Director of The Auto Diesel Institute

Baker College•Owosso, MI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Discover the opportunity to join Baker College, honored as one of the 2024, 2025 & 2026 Best and Brightest Workplaces in West Michigan, Metro Detroit & Nationally! Baker College is thrilled to announce an opportunity for a high-impact, visionary Director of the Auto Diesel Institute (ADI) to lead our premier technical program at our Owosso campus! The Opportunity Are you a forward-thinking leader with a passion for the automotive and diesel industries and a drive to shape the next generation of technical professionals? Baker College is seeking a dynamic Director of the Auto Diesel Institute (ADI) to steer our premier, high-tech training facility in Owosso! In this pivotal leadership role, you won't just manage a facility, you will build powerful industry partnerships, mentor expert faculty, and directly impact the future of the automotive workforce. If you are ready to lead an innovative, hands-on academic environment where student success meets industry excellence, your next career milestone starts here. At ADI, we don't just teach the trade, we prove that Greatness is Earned Here! Shift Your Career Into High Gear: The Role As the Director of ADI, you are the driving force behind the academic excellence, industry relevance, and daily operations of a world-class technical facility. This isn't a desk job-it's a dynamic leadership role where you bridge the gap between cutting-edge education and heavy-duty industry demands.

Requirements

Associate degree in Business, Management, Information Technology, or a related discipline (Bachelor's degree preferred).
Proven, real-world experience in the Automotive/Diesel industry is required.
Exceptional Communication: The ability to command a room, present effectively to large groups, and negotiate high-level agreements.
Team-Building Superpowers: A transparent, approachable leadership style that builds collaborative, highly motivated teams.
Grit & Adaptability: Ready to thrive in a unique environment that moves seamlessly between a professional classroom and a loud, high-energy, multi-bay garage facility (and the physical capability to lift/push up to 50 lbs).

Nice To Haves

Higher education experience is a major plus.

Responsibilities

Manage all facility operations, inventory, budget resources, and ensure strict compliance with legal and accrediting bodies.
Act as the primary point of contact for businesses and corporate stakeholders, securing reciprocal partnerships that benefit our students and the industry.
Hire, mentor, and lead a dedicated team of instructors, fostering a culture of academic rigor and collaboration.
Partner with Admissions, Marketing, and Alumni teams to champion student recruitment, retention, and innovative curriculum delivery.