Director of Workforce Development
Location: East Hartford, CT - East Hartford, CT 06118 · Type: Full
Time
Description
The mission of Goodwin University is to educate a diverse student population
in a dynamic environment that aligns education, commerce, and community. Our
innovative programs of study prepare students for professional careers while
promoting lifelong learning and civic responsibility. As a nurturing
university community, we challenge students, faculty, staff, and
administration to fully realize their highest academic, professional, and
personal potential.
The Director of Workforce Development provides strategic leadership and
oversight for workforce development programs, partnership development,
enrollment growth initiatives, grant-supported programs, and related
operational activities across the University. The Director is responsible for
advancing workforce and enrollment objectives through the development of
strategic partnerships, cultivation of state and community relationships,
implementation of growth initiatives, and oversight of program admissions,
case management, and performance outcomes.
Serving as a trusted advisor to the Senior Vice President, the Director
translates strategic priorities into actionable plans, leads cross-functional
collaboration, and ensures alignment between workforce programs and
institutional goals. The Director develops and maintains relationships with
state agencies, community partners, and other stakeholders, identifies new
opportunities for program and enrollment growth, and promotes a culture of
accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement throughout the
organization.
Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities :
(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as
illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission
of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if
the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)
Strategic Advisor & Institutional Alignment
Oversee daily operations of workforce program admissions, ensuring
workflow and tracking of enrollment and case management metrics
Serve as a trusted advisor to the Senior Vice President, providing counsel
on strategic initiatives, organizational design, and access to critical
information
Translate the Senior Vice President's vision into actionable steps for
staff and provide direct oversight of implementation
Constantly assess alignment with strategic goals and intervene when
necessary to rebuild commitment and success
Responsible for staff supervision and performance management
Prioritize and liaise with states to discuss workforce programming, create
contracts unique to state offerings with special attention paid to
compliance
Hold primary relationship with partner states and develop rapport that
leads to positive business relationships and incremental contract growth
In addition to SNAP Employment & Training responsibilities, explore new
grant opportunities with partner states
Serve as the primary point of contact relative to administrative
relationship with CT DSS for University of Bridgeport SNAP program, if
approved
Develop new business lines with state agencies and community partners
leveraging size and scope of university
Operational Coordination and Effectiveness
Create and facilitate communication and workflows between workforce
programs and partnering departments
Build strong relationships based on trust and transparency toward
institutional and departmental goals to drive progress
Develop staff to hone and focus their skills to meet individual metrics
that support strategic initiatives
Create and evolve case management system in partnership with key
university departments. Serve as primary liaison with partner states and
responsible for communicating case management data to state reporting
systems
In collaboration with marketing department, develop recruitment strategy
and process for workforce programs
Collaborate with university Grants Department in the identification and
application of new workforce development grant opportunities for the
university
Monitor goals/enrollment and retention KPIs
Planning
Develop and implement strategic plans that support workforce, partnership,
and enrollment growth objectives.
Monitor emerging market opportunities, policy changes, and workforce
trends to inform program development and institutional strategy.
Identify risks, barriers, and opportunities and develop proactive
solutions that support organizational goals. Balance short-term
operational priorities with long-term strategic initiatives to ensure
sustainable growth and progress.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Demonstrated commitment to developing and fostering best practices and
policies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and build an
environment in which all members of the University community are treated
with respect and dignity.
Demonstrated experience leading initiatives in complex environments
involving multiple stakeholders.
Experience using performance metrics and outcome data to drive decision-
making and organizational success.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
Exceptional relationship-management skills, and the ability to influence
without authority
Proven ability to adapt strategies in response to evolving priorities and
changing market conditions while maintaining momentum toward long-term
organizational goals.
Ability to maintain composure and direction in high-pressure situations
Highly organized yet flexible; ability to pivot based on the needs of the
day while maintaining focus on long-term priorities.
Qualifications
Education, Training and Experience :
Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Business
Administration, Public Administration, Organizational Leadership,
Education, Workforce Development, or related fields.
Seven or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in
higher education, workforce development, enrollment management, strategic
initiatives, partnership development, business development, or related
fields.
Special Requirements :
Valid driver license & insured vehicle
Physical and Mental Requirements :
Work Environment None Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3
Outdoor Weather Conditions X
Work with fumes or airborne particles X
Work near moving mechanical parts X
Risk of electrical shock X
Vibration X
Physical Activity None Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3
Standing X
Walking X
Sitting X X
Talking & Hearing X
Using hands/fingers to handle/feel X
Climbing or balancing X
Bending, pulling, pushing X
Driving X
Lifting Requirements None Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3
Up to 10 pounds X
Up to 25 pounds X
Up to 50 pounds X
Up to 75 pounds X
Up to 100 pounds X
Over 100 pounds X
Vision requirements:
X Close vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 inches or less)
Distance vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 feet or more)
Color vision (i.e. ability to identify and distinguish colors)
Peripheral vision (i.e. ability to observe an area that can be seen up
and down or
left and right while the eyes are fixed on a given point)
Depth perception (i.e. three-dimensional vision, ability to judge
distances and
spatial relationships)
No special vision requirements
Full-Time Employee Benefits:
Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Pet Insurance
401k employer match
Employee & dependent life insurance
Great tuition benefits for employee, spouse & dependents
PTO program
(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between
the Goodwin University and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel
actions and is subject to change by the University as the needs of the
University and requirements of the job change.)
