Executive Director, Manufacturing & Engineering
The Executive Director (E.D.) of the Manufacturing & Engineering Workforce Academy is a leadership role responsible for the strategic direction, academic quality, and operational execution of workforce development programs within the academy. Reporting to the Vice President of Skills-Based Education & Career Pathways, the E.D. leads the development of high-quality, industry-relevant training aligned with labor market demand and student success outcomes. This position serves as a critical internal and external connectorworking collaboratively across the college and externally with employers, workforce agencies, and community stakeholders. Works collaboratively with the School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering & Computer Science to support aligned non-credit to credit pathways and student completion of credit curriculum. The E.D. is expected to lead or contribute to collegewide efforts such as accreditation, program review, and curriculum development, while also building strong, responsive relationships with industry partners to shape programming and expand opportunities for learners. This role leads an Academy team focused on student retention, completion, and excellent customer service to all stakeholders.
Essential Functions
- Strategic Leadership : Set the vision and direction for academy programs, ensuring relevance, responsiveness, and alignment with institutional goals and regional workforce needs
- Program Development and Oversight : Oversee the design, delivery, and evaluation of non-credit and credit-aligned programs
- Internal Collaboration & Governance : Serve as a key collaborator across Workforce Innovation and collegewide, partnering with academic leadership and faculty
- Industry & Community Engagement : Represent the Academy to employers, industry groups, government agencies, workforce boards, and all community stakeholders
- Faculty & Staff Leadership : Recruit, onboard, supervise and support instructors and staff
- Operations & Budget Management : Direct daily Academy operations including scheduling, staffing, budgeting, and reporting
- Student Success : Support student recruitment efforts and drive an aligned strategy around retention and completion
- Career Readiness : Collaborate with Career Services and external partners to support work-based learning and employment opportunities
- Data-Driven Continuous Improvement : Monitor program performance metrics and use evidence to drive innovation
- Resource Development : Identify and pursue external funding to support program growth and innovation
- Performs other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications Education and Experience / Training
Bachelor's degree in Education, Business, Engineering or other field related to the academySignificant related experience may substitute for educationMinimum of five (5) years of progressive leadership experience in workforce development, industry training, or community / technical college educationDemonstrated success managing workforce-aligned programs or technical training initiatives with measurable outcomesExperience working collaboratively within complex organizationsKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Possess familiarity with curriculum design, industry certification standards, and / or regulatory compliancePossess excellent written and verbal communication skillsAbility to lead cross-functional teams and partner effectively across academic and workforce unitsDemonstrated ability to build and sustain industry or community partnershipsDemonstrated advanced project management skillsDemonstrated attention to detail and excellent organizational and prioritization skillsAbility to collaborate, negotiate and resolve conflicts on major projectsPossesses consultation and change management skillsPossesses strong analytical skills to identify needs, develop and improve services and evaluate best practicesAbility to independently set goals and determine best course of action to achieve desired resultsAbility to confidentially and discreetly handle subject matters requiring privacy and sensitivityAbility to develop and maintain relationships with key contacts to enhance workflow and qualityPossesses sensitivity to respond appropriately to the needs of the communityCompetencies
Service FocusCollaborationQuality of WorkCommunicationContinuous ImprovementTime UtilizationAdaptabilityPreferred Qualifications Education and Experience / Training
Master's degree in Workforce Development, Higher Education Leadership, Public Administration, or a related fieldIndustry-recognized certifications, licenses, and work experience related to the academy's focus areaExperience leading program accreditation, review, or curriculum development processesTrack record of successful grant writing or public-private partnershipsUnderstanding of workforce policy and economic development strategiesPhysical Demands / Working Conditions
The work is performed in a normal, professional office environment.The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the duties of the job and will perform repetitive motions with hands / fingers using a computer mouse and keyboard to type. However, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying of light items such as papers, files, pamphlets, books, etc.Work may also require walking and standing in conjunction with travel to and attendance at meetings and conferences away from the worksite.Target Starting Salary Range : $95,000 to $110,000. The final offer for the successful candidate is targeted to fall within this range, but will be based upon an assessment of internal equity, the unit's available budget, and the candidate's qualifications in relation to the minimum and / or preferred job requirement(s).
Special Note : If hired, you must reside in the state of Ohio and be within commuting distance of this work location / campus to respond to onsite work demands upon the employment start date and throughout the duration of your employment with the College, as outlined in Recruitment and Selection Procedure.
Special Instructions to Applicants : During the application process, you may be required to attach a cover letter and / or resume. It is recommended that you have these documents ready to be attached electronically to the online application. This system accepts only MS Word or PDF attachments. Any employment with the College is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check.
Equal Opportunity Statement : Cuyahoga Community College is committed to attaining excellence through the recruitment and retention of a qualified workforce. Cuyahoga Community College is an equal employment / educational opportunity institution.