Director, Center for Business and Professional Development

University of Arkansas System • Fort Smith, AR

7d • $90,000 - $95,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is a mid-sized public university committed to providing transformative, hands-on learning experiences. It offers over 70 academic programs and aims to build a diverse community. As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10 percent of employee salary.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in business, management, leadership, education, workforce development, organizational development, or a related field.
• Five or more years of progressive experience in business, industry, workforce development, professional development, higher education, nonprofit leadership, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated leadership, budget management, customer relationship, and oral and written communication skills.
• Other job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for part of these requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Doctorate or additional graduate/professional degree from an accredited institution.
• More than five years of progressive leadership experience in business, industry, higher education, workforce development, professional development, or nonprofit leadership.
• Experience with customized training, revenue generation, grants, contracts, marketing, sales, business development, event management, employer engagement, and profit/loss or budget responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and advance CBPD as a primary noncredit business and professional development training unit within the Center for Economic Development.
• Develop annual business, budget, marketing, and operational plans for CBPD that are consistent with UAFS priorities and the strategic direction of the Center for Economic Development.
• Establish short- and long-term goals that support CBPD’s mission, promote regional workforce capacity, and strengthen the financial sustainability of the center.
• Use employer feedback, regional workforce data, participant evaluations, and financial performance measures to assess program effectiveness and identify new training opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with regional employers, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, workforce partners, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Lead employer needs assessments and develop responsive customized training solutions, proposals, and delivery models for business and industry clients.
• Identify, coordinate, and evaluate open enrollment professional development opportunities that meet the needs of individuals, employers, and the broader community.
• Represent CBPD and UAFS at community events, employer meetings, professional association meetings, and other workforce and economic development activities.
• Supervise assigned CBPD faculty, staff, instructors, contractors, and related program personnel.
• Work with faculty and instructors to establish individual performance, program, and financial goals; meet regularly to monitor progress and support continuous improvement.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, and retain qualified faculty, instructors, and staff who support CBPD’s training mission and customer service expectations.
• Set high standards of performance, conduct regular performance evaluations, and encourage professional development for faculty and staff.
• Develop, monitor, and manage the CBPD budget, including revenue targets, expenses, net revenue, and financial performance for open enrollment and customized training activities.
• Oversee the contract, invoicing, registration, and customer service processes for open enrollment, customized training, and contract training programs.
• Identify, pursue, and administer grants, contracts, sponsorships, and other funding sources that support training efforts and expand access to workforce development opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, grant and contract requirements, fiscal procedures, and applicable local, state, and federal requirements.
• Maintain regular communication with the Associate Vice Chancellor for Economic and Workforce Development regarding CBPD operations, opportunities, challenges, financial performance, and strategic priorities.
• Establish effective working relationships with other UAFS departments and colleges to support interdisciplinary programming, employer engagement, and regional service.
• Collaborate with state and regional organizations, including workforce boards, economic development agencies, and training assistance programs, to support monetary training assistance for employers and participants.
• Maintain a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner that fosters teamwork, professionalism, accountability, and service to internal and external customers.
• Attend and participate in required faculty, staff, administrative, university, commencement, and community events as appropriate.
• Maintain consistent and timely attendance and fulfill other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• University contributions to health insurance
• University contributions to dental insurance
• University contributions to life insurance
• University contributions to disability insurance
• Tuition waivers for employees and their families
• 12 official holidays
• Immediate leave accrual
• Choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10 percent of employee salary.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director