Workforce Development Program Manager - Tuscaloosa, United States - InsideHigherEd

Description

Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $83,500 - Midpoint: $112,700 (Salaried E13)

Department/Organization: Assoc VP for Econ & Bus Engmt

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:45pm

Note to Applicants: Position is eligible for hybrid work subject to University policy.

Job Summary: The Workforce Development Program Manager designs and administers workforce analysis projects or initiatives with the goal of identifying trends and facilitating strategic workforce planning.

Additional Department Summary: The Workforce Inspired Research Collaboratory (WIRC) at The University of Alabama is dedicated to bridging the gap between education and employment by providing pathways to jobs of the future that are inspired by collaborative research and business engagement with companies. WIRC produces information to inform students and faculty about current and future jobs that industry needs for continued economic growth in Alabama. WIRC then defines the requirements for those jobs (skills required and number of positions that are expected to be available) and creates pathways to prepare students for those jobs of interest. WIRC also enables faculty to direct student instruction to meet the needs of those jobs from the perspective of both various degree programs, as well as non-degree credentialing. WIRC will be developed by a collaborative team from the UA research institutes, with initial representation from the Alabama Transportation Institute, the National Training Center that is part of the Alabama Mobility and Power Center, Alabama Water Institute, and Alabama Cyber Institute. Ultimately, WIRC will encompass all UA research institutes including the Alabama Life Research Institute and the Alabama Materials Institute. The ultimate purpose of WIRC is to link the cutting-edge research conducted at the UA research institutes with jobs that align with that work.

We are seeking a Workforce Development Program Manager to operationally lead WIRC in its mission to inform the pathways to jobs of the future. WIRC includes representatives from the Alabama Transportation Institute, the National Training Center of the Alabama Mobility and Power Center, the Alabama Water Institute and the Alabama Cyber Institute. WIRC will be led by a leadership team that includes all of these units, and the Program Director will provide operational leadership of the team. The Program Director will be directly responsible to Innovate Alabama for the execution of the Innovate Alabama grant that funds this position. develop a viable set of future-oriented jobs, define the number of each type of job required, define the requirements of each job, and the gap for each job between existing programs and what is needed. For each gap, then a mitigation plan will need to be developed. The Program Director will be responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the project are completed by providing collaborative leadership, fostering project engagement among stakeholders, and driving initiatives to ensure the success and growth of WIRC.

Key Responsibilities:
Convene and facilitate the WIRC Leadership Team to collaborate among the various organizations associated with the project, and execute the requirements of the Innovate Alabama WIRC grant. Provide overall direction for the WIRC Leadership Team, with the goal of expanding existing efforts to achieve impacts beyond their respective disciplines to provide a framework that impacts all research disciplines at UA, and provides a national model for workforce development in all of our research disciplines. Facilitate execution of all aspects of the life cycle of a body of career knowledge associated with jobs of the future: list of targeted jobs, numbers of positions required for each targeted job, requirements, and competencies for each targeted job, gap analysis between job requirements and current educational offerings, mitigation of gaps through identification and design of new programs, development and implementation of student-focused programs that enable students to be competitive for the jobs of the future that are identified by the program.

Cultivate and maintain relationships with employers, researchers, external career services partner organizations, and external instructional partner organizations to foster collaboration and maximize impact. Ensure the effective management of resources, including budgetary oversight and grant management. Represent WIRC to Innovate Alabama leadership and in public forums, conferences, and events to raise awareness and advocate for alignment of education programs with the future workforce. Stay informed about emerging trends and developments in education, employment, and technology to inform strategic decision-making and program development.

Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in education, business administration, or related field with six (6) years experience or Master's degree in education, business administration, or related field with four (4) years experience.

Skills and Knowledge: Demonstrated success in developing and implementing strategic plans and initiatives that drive organizational growth and impact. Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including employers, researchers, and partner organizations. Strong understanding of career services and workforce development principles, with experience in designing and delivering programs to support student success. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and inspire others.

Preferred Qualifications: Doctorate in education, business administration or related field. Some experience in a leadership role, preferably in the education, workforce development, or nonprofit sector. Experience in higher education administration.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, genetic or family medical history information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" Poster