Director of Automotive Programs - Professional Automotive Training Center

Shoreline Community College•Shoreline College, WA

15h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Automotive Programs provides visionary leadership for Shoreline College's nationally recognized Professional Automotive Training Center (PATC), one of the Pacific Northwest's premier automotive workforce education programs. Working at the intersection of education and industry, the Director reports to the Dean of STEM-CTE, leads faculty, develops strategic partnerships with automotive manufacturers and employers, and advances innovative workforce pathways to prepare the next generation of highly skilled automotive technicians. As the College's lead representative for automotive education, the Director provides strategic leadership in program planning, industry engagement, accreditation, enrollment growth, workforce development, customized training, and continuous improvement. The Director works collaboratively with faculty, staff, employers, K–12 partners, workforce agencies, and community organizations to ensure programs remain responsive to evolving technologies and employer needs. The successful candidate combines technical credibility, collaborative leadership, and business acumen. Equally comfortable in the classroom, the shop, the boardroom, and the dealership, the Director is passionate about developing people, building partnerships, and shaping the future of automotive workforce education.

Requirements

Five years of progressive responsible leadership experience in one or more of the following: Automotive technical education, Automotive service operations, Manufacturer technical training, Workforce development, Apprenticeship programs, Technical training, Community or technical college education.
Bachelor’s degree in automotive technology, Engineering Technology, Business, Workforce Development, or closely related field OR equivalent combination of education, industry certifications, and progressively responsible leadership experience.
Technical credibility.
Collaborative leadership.
Business acumen.
Passion for developing people, building partnerships, and shaping the future of automotive workforce education.
Ability to work in the classroom, the shop, the boardroom, and the dealership.
Proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.

Nice To Haves

Leadership experience within an automotive manufacturer (OEM), dealership group, technical training organization, or community/technical college.
ASE certifications or equivalent professional credentials.
Experience managing ASE Education Foundation accreditation or manufacturer certification programs.
Experience developing industry partnerships, customized training, apprenticeships, or workforce initiatives.
Experience securing grants, sponsorships, or external funding.
Experience supervising union-represented employees.

Responsibilities

Provides visionary leadership for Shoreline College's nationally recognized Professional Automotive Training Center (PATC).
Works at the intersection of education and industry.
Reports to the Dean of STEM-CTE.
Leads faculty.
Develops strategic partnerships with automotive manufacturers and employers.
Advances innovative workforce pathways to prepare the next generation of highly skilled automotive technicians.
Provides strategic leadership in program planning, industry engagement, accreditation, enrollment growth, workforce development, customized training, and continuous improvement.
Works collaboratively with faculty, staff, employers, K–12 partners, workforce agencies, and community organizations to ensure programs remain responsive to evolving technologies and employer needs.
Fosters an inclusive and equitable learning and work environment.
Builds and sustains productive relationships with automotive manufacturers, dealerships, workforce agencies, K–12 partners, community organizations, and other external stakeholders.
Leads organizational change, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Develops and implements strategic initiatives that strengthen workforce education and respond to industry needs.
Manages multiple priorities, complex projects, budgets, grants, and competing deadlines.
Analyzes data and uses evidence to support planning, decision-making, and program improvement.
Communicates effectively—both orally and in writing—with individuals at all organizational levels and from diverse cultural, educational, and professional backgrounds.
Navigates complex or sensitive situations using sound judgment, diplomacy, and applicable laws, regulations, and College policies.
Collaborates effectively as a member of the College's leadership team while also working independently.
Represents the College professionally with industry partners, government agencies, accrediting organizations, and the public.