Director Of Workforce & Community Engagement

Director of Workforce & Community Engagement

Date: March 2026

Grade: 16

Salary Range: $56,633-$68,575

Position Type: Full Time

Position Status: Salary/Exempt

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Location: Arkansas City Main Campus - Arkansas City, KS

Department: Academic Affairs

Reports To: Vice President of Academic Affairs

Job Summary:

The Director of Workforce & Community Engagement (WCE) leads the development of workforce training, community education, and industry partnership initiatives that support regional economic development and lifelong learning. This position will work with area businesses and related industries, along with local, regional and state agencies for technical education and related functions. The WCE will respond to requests for workforce training, lead the development of and supervise training programs and solicit funding and other material support for technical and business training programs, and serve as a resource for career services. Supervisory duties include the Community Education Coordinator and Alumni/Fundraising Coordinator. Supervision of programs may include apprenticeships, internships, and grants, etc., at the discretion of the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA).

Position Duties:

• Prepare, recommend, and administer designated budgets, and remain informed on sources of income, especially federal and state aid, to support them.
• Develop, implement, manage, and evaluate services and programs to meet workforce development and community needs.
• Manage and coordinate the development of educational services to support local economic development initiatives by collaborating with area economic development agencies to develop business recruitment, customized training, industry partnerships, and expansion strategies.
• Manage day-to-day operations to ensure achievement of program goals and develop operational and instructional processes.
• Manage and coordinate programs offered to the community (Golden Tigers, Ed2GO, etc.).
• Collaborate with instructional divisions to create and/or improve workforce and technical programs and initiate new programs to enhance workforce development.
• Identify programming priorities and opportunities for new program initiatives, as well as develop industry partnerships.
• Develop instructional, operational, and fiscal reports to comply with College and regulatory/funding agency requirements, and prepare annual report of WCE operations.
• Develop and present program proposals and grant applications, and negotiate contractual documents for educational services with public and private agencies.
• Prepare programmatic and financial reports required by the KBOR and other state and local funding agencies. Interact with continuing education faculty and staff to facilitate program needs through development, improvement, supervision, and evaluation of instructional activities.
• Maintain regular and effective communication with the VPAA and College technical education departments.
• Represent the College to business/community organizations to ensure the College has input and influence in the development of public policy or area economic and workforce development.
• Represent the College at regional and state level workforce meetings and events (Technical Education Authority, Workforce Alliance, Workforce Summit, etc.).
• Additional related duties as assigned by the VPAA.

Supervisory Duties

• Plan and direct the development of program and/or department goals, work plans, and performance.
• Provide professional leadership and supervision in recruiting, developing, and evaluating staff members within the area of delegated responsibility.
• Ensure that all personnel standards including certification of instructors are met.
• Conduct regular evaluation of supervised staff per college policy and procedure.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Computer skills in basic office software such as word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, and student data systems.
• Ability to work independently, as well as on a team.
• Ability to work and maintain the highest level of confidentiality.
• Good communications skills, both written and spoken.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work. Work well under deadline pressures.
• Excellent human relations skills. Ability to work with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and diverse populations.
• Understanding of and commitment to Quality Improvement.

Required Education Background: Master's Degree or appropriate combination of Bachelor's Degree and key experience in Business & Industry.

Required Experience: Minimum three years of experience in management/supervision.

Supervisory Requirements: Community Education Coordinator and Alumni/Fundraising Coordinator

Physical Requirements: Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time; ability to move freely around the campus and outreach centers; ability to lift up to 20 pounds; ability to bend, stoop, reach and grasp as required to perform responsibilities; ability to drive motor vehicle; and ability to work on the computer for long periods of time.

Work Environment: Work performed in both an office setting and through onsite meetings with workforce partners.