Director, Advanced Technology Workforce Accelerator

Summary of Position Oversees operations, plans, develops, coordinates and evaluates workforce education and training programs for Workforce Education and Innovation in the areas of advanced manufacturing and IT. Directs program operations, curriculum and instructional development, and initiatives serving K–12 students, adult learners, employers, and community partners. Supports grant-funded projects, industry-recognized credential courses, apprenticeship and work-based learning pathways, and partnerships that respond to regional workforce needs. Plans, develops, and implements organizational initiatives with significant operational scope and complexity. Interprets and develops regulations, policies, etc. for the guidance of other employees or the public. Position Information Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Develops, implements, administers, and evaluates workforce education programs and initiatives for K–12 students, adult learners, employers, and other stakeholders. Coordinates with divisional staff on program operations, outreach, marketing, business development, and administrative needs.

Coordinates instructional delivery and training providers, including scheduling, learner support, and assessment as appropriate. Facilitates or delivers instruction, workshops, and career exploration activities as needed. Develops, updates, and maintains curricula, course materials, learning management system content, training guides, and program documentation across in-person, online, and blended formats. Assesses educational and workforce needs in collaboration with schools, employers, training partners, and community organizations; designs responsive training programs and career pathway opportunities.

Monitors program participation, progress, completion, and outcomes; coordinates feedback, learner support, and continuous improvement activities. Maintains program records and supports reporting requirements.

Assists with curriculum development for new relevant in-demand areas in the IT industry. Works with industry partners in developing and implementing industry credential programs.

Coordinates grant-funded workforce initiatives, including project activities, partner communication, deliverables, progress tracking, and reporting; collaborates with appropriate staff on budgets, expenditures, and grant compliance.

Develops and maintains partnerships with K–12 schools, educational service organizations, employers, workforce agencies, and industry partners. Supports outreach, demonstrations, career awareness, and hands-on learning opportunities.

Supports the development and administration of industry-recognized credential programs, pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, and work-based learning opportunities, including coordination with instructors, mentors, and training partners.

Directs daily tasks related to the full scope of assigned programs and services.

Reviews recommendations by lower-level staff regarding the assigned area’s policies and procedures as it relates to completion of work and/or provision of services; prepares recommendations regarding the assigned area’s policies and procedures as it relates to completion of work and/or provision of services.

Provides oversight and strategic direction for multiple programs, initiatives, or objectives, including supervision of managers. Establishes priorities and goals for assigned areas; develops staffing plans; approves work plans developed by lower-level managers; develops and implements unit-wide policies and procedures.

Develops, implements, and evaluates policies and procedures for assigned areas. Interprets and adapts broader organizational policies to meet the specific needs of the department.

Participates directly in the strategic planning process for the department. Develops long-range plans, goals, and objectives for assigned areas aligned with broader organizational strategy.

Provides general oversight and administration of any assigned program, initiative, or objective, including supervision of staff. Assigns and reviews work; establishes timeframes for the completion of assigned tasks; trains and orients new employees; approves/disapproves requests for paid leaves; interviews candidates for employment and makes recommendations for hire; evaluates employee work performance; receives and responds to grievances; helps with the development of unit work procedures and policies.

Researches and makes recommendations to supervisor regarding assigned area’s policies and procedures as it relates to completion of work and/or provision of services; administers regulations and/or policies.

Manages daily tasks related to one or more assigned components of a department’s/division’s overall programs and/or services.

Other Functions and Responsibilities: Assists with training new hires.

Performs other duties as assigned and/or required that are within the level of responsibility for this classification at the discretion of the supervisor.

Equipment Operated: Computer and all other standard office equipment.

Work Schedule: Typically, Monday through Friday.

Primary Location: Youngstown

Supervision Exercised: Supervision is exercised over staff and students.

Reports to: Executive Director, Workforce Education and Innovation Qualifications and Competencies Required Certifications, Training, and/or Licensures: Willingness to obtain relevant instructor credentials, professional certifications, or training as needed to support assigned programs.

Sponsorship and/or Work Authorization Status: This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of: workforce education and development; program management; curriculum and instructional design; adult learning and career exploration; K–12 and postsecondary education partnerships; industry-recognized credentials; grant-funded programs; apprenticeship and work-based learning models; online and blended learning environments; and IT programs (Cisco and CompTIA); strategic planning process; policy administration; process improvement; supervisory techniques; university policies and procedures*; office practices and procedures; department/division goals and objectives*; department/division policies and procedures*; workplace safety practices and procedures*; English grammar and spelling; records management; office management; project management.

Skill in: program planning, implementation, and evaluation; stakeholder and partner engagement; grant activity coordination and reporting; curriculum development; learning management systems; project tracking; written and verbal communication; organization; presentation and facilitation; use of office equipment; typing, data entry; computer operation; use of computer software and other programs applicable to the assigned department/division*.

Ability to: manage multiple programs and priorities; coordinate diverse stakeholders and training providers; interpret program requirements; maintain accurate documentation; evaluate program outcomes; develop effective learning experiences; work independently and collaboratively; adapt to emerging workforce needs; determine material and equipment needs; compile and prepare reports; use proper research methods to gather data; understand a variety of written and/or verbal communications; prepare accurate documentation; maintain records according to established procedures; effectively interact with personnel and public to answer routine questions; train or instruct others; move quickly and effectively from one task to another; work independently and in a team environment; develop and maintain effective working relationships.

(*) Developed after employment.

Minimum Qualifications: At least a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of experience in workforce education, program management, education, training, curriculum development, or a related field. Prior supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications: Advanced degree in education, workforce development, instructional design, administration, or a related field. Experience with grant-funded initiatives, K–12 partnerships, employer engagement, apprenticeship or work-based learning programs, and industry credential pathways.

Physical Requirements: In accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor physical demands strength ratings, this position will perform light work.

Light: work involves exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects, requiring: (1) walking or standing to a significant degree; (2) sitting most of the time while pushing or pulling arm or leg controls; or (3) working at a production rate pace while constantly pushing or pulling materials even though the weight or the materials is negligible. (The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible.)

Benefits

At Youngstown State University we are committed to a comprehensive employee benefit program that helps our employees live healthy, feel secure, and maintain a work/life balance. YSU offers two options for medical plans, optional dental and vision insurance and life insurance. These plans are reviewed annually to maintain competitiveness while being cost effective. In addition, YSU offers tuition remission, 403(b) and 457 retirement planning options, as well as state pension programs and optional voluntary life insurance benefits.

Medical Mutual of Ohio Medical plans Dental Benefits Vision Benefits Group Life Insurance (University Sponsored and Voluntary) Group Long Term Disability (University Sponsored and Voluntary) Flexible Spending Account Health Savings Account Tuition remission Employee Assistance Program Wellness Initiatives Sick Leave Vacation Accrual Paid Holidays State Retirement Programs 403b and 457b Voluntary Retirement Options