Director of Talent Ladder

Indiana Wesleyan University•Indianapolis, IN

About The Position

The Director of Talent Ladder will lead IWU's workforce and B2B-focused credentialing enterprise, driving strategic growth through innovative product development, sales execution, and partnership cultivation. This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on leadership to deliver contextualized, skill-based training programs that serve both individual learners and corporate clients. The Director will oversee dual revenue streams: individual training programs aligned with state and federal workforce funding (including Indiana's Next Level Jobs and federal workforce Pell frameworks), and customized B2B training solutions that deliver measurable ROI for business partners. Working closely with the Customer and Partner Success Manager and Director of Resource Development, this position will leverage our new AI-driven LMS to create agile, personalized training solutions that meet market demands while achieving strong enrollment, completion rates, and job placement outcomes. The role requires a strategic leader who can balance academic excellence with business agility to position Talent Ladder as the premier workforce and employee development partner.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business, education, workforce development, or related field required
A minimum of five to seven (5-7) years of progressive experience in workforce development, corporate training, business development, or educational program management, with demonstrated success in both B2B and B2C markets
Workforce Development and Training Expertise
Deep understanding of workforce development landscape, including state and federal funding mechanisms
Experience with credentialing programs, certificate development, and skills-based training
Knowledge of federal workforce Pell frameworks and state workforce initiatives
Familiarity with learning management systems and educational technology platforms
Understanding of employer partnership development
Business Development and Sales
Proven track record in B2B sales and business development within education or training sectors
Ability to demonstrate ROI and measurable outcomes to business stakeholders
Strong proposal writing and contract negotiation skills
Strategic Leadership and Operations
Strategic thinking with ability to develop and execute comprehensive business plans
Experience managing P&L responsibility and achieving revenue targets
Strong project management and operational efficiency capabilities
Data-driven approach to performance measurement and continuous improvement
Experience leading cross-functional teams and collaborative initiatives
Relationship Building and Communication
Exceptional relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholder groups
Strong presentation and public speaking abilities
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Experience representing organizations at industry events and conferences
Ability to translate complex workforce development concepts for various audiences
Technical and Innovation Competencies
Experience with educational technology and learning management systems
Understanding of AI-driven learning platforms and personalized training delivery
Familiarity with skills assessment and competency-based education models
Ability to adapt quickly to emerging technologies and training methodologies
Mission Alignment
Strong commitment to the mission, vision, and values of Indiana Wesleyan University
Passion for workforce development and helping individuals achieve career advancement
Understanding of the intersection between academic excellence and industry needs
Values-driven approach to building partnerships and serving diverse learner populations
Other Requirements
Willingness to travel as needed for business development and partnership activities (up to 30%)
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
Ability to work flexible hours to accommodate client needs and industry events
Experience working in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred
Experience developing customized training solutions for corporate clients (preferred)
Experience with government contracting and compliance requirements (preferred)

Responsibilities

Product Strategy and Development
Develop and execute comprehensive product roadmap for Talent Ladder's certificate and training offerings
Drive product mix optimization to maximize market relevance and revenue potential
Collaborate with instructional design teams to create contextualized, skills-based programs
Ensure alignment with state and federal workforce funding requirements (Next Level Jobs, Pell frameworks)
Lead market research and competitive analysis to identify emerging skill demands and training opportunities
Oversee implementation and optimization of AI-driven LMS for rapid, personalized content delivery
Sales and Business Development
Drive B2B sales strategy and execution for customized corporate training solutions
Develop and maintain relationships with workforce development agencies and state/federal funding partners
Lead prospect identification, relationship building, and contract negotiation for enterprise clients
Create compelling value propositions that demonstrate ROI for business training investments
Collaborate with marketing teams to develop sales materials and lead generation strategies
Represent Talent Ladder at industry conferences, workforce development events, and business forums
Partnership and Stakeholder Management
Build and maintain strategic partnerships with state workforce agencies, federal funding entities, and employer networks
Manage and grow relationships with Indiana's Next Level Jobs program and other state workforce initiatives
Manage and grow relationships with existing partners
Develop corporate partnerships that create sustainable training and placement pipelines
Coordinate with academic partners and industry associations to enhance program credibility
Engage with local economic development organizations and business chambers
Operations and Performance Management
Monitor and optimize key performance metrics including enrollment, completion rates, and job placement outcomes
Oversee program delivery to ensure high-quality learner experiences and client satisfaction
Manage budget and financial performance to achieve revenue targets and operational efficiency
Lead continuous improvement initiatives based on learner feedback and market demands
Ensure compliance with accreditation standards and funding requirements
Coordinate with Customer and Partner Success Manager and Director of Resource Development on strategic initiatives
Team Leadership and Strategic Collaboration
Collaborate with Customer and Partner Success Manager to optimize client experience and retention
Work with Director of Resource Development to align marketing and sales strategies
Partner with academic teams to map assessed learning opportunities and align offerings with strategic academic initiatives
Partner with DeVoe School of Business, Technology, and Leadership to pilot early degree ideas and align product development opportunities
Contribute to enterprise-wide strategic planning and goal achievement
Foster a culture of innovation, customer focus, and continuous improvement within the Talent Ladder team