Basic Function and Responsibilities

Oakton College is seeking a committed Workforce Manager to lead and oversee the college's workforce development initiatives across a range of high-demand local and regional sectors. The Workforce Manager will play a pivotal role in designing and implementing programs that equip students with the skills needed to thrive in their careers. This role involves collaborating with instructors, industry partners, and community organizations to ensure that Oakton College's workforce programs meet the evolving needs of employers and the local community.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

• Program Development: Oversee the creation and management of workforce development programs across multiple sectors. Develop curricula, certification programs, and continuing education courses that meet the needs of students and employers. Expand access and remove systemic barriers for historically marginalized groups, including neurodiverse individuals, non-native speakers, BIPOC, and Latine communities.
• Industry Collaboration: Manage partnerships with local businesses and other partners, to identify workforce needs and develop training programs that prepare students for employment in various industries.
• Employer Support: Support employers by connecting them with students who are actively developing the skills and/or gaining the experiences needed to succeed in their careers
• Curriculum Management: Ensure that curricula remain current with industry standards and best practices. Collaborate with instructors, instructional designers, and industry experts to continuously improve program content.
• Student Recruitment Evaluate students to determine their qualifications and readiness for specific programs, while also reviewing programs to ensure they align with students' skills, goals, and potential career outcomes.
• Student Support: Provide comprehensive support and mentorship to students. Work with bilingual students and those from diverse backgrounds to ensure they have access to necessary resources.
• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement strategies to enhance the effectiveness and reach of workforce development programs, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and goals.
• Compliance and Accreditation: Ensure that all programs meet relevant accreditation standards and comply with state and federal regulations.
• Budget Management: In coordination with the Dean and Senior Workforce and Community Education Program Developer, manage the budget for assigned workforce development programs, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to maximize program impact. Assist with grant proposals where appropriate.
• Technology Integration: Leverage learning management systems (LMS) and other technologies to enhance the delivery of workforce development programs, including online and hybrid learning models.
• Evaluation and Reporting: Monitor and evaluate program outcomes through data analysis and feedback. Provide regular reports to leadership and stakeholders, recommending program improvements based on data-driven insights.
• Perform job related duties as assigned.

• Required: Bachelor's in one of these fields and a minimum of 3 years of experience
• Preferred: Master's Degree in Higher Education, Adult Education, Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience in curriculum development and program management
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and relationship-building abilities to interact with various stakeholders
• Knowledge of workforce development practices, including training, upskilling, reskilling, and talent development strategies
• Ability to analyze industry trends and adapt programs accordingly
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools to measure program effectiveness and make data-driven decisions
• Relationship and resource building and management
• Innovative thinker with a commitment to workforce development
• Equity driven with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Strategic mindset with a focus on aligning programs to industry needs
• Occasional evening and weekend work required to support programming.

Preferred skills:

• Bilingual Skills: Proficiency in English and at least one of the following languages: Spanish, Russian, or Ukrainian.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills with the ability to inspire and guide teams toward achieving organizational goals
• Project management experience, including planning, execution, and evaluation of workforce development initiatives
• Experience leading presentations to large groups

Physical Demands:

Light lifting to 10 lbs. and light carrying up to 10 lbs. Ability to reach above the shoulder. Periods spent sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, bending, and stooping. Mobility to move between campuses and local travel may be required. Work is performed in a general office environment and is sedentary. Little or no exposure to adverse working conditions.

Supervision Received

Functional supervision is received from the Senior Workforce and Community Education Program Developer.

Supervision Exercised

None

HOURS: Monday - Friday 8:15 am - 5:00 pm

SALARY: $67,440

Based on the needs of the college and with Administrator approval, some positions at the college may have a hybrid schedule option available after 30 working days.

Below is the link in regards to Oakton's benefits:

https://www.oakton.edu/about/offices-and-departments/human-resources/