Director of Skilled Trades and Technical Education

Baker College•Owosso, MI

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Baker College is seeking a visionary, entrepreneurial leader to shape skilled trades and technical education at its Owosso campus. The Director will drive strategic growth and operational excellence across the College’s skilled trades portfolio, including the Auto Diesel Institute (ADI), expanding programs that prepare students for evolving workforce demands and strengthen the College’s impact on Michigan’s economy. The Director will identify workforce-driven opportunities, evaluate potential programs and credentials, and guide initiatives from concept through launch. The role develops partnerships with employers, high schools, career and technical education centers, and workforce organizations to expand dual enrollment, articulation, apprenticeship, and career pathways. It also strengthens ADI’s performance, enrollment, industry relevance, and financial sustainability; oversees personnel and daily operations; and ensures instructional facilities, labs, tools, and equipment are safe, maintained, and aligned with industry standards. Working with academic leadership and institutional partners, the Director supports faculty recruitment and development, advances curriculum quality, pursues external funding and shared-resource opportunities, and establishes measurable goals, budgets, and timelines for continuous improvement. The successful candidate will champion Baker College’s Student-First philosophy, contribute to the College’s success, and serve as a positive role model and brand ambassador on and off campus.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least five years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, K–12 career and technical education with higher education partnerships, vocational or technical education, skilled trades, workforce development, or industrial sector management.
Proven ability to launch or expand programs and training initiatives.
Ability to build strategic partnerships that deliver measurable results.
Experience managing business planning and financial resources.
Ability to execute projects effectively and foster strong relationships.
Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to coordinate initiatives and collaborate across departments.
Valid driver’s license for travel among campus locations, high schools, CTE centers, and regional partner sites.

Nice To Haves

Industry-recognized credentials or trades licensure.
Relevant industry credentials, journey-level certifications, or specialized technical certifications, such as ASE, AWS, HVAC, NC3, or PMMI.
OSHA 10/30-Hour General Industry or Environmental Health and Safety credentials.

Responsibilities

Drive the strategic growth and operational excellence of Baker College’s skilled trades portfolio, including the Auto Diesel Institute (ADI).
Identify workforce-driven opportunities, evaluate new programs and credentials, and guide initiatives from concept through launch.
Cultivate partnerships with employers, high schools, career and technical education centers, and workforce organizations.
Expand dual enrollment, articulation, apprenticeship, and career pathways while supporting enrollment and program visibility.
Strengthen ADI’s performance, enrollment, industry relevance, and financial sustainability.
Oversee personnel and daily operations.
Ensure instructional facilities, labs, tools, and equipment are safe, well-maintained, and aligned with industry standards.
Support faculty recruitment and development and advance curriculum quality.
Pursue external funding and shared-resource opportunities.
Establish measurable goals, budgets, and timelines to drive continuous improvement and sustainable results.
Collaborate across departments and with academic leadership and institutional partners to achieve strategic goals.
Champion Baker College’s Student-First philosophy and act as a positive role model and brand ambassador on and off campus.