Job Description

The Director of Workforce Development is responsible for the strategic planning, development, implementation, and management of workforce training programs at Central Arizona College. The position involves collaborating with local industries, government agencies, and community partners to design programs that meet the regions evolving workforce needs. The Director will oversee all aspects of program development, including curriculum design, funding and grants, partnership management, and student recruitment. This role plays a crucial part in driving economic growth by delivering quality workforce solutions that align with labor market demands.

1. Strategic Leadership & Program Development

• Design and implement workforce training programs aligned with the needs of local industries, regional economic trends, and community college goals.
• Conduct regular assessments of workforce demands and adjust programs to ensure relevance and responsiveness.
• Identify opportunities for growth and innovation within the department to expand offerings and impact in the community.
• Develop and execute strategic initiatives that advance workforce development and economic success in the region.

2. Partnerships & Community Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local businesses, government agencies, community organizations, and industry leaders to support program development and job placement.
• Serve as the primary liaison for the Workforce department with regional economic development entities, Chambers of Commerce, and educational partners.
• Engage in community outreach efforts to promote workforce programs, recruit students, and develop internship and job placement opportunities.

3. Operational Management

• Coordinate with Community and Continuing Education workforce training staff, including faculty, instructors, and support personnel, fostering a collaborative and mission-driven team culture.
• Monitor and report on performance metrics, including student enrollment, completion rates, job placements, and employer satisfaction.

4. Curriculum & Instructional Development

• Collaborate with academic departments, faculty, and instructional designers to create and update workforce training curricula based on current industry standards.
• Ensure that all workforce training programs provide students with the skills, certifications, and knowledge required for successful employment.
• Facilitate professional development for faculty and instructional staff, ensuring they remain current with trends and best practices in workforce education.

5. Grants & Funding Management

• Identify, secure, and manage external funding sources, including federal and state grants, that support workforce development programs.
• Develop and manage grant proposals to expand program capacity, resources, and reach within the community.
• Oversee compliance with funding requirements, including documentation, reporting, and audits as needed.

6. Data-Driven Decision Making & Reporting

• Use data to guide program planning, evaluate effectiveness, and implement improvements.
• Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) and workforce outcomes, presenting regular reports to the Academic Dean and other stakeholders.
• Adjust programs based on labor market data, employment trends, and student feedback to ensure continued alignment with community and industry needs.

7. Leadership & Team Development

• Provide leadership, direction, and mentorship to Workforce staff, creating a positive work environment that fosters teamwork and a focus on student success.
• Conduct performance evaluations, set individual and team goals, and support professional development opportunities.
• Ensure that staff are knowledgeable about industry trends, program objectives, and student support strategies.

• Education : Bachelors degree in Business Administration, Workforce Development, Education, or a related field is required; a Masters degree is preferred.
• Experience : Minimum of 5 years of experience in workforce development, program management, or a related field, with at least 3 years in a leadership role. Experience in community colleges or higher education settings is highly desirable.

Background Verification : As a condition of employment, all candidates accepting an offer of employment for a full-time, part- time, temporary, student worker, or volunteer position, will be required to undergo a Background Verification. Employment with Central Arizona College is contingent upon the successful completion of the background verification. The level the background verification for this position is: Standard level.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age or older to be considered for this position.

• Strong understanding of workforce training, economic development, and labor market dynamics.
• Proven ability to establish partnerships with industry and community stakeholders.
• Knowledge of budget management, grant writing, and compliance with funding requirements.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead and motivate a diverse team and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Work Environment:

This role is primarily based on-campus but may require travel within the region to meet with community and industry partners. The Director may also participate in events, conferences, and meetings outside regular business hours to represent the Workforce & Economic Development Division.

CAC is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. CAC strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination on the basis of the following protected classes and/or characteristics, in all of its operations, programs and activities, including but not limited to employment, promotion, admissions and access to all career and technical programs: race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. For more information contact: Laura Shepherd, Title IX Coordinator at 520-494-5106 or titleix@centralaz.edu ; Section 504/ADA Coordinator at studentaccessibility@centralaz.edu or Human Resources at human.resources@centralaz.edu .

Important Notice: As a condition of employment, all full time Central Arizona College employees automatically become members of the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). This is a pension system that requires mandatory contributions from the employee with a matching contribution from the employer. The 25-26 fiscal year contribution rate is 12.00%. Please note this rate is subject to change on a fiscal year basis. Membership to ASRS is a condition of employment and is not optional unless you are at least 65 years of age and meet the opt out eligibility requirements, or are a retiree from ASRS . Please consider this when applying for this position.

We acknowledge that our institution, Central Arizona College, occupies ancestral lands of the Huhugam (HU-hu-gum), who lived and farmed along the Gila River Basin centuries ago. We thank the Native communities and descendants of these Indigenous people whose stewardship of the land and waterways allows us to be here now: the San Carlos Apache Tribe, Tohono Oodham (THO-oh-no OH-oh-thum) Nation, Ak-Chin (AK-Chin) Indian Community,? and the Gila River Indian Community, which is comprised of the Akimel Oodham (A-kee-med/r OH-oh-thum) (Pima) and the PEE-Posh (Maricopa) tribes. Indigenous people from other Native nations also reside in Pinal County. Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized Tribes. All have made innumerable contributions to our region.?

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