Position Summary:
The Dean of Workforce and Economic Initiatives provides leadership and strategic direction for the institution’s economic development efforts, fostering partnerships that drive regional economic growth, innovation, and workforce development. This role focuses on aligning regional economic initiatives to the workforce needs of the community, identifying opportunities for economic expansion, cultivating relationships with businesses, government agencies, and community organizations, and leading initiatives that align with the institution’s mission to enhance local economies and ensure a thriving job market for students and the community. This position will supervise all workforce development, continuing education, and adult education programs. The Dean of Workforce and Economic Initiatives serves as the College’s representative for area Economic Development Authorities to recruit and expand business and industry training opportunities. The Dean of Workforce and Economic Initiatives will work closely with faculty, administration, and external stakeholders to drive innovation, and create impactful workforce solutions for businesses and industries, as well as new economic developments across the workforce region.
Salary Range: $100,936-$143,669
Essential Job Functions, Duties & Responsibilities:
The Dean of Workforce and Economic Initiatives provides leadership and strategic direction for the institution’s economic development efforts, fostering partnerships that drive regional economic growth, innovation, and workforce development. This role focuses on aligning regional economic initiatives to the workforce needs of the community, identifying opportunities for economic expansion, cultivating relationships with businesses, government agencies, and community organizations, and leading initiatives that align with the institution’s mission to enhance local economies and ensure a thriving job market for students and the community. This position will supervise all workforce development, continuing education, and adult education programs. The Dean of Workforce and Economic Initiatives serves as the College’s representative for area Economic Development Authorities to recruit and expand business and industry training opportunities. The Dean of Workforce and Economic Initiatives will work closely with faculty, administration, and external stakeholders to drive innovation, and create impactful workforce solutions for businesses and industries, as well as new economic developments across the workforce region.
Salary Range: $100,936-$143,669
Essential Job Functions, Duties & Responsibilities:
- Supervises and manages the resources and staff involved in economic development efforts, workforce development, and adult education ensuring efficiency and alignment with institutional goals.
- Fosters innovation in workforce development through partnerships with local businesses, industries, and government entities.
- Collaborates with community leaders, businesses, and government agencies to support initiatives aimed at improving economic conditions, job creation, and local industry development.
- Develops and leads economic development initiatives that help expand the region's workforce capacity and stimulate local economic growth.
- Manage staffing and resources to ensure the efficient operation of all workforce development and economic initiatives programs.
- Leads and oversees the development and execution of the institution’s economic development strategy, aligning efforts with community needs, workforce trends, and institutional priorities.
- Identifies and pursues economic opportunities that can advance the region’s economic development and growth, including business incubators, job creation initiatives, and industry partnerships.
- Develops and implements innovative strategies to support entrepreneurship, innovation, and the regional business ecosystem.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with local businesses, chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, and government entities to create partnerships that support regional economic growth.
- Fosters collaboration between the college and local businesses and industries to create workforce development programs that align with local and regional needs.
- Oversee the budget for economic initiatives, ensuring resources are effectively allocated to support key programs and projects.
- Works with various entities to secure external funding through grants, partnerships, and other sources to support economic development and workforce initiatives.
- Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of economic development initiatives through data collection, analysis, and reporting.
- Regularly reports on the success and outcomes of economic initiatives to senior leadership, key stakeholders, and external partners.
- Serves as a member of relevant institutional committees to represent economic development priorities and contribute to institutional decision-making.
- Uses data to inform decision-making and adapt strategies to meet emerging economic trends and challenges.
- Serves as the institution’s primary representative for economic development initiatives, participating in community events and meetings with key external stakeholders.
- Serves as an ambassador for the institution in the community, advocating for the importance of workforce education and its impact on economic vitality.
- Works with local chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and other stakeholders to identify emerging industry trends and workforce needs.
- Research community businesses and industries needs for workforce development.
- Maintain strong working relationships with local business and industry to develop and maintain workforce development partnerships.
- Maintains and complies with all ACCS Board of Trustees Policies and Procedures, Alabama Community College System, Alabama Commission on Higher Education, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, programmatic accrediting bodies, and the College.
- Represents the Workforce and Economic Initiatives Division at institutional meetings, conferences, and with external stakeholders.
- Participates and ensures that each unit participates actively and creatively in the planning process of the College.
- Retains and submits documentation as requested to support accreditation efforts.
- Assumes other work-related responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Vice President and/or the President.
- Serves on college committees as requested.
- Master’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- At least three (3) years in economic development, workforce development or a related field.
- At least three (3) years of supervisory experience in industry or community organizations.
- Experience working with businesses, government agencies, and community organizations on economic development and workforce initiatives.
- Strong understanding of regional economic trends and challenges, with experience in program management, data analysis, and strategic planning.
- Ability to communicate well
- Valid driver’s license or ability to travel independently
- Ability to lift, move, or transport independently up to 30 lbs.
- Ability to travel overnight
- Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and manage complicated tasks
- Ability to lead staff to achieve productivity
- Ability to work flexible hours
- Ability to traverse campuses
- Ability to communicate by using PC and telephone.
