Job Description

Position Summary

The Chief of Workforce and Continuing Education provides executive-level leadership in setting, designing, delivering, and reporting on workforce education programs, professional education, adult basic education, and targeted contract training. This role involves leading a large, multi-faceted academic unit focused on the targeted design, development, and implementation of training, reskilling, and upskilling programs that meet community and industry needs. With a focus on high-impact credential completion, the Chief collaborates deeply with the seven academic schools and is an integral part of the provost’s leadership team. This ensures alignment of workforce training programs with credit programming, board priorities, and the right mix of program offerings at campuses, centers, and other offsite locations. Additionally, this role leads the College’s new professional education department, focusing on relevant certification, re-certification, and continuing education units (CEUs) for working professionals.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Program Leadership : Direct the design, delivery, and evaluation of the College’s workforce and continuing education portfolio, ensuring alignment with employer demand, board priorities, and institutional goals.
• Academic Alignment and Innovation : Partner with the College’s seven academic schools to align non-credit training with credit-bearing pathways, ensuring consistency in quality, rigor, and learner experience.
• Professional Education Expansion : Lead the development of the College’s professional education offerings, including CEUs, re-certification, and upskilling programs for incumbent workers and professionals across sectors.
• Employer and Industry Engagement : Cultivate strategic relationships with employers and industry leaders to co-develop customized training solutions and sector-based programs responsive to regional and national labor trends.
• Team and Talent Leadership : Provide executive oversight to a high-performing team of Deputy Chiefs across workforce, adult education, revenue, and regional development, ensuring coordinated execution and shared accountability.
• Outreach and Partnership Strategy : Deepen engagement with workforce agencies, civic organizations, and economic development entities to expand program access and impact across campuses and community locations.
• Performance and Outcome Management : Implement a robust performance framework to assess program impact, learner outcomes, and stakeholder satisfaction. Use data to refine offerings and demonstrate return on investment.
• Funding Strategy and Sustainability : Secure and steward diverse funding sources, including grants, contracts, and partnerships, to support long-term growth and responsiveness of workforce and continuing education efforts.
• Compliance and Risk Oversight : Ensure all programs meet applicable regulatory, industry, and institutional standards, and mitigate risks through strong operational and reporting systems.
• Executive Advisory : Serve as a key member of the Provost’s leadership team, advising on strategic priorities and contributing to system-wide workforce education strategy.
• Team Building and Development : Assemble a talented team, foster a positive work environment, and develop the skills and capabilities of team members.
• Decision-Making : Make informed and timely decisions that align with the organization’s goals and values.
• Collaboration : Encourage teamwork and collaboration, creating an environment where team members can work together effectively.
• Conflict Resolution : Address and resolve conflicts constructively, creating a positive and productive work environment.
• Compliance : Ensure all training programs comply with relevant regulations and industry standards.
• Performance Management : Track progress, provide feedback, and support professional development.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Workforce Development Expertise : Advanced knowledge of workforce development frameworks, adult education principles, and the integration of non-credit and credit bearing programs.
• Program Design and Delivery : Demonstrated expertise in designing and delivering short term training, reskilling, and upskilling programs that align with labor market demand and credentialing standards.
• Strategic Leadership : Strong strategic leadership capabilities, with experience managing large, complex academic or training units focused on both mission and market outcomes.
• Industry Certification Knowledge : Deep familiarity with industry certification bodies, professional licensing requirements, and continuing education unit (CEU) structures.
• Employer Engagement : Proven track record in employer engagement and partnership development with industry, government agencies, workforce boards, and community organizations.
• High-Impact Initiatives : Experience in leading initiatives focused on increasing credential completion, equity, and employment outcomes.
• Enrollment Management : Knowledge of enrollment management strategies and alignment of academic support services to drive program success.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making : Demonstrated strength in data-driven decision-making, performance management, and continuous improvement models.
• Budget and Resource Management : Proficiency in budget oversight, grant development, and resource allocation to support innovation and program sustainability.
• Communication Skills : Exceptional communication, facilitation, and presentation skills for diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Pathway Alignment : Experience in aligning credit and non-credit education pathways to maximize learner mobility and institutional relevance.
• Policy and Compliance Knowledge : Deep understanding of the policy landscape, compliance expectations, and accountability metrics from agencies such as the Texas Workforce Commission and Workforce Investment Boards.

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree required (Doctorate preferred).
• Ten years of progressive responsibility and leadership in workforce development, training program management, or curriculum development.
• Five years of experience leading partnership work with employers, industry associations, or community partners.
• Experience developing and managing training, reskilling, or upskilling programs.
• Demonstrated experience in securing and managing funding for training initiatives.
• Bilingual or multilingual preferred.

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