Executive Director Education Alignment & Apprenticeship Strategy

Serrato Corporation • Tucson, AZ

4d

About The Position

The Executive Director of Education Alignment & Apprenticeship Strategy leads the strategic integration of education systems and apprenticeship pathways to drive workforce development outcomes under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). This role ensures that all education and apprenticeship initiatives are grounded in Serrato's purpose-driven philosophy by aligning academic growth, industry credentials, and civic readiness. The Executive Director partners with the CSOI to embed strategies across operations and with the CCEO to guarantee compliance, accountability, and continuous modernization that keeps education and apprenticeship strategies aligned with evolving industry demands.

Requirements

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedural manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from peers, groups of managers, clients, and the general public.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw related conclusions.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instruction and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Proficiency in leveraging digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI) systems for data analysis, performance tracking, and program modernization. Ability to evaluate emerging technologies and integrate AI-driven insights into workforce and apprenticeship strategies to enhance decision-making and outcomes.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership in workforce development, apprenticeship strategy, or education system alignment.
• Must demonstrate direct experience in designing and implementing apprenticeship programs, establishing stackable credential frameworks, and leading cross-sector partnerships with employers, education providers, and workforce agencies.
• Experience in workforce leadership within industry, military, or public systems is highly valued, reflecting Serrato's purpose-driven philosophy of integrating people growth with organizational growth.
• Bachelor's degree required, with preference for fields such as Education, Workforce Development, Organizational Leadership, Human Services, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in workforce development, apprenticeship strategy, program development, or education system alignment.
• Equivalent professional experience in workforce leadership, apprenticeship development, or stackable credentialing may be considered in place of formal academic credentials, in alignment with Serrato's purpose-driven philosophy that values demonstrated impact and whole-person leadership.
• Valid State Driver's License.

Nice To Haves

• A Master's degree is preferred.
• Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) through the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals.
• Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) or Pre-Apprenticeship Certification experience from the U.S. Department of Labor or state workforce agencies.
• National Career Development Association (NCDA) Credentials such as Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP) or Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF).
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent (optional, but valuable for managing cross-sector initiatives and scaling apprenticeship programs).
• Artificial Intelligence in Workforce or Learning Systems Certification (demonstrates ability to apply AI and digital tools to modernize apprenticeship and education strategies).

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive strategy to align education and training systems with workforce needs.
• Ensure strategies reflect Serrato's purpose-driven approach, rejecting status quo models and advancing modernization to meet evolving workforce and defense readiness priorities.
• Design and scale registered apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and work-based learning models across high-demand industries.
• Oversee implementation of career pathway programs that integrate adult education, career and technical education (CTE), postsecondary education, and industry recognized credentials.
• Cultivate and manage strategic partnerships with K-12 schools, community colleges, universities, employers, labor unions, community-based organizations, and state/federal agencies.
• Serve as a liaison between the workforce board, education systems, and economic development stakeholders to ensure cross-sector collaboration.
• Ensure apprenticeship and education programs are compliant with WIOA regulations, state policies, and federal apprenticeship guidelines.
• Lead efforts to secure and manage federal and state funding to support program goals.
• Monitor performance metrics including the Serrato Dashboard to ensure continuous improvement in outcomes such as credential attainment, employment placement, and equity in access.
• Review and audit all assigned areas regularly for contractual deliverable implementation and compliance.
• Report and discuss contract performance, highlights, and concerns a weekly basis with the CSOI.
• Advocate for policy reforms that remove barriers to education-employment alignment and expand apprenticeship opportunities.
• Coordinate with internal and external policy teams to analyze trends, develop recommendations, and implement systemic changes that ensure continuous modernization and purpose alignment.
• Promote inclusive strategies that increase participation of underrepresented populations in apprenticeships and career pathways, including youth, women, communities of color, immigrants, and individuals with barriers to employment.

Benefits

• Paid Short Term and Basic Life Insurance.
• Health care insurance available (medical, dental, vision, critical illness, accident, LTD, HSA, and FSA)
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Counseling Service Programs Available

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive