Director of Innovative Workforce Development & Career Readiness
About The Position
Richard Bland College (RBC) is a residential, two-year liberal arts transfer institution dedicated to preparing students for successful transfer to highly ranked colleges and universities. Often considered a hidden gem just beyond the Tri-Cities region, RBC is situated on a picturesque rural campus spanning more than 750 acres of wetlands, serene forests, and the state’s oldest and largest pecan grove. RBC invites applications for the position of Director of Innovative Workforce Development & Career Readiness, a senior-level leader responsible for identifying, developing, and sustaining strategic partnerships with employers, industry sector clusters, and internal stakeholders. This role reports directly to the Vice President and integrates meaningful work-based experiences into the student journey, supports regional talent pipeline needs, and advances innovative workforce solutions. This position requires a collaborative leadership style, high energy, and a strong commitment to the mission, vision, and strategic priorities of Richard Bland College.
Requirements
- Baccalaureate degree in educational administration, business management, or related field desirable with demonstrated knowledge, competence, or considerable workforce experience in the state of Virginia.
- Supervisory experience managing and evaluating professional and student staff.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, and the ability to speak publicly.
- Strong, demonstrated knowledge and experience in project management, business process design, and reengineering.
- Strong analytical, problem solving, time management and organizational skills.
- Attention to detail, and the ability to organize effectively.
- Ability to use technology efficiently and appropriately.
- A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel and work nights and weekends as necessary.
- Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse work environment.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree in educational administration, business management, or related field desirable with demonstrated knowledge, competence, or extensive workforce experience in the state of Virginia.
- Banner experience
Responsibilities
- Lead the planning, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement of all workforce development initiatives.
- Ensure alignment with RBC’s mission, strategic priorities, and measurable outcomes.
- Collaborate with faculty, employers, and economic development partners to optimize workforce-related curricula, certifications, and credentials.
- Support grant development and manage workforce-related grant components.
- Oversee program performance tracking, evaluation processes, and long-term growth strategies.
- Direct and grow RBC’s signature Statesman Works program, including student apprenticeship “earn-and-learn” initiatives and workforce transition and development programs.
- Set strategic direction, establish goals, and ensure achievement of program outcomes.
- Manage internships, apprenticeships, and work-study partnerships with employers across sectors.
- Develop opportunities for apprenticeships, internships, job shadowing, and work-based learning experiences.
- Build and sustain strategic partnerships with employers across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
- Collaborate with economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, and workforce agencies to strengthen regional talent pipelines.
- Identify funding opportunities to expand workforce initiatives and programming.
- Analyze labor market data, talent demands, and skills gaps to inform program design and strategy.
- Maintain and regularly update a robust employer and industry partner database.
- Lead cross-functional collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to ensure program success.
- Establish and monitor short- and long-term program goals, making data-driven improvements as needed.
- Provide regular updates and reports to the Vice President and senior leadership.
- Promote RBC workforce programs through marketing, communications, and external engagement.
- Represent the College at workforce development meetings and events with professionalism and discretion.
- Develop policies, procedures, and solutions to address complex programmatic challenges.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
