning Continuum and collaboration between business/industry, workforce development, higher education, and ISDs.
Detail-oriented, self-starter with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects at the same time.
Proficient or expert skills using PowerPoint, Excel, Word, SharePoint, Outlook.
Ability to evaluate and communicate program findings.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team in a hybrid/field-based role.
Strong written, presentation and verbal skills, including experience with executive level audiences.
Work effectively with staff in a team-oriented environment with a positive, can-do attitude.
Exhibit a high degree of professionalism, business judgment, tact and diplomacy.
Excellent problem-solving skills.
Effectively model and demonstrate CFT’s core competencies which include Collaboration, Impact and Problem Solving, Integrity and Accountability, Learning, and Internal and External Service

Responsibilities

Lead a portfolio-wide employer engagement strategy aligned to Talent Strong Texas priorities.
Build and sustain relationships with regional, state, and sector-based employers to articulate workforce needs, validate skills and competencies, and support alignment of talent demand.
Secure formal employer commitments for work-based learning participation.
Partner with higher education institutions and internal pathway teams to ensure pathways reflect employer-validated competencies, aligned credentials, and embedded work-based learning.
Use labor market data and employer feedback to inform continuous improvement of pathways and credentials.
Expand and deepen high-quality work-based learning opportunities including internships, apprenticeships, clinical placements, and mentorships.
Move employers along a continuum from participation to interview and hiring commitments, particularly for Opportunity Youth and priority populations.
Collaborate across Educate Texas program teams to coordinate employer engagement and avoid duplication.
Serve as an external representative with employers, intermediaries, and statewide initiatives.
Partner with Strategy & Insights to manage data related to employer engagement, work-based learning participation, and employment outcomes.