Workforce Development Director

Northern Essex Community College•Haverhill, MA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Workforce Development Director leads the development, implementation, and early execution of workforce initiatives that address regional workforce needs and employer demand. Initial priorities are the Baseline Manufacturing Training Program and the Community College Heat Pump and HVAC Training Program. The Director guides these initiatives through pilot phases and establishes the partnerships, resources, structures, and operating models needed to make them sustainable and scalable. The Director reports to the Dean of Workforce Development and translates strategic priorities into implementation plans, coordinating people, resources, and activities across the college and external partners. The role includes employer and community engagement; development of curriculum frameworks and training models; identification of instructional, operational, and equipment needs; program budgeting and resource planning; and collaboration with the Grants Development Office on funding opportunities. The Director also establishes performance measures and sustainability plans, coordinates recruitment and student supports, develops pathways to employment or further education, and oversees program documentation, reporting, and compliance. The position is grant-funded, and its continuation depends on ongoing grant support and funding availability.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in education, business development, workforce development, or a related field.
At least seven years of experience in workforce development, career and technical training, program development, business development, or a related field; workforce or education setting preferred.
Proven ability to lead complex projects and manage diverse stakeholders with differing styles and desired outcomes.
Demonstrated ability to build and sustain employer and community partnerships.
Ability to speak clearly and persuasively and participate actively in private and public meetings.
Ability to give and receive information and adapt strategy to changing conditions.
Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills.
Commitment to equity, access, and inclusive program design.
Legal authorization to work in the United States; the college does not provide employment-based visa sponsorship.
Successful completion and review of a background check, including CORI and SORI.

Nice To Haves

Experience in manufacturing, HVAC/clean energy, or technical training environments.
Ability to conduct comprehensive business analyses, including financial assessments, and inform strategic decisions.
Strong interest in enhancing program offerings and outcomes.
Success cultivating and maintaining external relationships and experience with participant job placement.
Curiosity and a grounded understanding of research, data-informed decision-making, and continuous improvement.
Experience working in a community college.
Bilingual Spanish/English skills.
Experience working with and supporting a culturally diverse population.
Applicants may explain an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience if they do not meet the stated qualifications.

Responsibilities

Lead workforce training programs from concept through launch readiness, execution, and sustainability, aligned with departmental strategy.
Identify and develop additional programming opportunities; define program goals, success metrics, timelines, tasks, and outcomes with stakeholders.
Develop program plans covering staffing, instructional space, equipment, procurement, budgets, and resource acquisition.
Conduct labor market analysis and engage employers to inform program design.
Work with the Grants Development Office to identify and pursue grants and other funding for programs and position support.
Build and maintain relationships with employers, workforce boards, and community organizations; convene advisory groups and pilot partners.
Ensure programs align with regional workforce needs, funding requirements, and institutional policies.
Create and sustain internships, apprenticeships, and other work-based learning opportunities; establish participant pathways to employer jobs.
Promote programs and their impacts through presentations, meetings, and community engagement, and seek new partnership opportunities.
Coordinate curriculum selection and adaptation with subject-matter experts and providers; identify assessment tools and learning outcome frameworks.
Coordinate with academic departments and instructional designers to prepare program materials for operational handoff.
Align programs with industry-recognized credentials and assess articulation opportunities to credit-bearing programs.
Develop outreach, recruitment, and marketing strategies to attract diverse participants and meet enrollment and placement metrics.
Coordinate participant supports, including advising, career counseling, and wraparound services addressing barriers such as childcare, transportation, financial insecurity, and digital access.
Monitor and report participant progress, retention, and completion, implementing interventions and connecting participants to college support services as needed.
Secure pathways to employment, job placement, or further education and career pathways for participants.
Facilitate collaboration with college departments including Institutional Research and Effectiveness, facilities, finance, marketing, and student services.
Track program development milestones, stakeholder engagement, and resource planning with Institutional Research and Effectiveness, updating plans as needs arise.
Manage program budgets and grant and institutional funding reports, ensuring compliance with applicable requirements and policies.
Prepare curriculum outlines, partnership models, launch plans, and documentation and transition plans for ongoing program operations.