Located in the Valley of Sun in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona, Grand Canyon University is a regionally accredited, private, nondenominational Christian University. GCU’s mission is to achieve academic excellence, hands-on, applied undergraduate and graduate research as well as raising up our community.
Within the College of Engineering & Technology at GCU, the Director for the Center of Workforce Development will lead the strategic direction, operations, and growth of the Center with a primary focus on developing and expanding trade pathways. This Director role plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between academia and industry, driving curriculum innovation, facilitating industry partnerships, and teaming with the GCU and GCE organizations.
What you will do:
Program Development and Management:
Lead the design, development, and delivery of high-quality workforce training programs that meet industry standards and provide pathways to well-paying jobs in the trades.
Oversee curriculum development and ensure that programs are relevant, up-to-date, and aligned with evolving industry trends and technological advancements.
Collaborate with faculty, instructors, and trainers to ensure best practices in instructional delivery and workforce readiness.
Industry Engagement & Partnership Development
Establish and maintain strong relationships with companies, industry associations, and government agencies to support workforce development initiatives.
Identify and assist in securing funding opportunities, including grants, donations, and partnerships, to support program growth and sustainability.
Engage with industry advisory board to gain insights and ensure the Center’s offerings are industry-responsive.
Operational Management:
Manage the day-to-day operations of the Center, including budgeting, staffing, and resource allocation.
Lead, mentor, and supervise staff, ensuring they are aligned with the Center’s goals and objectives.
Track program outcomes and impact, providing regular reports to stakeholders and adjusting strategies as needed to achieve workforce development goals.
Outreach and Engagement:
Represent the university at industry conferences, workshops, and networking events to promote workforce development initiatives.
Lead marketing and outreach efforts (in conjunction with next bullet) to attract students to workforce development programs.
Collaborate with K-12 organizations, community colleges, universities, and industry to develop pathways for students interested in pursuing careers in the industry.
Assessment and Reporting:
Establish metrics and assessment tools to measure the effectiveness of workforce development programs and initiatives.
Prepare and present reports to university leadership, industry partners, and funding agencies on program outcomes and impacts.
Ensure compliance with accreditation standards and other regulatory requirements related to workforce development programs.
What you need:
Experience in and strong understanding of the skilled trades sector, including emerging trends and workforce needs.
Demonstrated experience building partnerships with industry, government, and community organizations.
Proven leadership experience, including managing teams, developing strategies, and driving program success.
Excellent project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Must pass pre-employment background investigation.
Provide a positive example to students by supporting the University’s Doctrinal Statement, Ethical Position Statement and Mission of Grand Canyon University.
Bonus:
Grant writing and fundraising experience.
Why work at GCU:
Exceptional workplace benefits include medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, a 401K savings plan
Generous time off plan and 11 paid holidays
Paid time off to volunteer in the community or at GCU sponsored events
Free covered parking
We also offer full-time employees, their spouses, and dependent children an Education Tuition Discount Program
Free on-site gyms on campus