Director, Workforce Connections and Career Services

About the role

The Director of Workforce Connections and Career Services provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for a newly established department focused on career development, employer engagement, and employment outcomes in support of both academic and workforce programs at Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC).

Responsibilities

• Builds and implements a proactive, outcomes-driven career services model that strengthens employer partnerships, supports the college’s efforts to align programs with high-demand careers, and advances VPCC’s role as a regional talent pipeline.
• Works collaboratively across the College and with regional industry partners to expand work-based learning opportunities and drive coordinated job placement strategies for program completers.
• Establishes performance metrics, oversees career tracking and reporting systems, and leverages labor market data to inform strategy and continuous improvement.
• Ensures equitable access to career opportunities and measurable employment outcomes for students through effective leadership and cross-divisional collaboration.

Requirements

• Progressive professional experience in career services, workforce development, employer engagement, talent development, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience building and managing partnerships with employers or industry stakeholders.
• Experience supporting career development, job placement, or work-based learning initiatives.
• Knowledge of workforce development systems, career services models, and job placement strategies.
• Knowledge of regional labor market trends, high-demand industries, and talent pipeline development.
• Knowledge of work-based learning models, including internships, apprenticeships, and employer-sponsored training.
• Knowledge of data collection, performance metrics, and outcome reporting (e.g., placement rates, wages, retention).
• Knowledge of higher education operations, including both academic and noncredit/workforce programs.
• Knowledge of employer engagement practices and partnership development strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in higher education, workforce development, business administration, public administration, or a related field.
• Master’s degree in higher education administration, business, public administration, or a related field.
• Experience in a higher education setting, community college preferred.
• Experience supervising staff and managing budgets or programs.
• Experience working with workforce training programs (e.g., noncredit/FastForward or similar initiatives).
• Experience with labor market analysis, workforce systems, or economic development partnerships.
• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP), Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF), or similar).

Skills

• Building and sustaining strategic partnerships with employers and industry stakeholders.
• Leading job placement initiatives and aligning students with employment opportunities.
• Analyzing labor market data and using insights to inform program and placement strategies.
• Developing and implementing performance metrics and reporting systems.
• Supervising staff, managing budgets, and leading organizational initiatives.
• Planning and executing hiring events, employer engagement activities, and career programming.
• Effective communication, including presentations, relationship management, and stakeholder engagement.

Benefits

This is a full-time, restricted classified position. Continuation of employment is based on funding availability. This position is designated as Campus Security Authority (Clery Act) and Responsible Employee (Title IX).

Pay

$98,500 - $108,500 annually

Schedule

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday – Friday