Posting Information
Posting Number EHRA714PQuick Link for Internal Postings https: // jobs.wcu.edu/postings/24084 Classification Title Director Working Title Director of Continuing Education & Workforce Training - #162299 Department Educational Outreach Programs Anticipated Hiring Range Salary commensurate with experience About WCU
Western Carolina University has been named to the 2022 “America's Best Employers by State” list by Forbes, ranking 14 out of the top 100 employers in North Carolina. Forbes has also ranked Western Carolina University in the Top 100 of America's Best Midsize Employers for 2023. Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South. WCU's main campus is nestled in a beautiful valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains, 50 miles west of Asheville. WCU is located just 25 miles from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, one of the nation's most spectacular and most visited national parks. The entire region is known for its excellent quality of life and access to outdoor activities. Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available. Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Paid vacation and sick leave accrual begin after first month of employment. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service. WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.
Position Summary
The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus.
Serves as the point person for strategic development and administration of certificate, community-based education, noncredit education courses, camps and conference and training for business and industry for adults and students looking to pursue learning outside of a degree or complimentary to a degree. Core duties include implementing strategic plans for growth and improvement, direct day-to-day operations, supervise staff, grow and maintain relationships and partnerships across Western North Carolina, incorporate best practices in noncredit programming development, recruitment and retention and student services and participant engagement and reengagement.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
· Serves as a liaison with the academic divisions, the community, government and law enforcement, public schools, and corporate, public and non-profit organizations; promotes Continuing Education and the College.
· Leads the development of pedagogical techniques and instructional objectives to drive goal development related to student success in divisional noncredit courses and programs. Implement feasibility studies for program health and justification to utilize resources.
· Supervises the registration and related recruitment and onboarding (student accounts, AR, invoicing, payroll, reimbursement) for noncredit in the Division; oversees the assessment and continuous improvement within assigned programs.
· Prepares programmatic reports to the Executive Director, co-sponsoring and collaborating academic departments and organizations.
· Oversee all non-credit programs in assigned areas (enrichment, workforce training, needs assessment, camps, conferences, testing and test prep); recommends and approves related instructional materials and equipment.
· Promotes a robust culture of presentation/storytelling and data informed decision making.
· Actively researches innovative practice and new opportunities for growth such as external funding (grants and donations) and community partners to support student success and program development and maintenance, boot camps, and robust summer programming for youth.
· Assesses community needs and recommends programs to meet identified areas of demand, working with the academic divisions to create stackable credentials where applicable.
· Supervises, provides support and/or direction to assigned program coordinators or committee members, other non-credit employees, administrative assistants, instructors, panelists, seminar and workshop leaders and others in carrying out their respective duties for non-credit programs; evaluates all program personnel.
· Directs the preparation of schedules for programs, courses, workshops, seminars, and other non-credit events.
· Works closely with team of Associate Director(s), Marketing Coordinator, and Business Manager.
· Attends workshops, courses, meetings and other activities to further divisional objectives.
· Implements College and divisional policies and procedures.
· Develops a set of core outcomes for unit and measures and tracks annual performance against objectives, prepares and submits annual assessment report to the designated office; and fully engages with the College's Strategic Planning and Assessment Program.
· Works with Business Manager to prepare, track, monitor and adhere to an annual noncredit budget; prepare cost projections for all activities, programs and courses.
· Acts as performance manager for all direct reports including managing day to day performance, producing and communicating written performance evaluations, approving requested time off and other points of compliance with HR rules and regulations.
· Serves as a liaison between Continuing Education and Workforce Training and the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and assist with data analysis on student and programming success.
· Performs additional tasks or duties as assigned by the Executive Director, Educational Outreach or other designated management.
Minimum Qualifications
A Master's degree with three to five years of experience in training or professional development or the equivalent.
This position will develop and implement workforce training and continuing education programs for WCU academic departments and colleges, businesses, industries, and community organizations. As regional travel is necessary in this position, a valid driver's license is required. Also, as this position will be traveling to facilitate trainings in the region, the physical strength sufficient to periodically lift and/or carry 40 pounds of materials, equipment or supplies is necessary.
To ensure optimum results, the Director must possess and utilize proven leadership and management skills to effectively implement programs and plans. Must be able to articulate and demonstrate understanding of university and divisional mission and practices. Other skills such as self-directed skill development, effective communication, relationship and partnership building, and experience with revenue generation. The Director should possess knowledge of various operational software, development techniques and educational technologies are also essential to success in this position.
Preferred Qualifications
Additional demonstrated experience facilitating program growth and coordinating and executing events preferred.
Position Type Permanent Full-Time Number of Hours Per Week 40 Number of Months Per Year 12
Posting Text
Open Date 05/03/2023Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants
To be considered, you must apply online. Hard copy materials will not be accepted for review.
Applicants must attach a cover letter, current resume, and a listing of at least three professional references (including complete contact information) in order to complete the application process.
For questions or additional information, please contact Dr. Carolyn Callaghan at (828) 227-7397
Background/E-Verify
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www. dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Credential Verification
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
AA/EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at [email protected].
University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.
Applicant DocumentsRequired Documents
Optional Documents
Supplemental QuestionsRequired fields are indicated with an asterisk ().