Director, Career Education Programs

Virginia Community Colleges - System Office
 

The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is comprised of 23 community colleges located on 40 campuses throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Our colleges provide programs and courses of instruction through the associate-degree level, encompassing occupational-technical education, college transfer education, general education, developmental education, continuing education and workforce development. We provide access to quality higher educational opportunities and workforce training throughout the Commonwealth for over 225,000 credit students and nearly 175,000 non-credit students. Our mission is to give everyone the opportunity to learn and develop the right skills so lives and communities are strengthened. As such, the VCCS aims to become a model institution for diversity and invites multicultural professionals from all backgrounds to contribute to its aspiration for building an inclusive community where everyone is given equal opportunity to reach their full potential. If you are looking for a new challenge and like a high-energy environment making a difference in people's lives, then you'll love working with Virginia's Community Colleges.

About the Position:

The Director for Career Education Programs and Workforce Partnerships provides system-level coordination and technical assistance to support guided pathways in career education degree, diploma and certificate programs; CTE dual enrollment pathways; employer partnerships and engagement; apprenticeships, internships and other work-based earn and learn opportunities; and stackable credentials, including industry certifications and professional licensures. The Director serves as a liaison with state workforce and economic development groups and provides guidance to colleges about labor market needs and economic development opportunities to align programs with workforce needs. The Director coordinates statewide initiatives that promote program development, faculty upgrade, and curriculum innovations to ensure that graduates are prepared to enter the workforce. In addition, the Director assists in identifying affordable pathways for students to complete career education credentials with little or no college debt.

The Director for Career Education Programs and Workforce Partnerships collaborates with the Director for Academic Programs and the Director for Cybersecurity Innovation to coordinate agenda items for the Academic & Student Administrators Council, the Council of Deans, ACOP and the State Board for Community Colleges. The Director reports to and takes direction from the Vice Chancellor for Academic Services and Research. Monitors professional development programming, budgets, and evaluation in various skill areas.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide vision and leadership for career education programs across all 23 colleges in support of Complete 2021.
• Provide technical support to colleges in developing apprenticeship programs and other work-based learn and earn opportunities that lead to completion of certificates or degrees.
• Assist colleges in linking labor market information with program outcomes.
• Facilitate integration of employability “soft” skills across the curriculum in career education programs.
• Develop a program classification system following the U.S. Department of Education's Career Clusters model.
• Lead the integration of the Department of Labor's Competency Model (Personal Effectiveness, Academic, Workplace, & Industry-wide Technical Competencies) across all associate in applied science degree programs.
• Collaborate with VDOE and college deans and vice presidents to develop affordable CTE dual enrollment program pathways; provide policy oversight and leadership for dual enrollment CTE programs; evaluate student outcomes and recommend improvements as needed.
• Coordinate and supervise cybersecurity program activities to ensure alignment with CTE programs.
• Promote stackable credentials across associate in applied science degree programs as appropriate.
• Coordinate or participate in various initiatives to support Complete to Compete 2021 outcomes.
• Respond to inquiries from internal and external parties regarding courses, programs, and policy questions.
• Serve as Academic Services representative/liaison to other VCCS branches, other state agencies and external advisory boards.
• Conduct information and/or training sessions for college personnel.

Qualifications:

Required Education and Experience:

• A master's degree in a career education discipline; doctorate preferred.
• A minimum of five years of administrative experience as a dean or department chair in a higher education setting.
• Demonstrated background and experience in developing and implementing career education programs.
• Experience in course and program development at the college-level.
• Experience with an institution- or system-wide student information system, PeopleSoft preferred.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, written and oral communication, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to foster collaboration and generate consensus among internal and external partners, with preference given to individuals who demonstrate collaborations with K-12, business & industry, and governmental partners.

Application Instructions:

Go to http://www.vccs.edu/careers for further information regarding this position and/or to apply.

This position will remain open until filled; however, first review of applicants will begin after April 15, 2018.
 

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

PI101819176