Senior Director of Workforce Development (DWD-24) - Oakton College

Senior Director of Workforce Development (DWD-24)

Category : Administrators

Department : Workforce Development and Corporate Training

Locations : Des Plaines / Skokie, IL

Posted : Oct 18, 2024

Closes : Open Until Filled

Type : Administrators

Ref. No. : (DWD-24)

Position ID : 182241

About Oakton College :

Are you the right candidate for this opportunity Make sure to read the full description below.

Oakton College, a caring community of educators dedicated to excellence and learning, invites applications for the Senior Director of Workforce Development (DWD-24).

A premier comprehensive community college, Oakton is 17 miles from downtown Chicago. Oakton serves the near northern suburbs of Chicago with campuses in Des Plaines and Skokie with buildings totaling over 700,000 square feet of space resting on 192 acres.

These campuses serve almost 10,000 students annually that are enrolled in over 82,000 credit hours of instruction. The College's Operating Funds' budget (Education and Operations & Maintenance Funds) for the academic year ending on June 30, 2023 amounts to $77.1 million.

The College is known for its academic innovations, commitment to serving students, solid financial position, and supportive environment for both students and employees.

Candidates with a commitment to working in a culturally competent environment are especially valued at Oakton.

We encourage applications from candidates who reflect the increasing diversity of Oakton's student body and community, enhance and promote engagement with other cultures, and have demonstrated a commitment to working with and as part of a multicultural faculty and diverse student body and community.

Job Description :

Basic Function and Responsibilities :

The Senior Director of Workforce Development is responsible for the implementation and oversight of Oakton College's workforce development programs and initiatives.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Workforce Innovation and College Partnerships, this role ensures that the college's workforce initiatives connect students to meaningful career opportunities while addressing local and regional industry needs.

The Senior Director oversees a dedicated team and works collaboratively across academic, student, and administrative departments to implement workforce development strategies.

The Senior Director is tasked with maintaining and growing partnerships with external stakeholders, ensuring compliance and success in grant-funded programs, and promoting pathways for student success through work-based learning and career advancement.

This position plays a critical role in delivering on Oakton College's broader workforce development goals and ensuring programs align with employer demand and regional economic priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities :

• Sector-Based Career Pathways : Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to create and implement sector-specific career pathways and workforce programs, ensuring integration of work-based learning opportunities to enhance student job readiness.
• Strategic Management over Workforce Development Partnerships : Maintain strong relationships with industry leaders, government agencies, and educational institutions to support the college's workforce programs and co-partner in promoting regional economic development.
• Student Support Services : Collaborate internally to develop and implement support services that address students' academic, career, and personal needs, improving retention and success.
• Program Outcomes Management : Develop and implement strategies to monitor and improve job placement rates, program completion rates, and student success in securing high-wage, high-demand jobs.
• Alumni Engagement and Re-enrollment : Develop and execute initiatives to encourage alumni to engage in continuing education and upskilling through stackable credentials.
• Visibility and Reputation : Collaborate with the AVP for Workforce Innovation and College Partnerships to develop and enhance the visibility and reputation of Oakton College's workforce development programs.
• Team Leadership and Management : Lead the Workforce Development team in day-to-day operations, fostering a collaborative and accountable environment.
• Emerging Workforce Needs : Ensure the college remains agile in responding to current and future workforce demands.
• Internal Communication and Collaboration : Keep the college community informed of workforce developments, ensuring alignment and engagement across departments.
• Grant Management and Workforce Equity Initiative : Manage key workforce grants and the Workforce Equity Initiative to ensure alignment with program goals and effective use of resources.

Supervision Received :

Reports to the Assistant Vice President of Workforce Innovation and College Partnerships.

Supervision Exercised :

Supervises Workforce Development managers and staff, including the Workforce Equity Initiative Team.

Requirements :

• Master's degree in education, economic development, business administration or a related field preferred and / or a combination of experience and education.
• A minimum of three years of experience in workforce development, economic development, or a related field.
• Strong strategic planning skills with the ability to develop and implement effective workforce development initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience establishing and managing employer, community, and sector-based partnerships.
• Experience managing workforce grants, ensuring alignment with goals, compliance, and effective resource use.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in education and workforce development.
• Proven leadership and management skills.
• Strong understanding of workforce trends and industry needs.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to lead and develop teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Additional Information :

The salary range for this position is $120 - 125k. A comprehensive benefit package is available which includes medical, vision, and dental insurance;

flexible spending; term life insurance; tuition waivers and reimbursement; retirement; paid holidays; sick days.

Appointment to an Administrator position is contingent upon approval by the College's Board of Trustees.

Application Instructions :

To become an applicant, interested individuals must complete the online application linked from the posting found on the Oakton website.

Electronic copies of a cover letter, resume / cv, list of three (3) references with contact information and transcripts must be submitted by the applicant via uploading to the Oakton employment website.

Please indicate the position code (DWD-24) on the cover letter.

TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED :

An UNOFFICIAL copy of transcripts must be submitted at the time of application by the applicant.

Official transcripts for all degrees earned are only required prior to appointment. Official transcripts or a placement / credential file should be e-mailed to [email protected].

Official transcripts or placement / credential files sent by postal mail should be sent to :

Oakton College

Senior Director of Workforce Development (DWD-24)

c / o Human Resources Department

1600 East Golf Road

Des Plaines, IL 60016

Interviewees will be reimbursed for expenses associated with travel in excess of 50 miles to the interviews.

Oakton College is an equal opportunity employer and has a strong commitment to diversity. In that spirit, we seek a broad spectrum of candidates, including minorities, veterans, women and people with disabilities.

EOE / AA / M / F / D / V.

Oakton is committed to maintaining an environment free from harassment and discrimination for all and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (gender), sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, and reprisal or any other protected status.

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