Vice President for Economic and Workforce Development

Job Number: 2022-00659

SUMMARY

Open until filled 

The Vice President for Economic and Workforce Development serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet and provides strategic vision, leadership, and oversight for the College’s Economic and Workforce Development Division, which includes Customized Training, Workforce Development, Apprenticeships and Work-Based Learning, Small Business Center, Criminal Justice Academy/Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET), Regional Emergency Services Training Center (RESTC) and Fire & Rescue Training, Bio Network Learning Solutions Center, and Records and Compliance. The Vice President works collaboratively across divisions—particularly with Academic Affairs—to align workforce programming with Career and Technical Education, Public Safety, and Health & Human Services training, ensuring a seamless response to regional labor market demands.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic Leadership and Program Development:  Leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of economic and workforce development strategies aligned with institutional goals, labor market trends, and community needs. Ensures the delivery of comprehensive workforce development, personal enrichment and public safety programs and certification pathways.
2. Program Evaluation:  Oversees the execution of regional needs assessments and program evaluations to ensure relevance, quality, and impact of offerings throughout the College's service area.
3. Responsive Program Expansion:  Continuously evaluates and expands workforce development initiatives, including new apprenticeships and industry-specific training, based on current and projected labor market needs.
4. Innovation and Best Practices:  Researches and integrates best-practice strategies and scalable workforce models that enhance program quality and student outcomes. Champions the adoption of emerging technologies and instructional methods that prepare learners for the dynamic needs of the modern workforce.
5. Leadership in Workforce Development:  Represents the College at regional, state, and national levels through participation in NCCCS-supported and industry-led workforce initiatives, workshops, and advisory boards or committees.
6. Community Engagement:  Maintains a visible and proactive presence in the community, collaborating with local stakeholders to anticipate and meet evolving economic and workforce development needs.
7. Business and Industry Partnerships:  Strengthens linkages between education and the economy by cultivating partnerships with regional employers, school systems, higher education institutions, and public-sector agencies focused on workforce and economic development.
8. Apprenticeships:  Oversees the College’s apprenticeship programs, actively strengthening new employer partners, fostering strong relationships with existing sponsors, and collaborating with workforce development boards and K-12 partners to design career pathways.
9. Bio Network Learning Solutions Center:  Serves as the College's primary liaison to NCCCS leadership in supporting and managing the Bio Network Learning Solutions Center, a specialized training resource in biotechnology and life sciences.
10. Records and Compliance:  Oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of recordkeeping practices that support the division and any applicable legal, regulatory, and operational requirements. Monitor internal processes to confirm that records are properly classified, retained, archived, and disposed of in accordance with established retention schedules. Works with Division leaders to ensure all workforce programs comply with North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS), and the college’s institutional accreditor (e.g., Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and other relevant regulations regarding applicable policies, procedures, and guidelines.
11. Grant Development and Administration:  Partners with internal and external stakeholders to secure funding for workforce initiatives, providing guidance on program design, implementation, and compliance.
12. Recognition and Awards:  Promotes institutional excellence by submitting nominations for awards from organizations such as the NCCCS, U.S. Department of Labor, and American Association of Community Colleges.
13. Performance and Professionalism:  Demonstrate a high level of professionalism in all interactions and responsibilities, representing the College with integrity and maintaining strict confidentiality. Adhere to all institutional policies, procedures, and established guidelines. Exhibit professional accountability by taking ownership of challenges and proactively managing situations. Collaborate effectively with colleagues and team members, contributing constructively to the achievement of departmental, divisional, and College-wide goals. Deliver exceptional customer service by fostering and maintaining positive, productive relationships and partnerships.
14. Perform additional duties as assigned, including projects.

MINIMUM EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution required.

• Doctorate degree from a regionally accredited institution preferred.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS

• A minimum of five (5) years of senior-level administrative or management experience is required, demonstrating progressive responsibility and leadership.
• Experience in higher education and/or relevant industry sectors (e.g., workforce development, corporate training, economic development) is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency in organizational leadership, strategic planning, budgeting, human resource management, and operational oversight, including scheduling and familiarity with industry-standard equipment and tools.
• Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams, with strong interpersonal and staff development skills.
• Experience in negotiating, drafting, and executing service contracts is preferred.
• Exceptional communication skills—both written and verbal—are required, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong project management, critical thinking, and analytical problem-solving skills are essential.
• Proficiency in business software applications, especially Microsoft Excel, is required; experience with other productivity and planning tools is beneficial.

Physical Requirements

• Primarily works in a traditional office environment with a climate-controlled setting; extended periods of sitting are common.
• Requires occasional walking, standing, and bending, as well as the ability to lift or maneuver items weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Must be able to manage a fast-paced and dynamic work environment, with frequent deadlines and competing priorities.
• Flexibility in work hours is necessary; the position may occasionally require extended hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet program or community needs.

Salary/Compensation: $99,399 per year

recblid tecllfa2bc0ahei49aig3i6s9mhu5e