HudsonAlpha - Director of Workforce Development

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology•Huntsville, AL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology (www.hudsonalpha.org) is a non-profit organization with the mission to use biotechnology and basic biological research to make important discoveries, improve human health, stimulate economic development, inspire young people to seek careers in science, and teach members of the public the importance of science in their everyday lives. Located in Cummings Research Park in Huntsville, Alabama, one of the world's leading science and technology parks, HudsonAlpha's campus contains state-of-the-art laboratories for biological research and development, as well as education, in the areas of genomics, genetics, and personalized medicine. Educational Outreach is an essential component of the HudsonAlpha mission. The Institute seeks to expand interest in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields by developing instructional programs that spark students' curiosity and enable teachers to illustrate the potential of applied research. HudsonAlpha's education and outreach programs are organized around two guiding principles: preparing the future biotechnology workforce and cultivating awareness of the influence of genetics and biotechnology on the lives of all citizens. HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology seeks a strategically minded Director of Workforce Development to lead the design, growth, and sustainability of innovative STEM workforce programs. This role will build and manage education-to-career pathways that prepare learners for success in biotechnology, genomics, and related fields. The Director of Workforce Development will oversee a portfolio of workforce initiatives spanning secondary, post-secondary, and professional audiences, with a strong emphasis on partnerships, grant-funded programs, and measurable outcomes. This position requires a collaborative leader who can translate workforce needs into impactful educational programs. This role offers the opportunity to shape the future life sciences workforce by building pathways into high-impact careers. The Director of Workforce Development will play a central role in advancing HudsonAlpha's leadership in STEM education and workforce innovation at the regional and national levels.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred (STEM, education, or related field)
7–10+ years of experience in STEM workforce development, education programs, or related leadership roles
Demonstrated experience designing and leading complex, multi-partner programs
Proven success in securing or managing grant-funded initiatives
Strong partnership-building skills across academia, industry, and nonprofits
Experience supervising staff and managing budgets

Nice To Haves

Experience in life sciences, biotechnology, or genomics ecosystems
Familiarity with research institutes or higher education environments
Record of serving as PI or co-PI on federally funded programs
Experience scaling regional or national workforce initiatives

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a strategic vision for workforce development aligned with HudsonAlpha's mission and growth priorities
Design and scale programs that prepare learners for careers in biotechnology and genomics
Ensure programs demonstrate measurable impact
Build and maintain partnerships with: Colleges and universities, Industry and biotech employers, Workforce and economic development organizations, Community and national education partners, HudsonAlpha faculty investigators and department leaders
Cultivate collaborations that expand program reach and impact
Lead and/or contribute to federal, foundation, and industry grant proposals
Serve as PI or co-PI on funded programs when appropriate
Oversee reporting, evaluation, and compliance for funded initiatives
Manage a portfolio of workforce programs and experiential learning opportunities (ex. BioTrain summer internship program)
Oversee recruitment, selection, and support of program participants
Ensure high-quality participant experiences
Develop and manage program budgets
Supervise and mentor Workforce Development staff
Establish evaluation frameworks and track program outcomes
Use data to improve program effectiveness and communicate impact
Contribute to dissemination through reports, presentations, and publications
Serve as an internal thought leader on workforce trends and education strategy
Support workforce development through collaborative efforts with local and state initiatives
Represent HudsonAlpha at conferences, partner institutions, and national forums
Collaborate with research, industry, and education teams to align initiatives