Senior Manager, Cougar Tracks | WSU Tri-Cities (Richland, WA)

Washington State University • Richland, WA

10d • Onsite

About The Position

Washington State University Tri-Cities Office of Academic & Student Affairs is now accepting applications for our Cougar Tracks Senior Manager. Cougar Tracks is WSU Tri‑Cities’ continuing education and workforce training program, serving as a gateway to lifelong learning, professional growth, and regional workforce development. Through expert‑led, flexible, and industry‑aligned programming, Cougar Tracks partners with individuals, organizations, and businesses to build practical skills, strengthen leadership, and support economic vitality across the Tri‑Cities region. If you are interested in join a collaborative, community‑focused team, committed to expanding access to high‑quality professional development and making a meaningful regional impact, consider applying! As the Cougar Tracks Senior Manager you will provide strategic leadership for the university’s continuing education and workforce training program. In this role, you will advance Cougar Tracks’ mission to support regional upskilling and reskilling needs while strengthening connections between the university, industry partners, and the broader community. Other duties and responsibilities of the Senior Manager include (but are not limited to) leading the vision, growth, and day‑to‑day operations of Cougar Tracks, developing a high‑impact portfolio of noncredit workforce and professional development programs. You will also collaborate closely with campus and system‑wide academic leaders to design engaging, outcomes‑driven learning experiences and expand access for WSU Tri‑Cities students. You will build and sustain strong partnerships with employers, industry groups, and regional stakeholders, represent the program externally, and identify new opportunities aligned with workforce demand. Additionally, you will manage program budgets, guide and develop staff, oversee policies and processes, and ensure the long‑term sustainability and strategic growth of Cougar Tracks in support of the region’s economic vitality.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to area of specialization and three (3) years of experience directly related to the specialty area (examples noted below).
• Three (3) years of full-time experience in areas such as adult learning theory, curriculum development for professional workforce, designing or scaling of certificate programs, experience with on-line, hybrid, and in person program delivery or closely related experience.
• Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• Experience overseeing professional development programs.
• 1-2 years of experience in training/education, program/project management, supervision, or leadership and administration.
• Familiarity with building positive relationships with an organization’s stakeholders and constituents.

Nice To Haves

• Strong computer skills including demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact effectively, with persons of varying levels of responsibility and experience, both orally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the university’s continuing education and workforce training program.
• Advance Cougar Tracks’ mission to support regional upskilling and reskilling needs while strengthening connections between the university, industry partners, and the broader community.
• Lead the vision, growth, and day‑to‑day operations of Cougar Tracks
• Develop a high‑impact portfolio of noncredit workforce and professional development programs.
• Collaborate closely with campus and system‑wide academic leaders to design engaging, outcomes‑driven learning experiences and expand access for WSU Tri‑Cities students.
• Build and sustain strong partnerships with employers, industry groups, and regional stakeholders, represent the program externally, and identify new opportunities aligned with workforce demand.
• Manage program budgets, guide and develop staff, oversee policies and processes, and ensure the long‑term sustainability and strategic growth of Cougar Tracks in support of the region’s economic vitality.

Benefits

• WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation and optional supplemental retirement accounts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees