Executive Director, Joint Apprenticeship Training Center (JATC)

Cuyahoga Community College•Cleveland, OH

14d•Onsite

About The Position

The Executive Director (E.D.) of the Joint Apprenticeship Training Center is a leadership role responsible for the strategic direction, academic quality, and operational execution of workforce development programs within the academy. Reporting to the Vice President of Skills-Based Education & Career Pathways, the E.D. leads the development of high-quality, industry-relevant training aligned with labor market demand and student success outcomes. This position serves as a critical internal and external connector—working collaboratively across the college and externally with employers, workforce agencies, and community stakeholders. Works collaboratively with the School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering & Computer Science to support aligned non-credit to credit pathways and student completion of credit curriculum. The E.D. is expected to lead or contribute to collegewide efforts such as accreditation, program review, curriculum development, and the implementation of Vison 2030, the College’s strategic transformation plan, while also building strong, responsive relationships with industry partners to shape programming and expand opportunities for learners. This role leads an Academy team focused on student retention, completion, and excellent customer service to all stakeholders.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in education, business, construction, or another field related to the academy. Significant related experience may substitute for education.
Minimum of five (5) years of progressive leadership experience in workforce development, industry training, or community/technical college education.
Demonstrated success managing workforce-aligned programs or technical training initiatives with measurable outcomes.
Experience working within construction building trade union environments.
Experience working collaboratively within complex organizations.
Possess familiarity with curriculum design, industry certification standards, and/or regulatory compliance.
Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to lead cross-functional teams and partner effectively across academic and workforce units.
Demonstrated ability to build and sustain industry or community partnerships.
Demonstrated advanced project management skills.
Demonstrated attention to detail and excellent organizational and prioritization skills.
Ability to collaborate, negotiate and resolve conflicts on major projects.
Possesses consultation and change management skills.
Possesses strong analytical skills to identify needs, develop and improve services and evaluate best practices.
Ability to independently set goals and determine best course of action to achieve desired results.
Ability to confidentially and discreetly handle subject matters requiring privacy and sensitivity.
Ability to develop and maintain relationships with key contacts to enhance workflow and quality.
Possesses sensitivity to respond appropriately to the needs of the community.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in workforce development, higher education leadership, public administration, or a related field.
Industry-recognized certifications, licenses, and work experience related to the academy’s focus area.
Experience leading program accreditation, review, or curriculum development processes.
Track record of successful grant writing or public-private partnerships.
Understanding of workforce policy and economic development strategies.

Responsibilities

Set the vision and direction for academy programs, ensuring relevance, responsiveness, and alignment with institutional goals and regional workforce needs.
Oversee the design, delivery, and evaluation of non-credit and credit-aligned programs.
Serve as a key collaborator across Workforce Innovation and collegewide, partnering with academic leadership and faculty.
Represent the Academy to employers, industry groups, government agencies, workforce boards, and all community stakeholders.
Recruit, onboard, supervise and support instructors and staff.
Direct daily Academy operations including scheduling, staffing, budgeting, and reporting.
Support student recruitment efforts and drive an aligned strategy around retention and completion.
Collaborate with Career Services and external partners to support work-based learning and employment opportunities.
Monitor program performance metrics and use evidence to drive innovation.
Identify and pursue external funding to support program growth and innovation.
Collaborate with peer Workforce Training Academy leadership to create a culture of innovation, student support and success and exceptional customer service for our students, industry and community partners, and colleagues at the College.
Performs other duties as assigned.