About the Department

Supporting the mission of Stark State College to provide accessible, high-quality, in-demand education, the Director of Workforce Development and Career Services leads efforts that connect students to real career opportunities. This role ensures academic programs align with workforce needs by building and expanding partnerships with employers, industry leaders, government agencies, and community organizations to address regional demand.

Reporting to the Vice President of Strategy and Engagement, the Director oversees the systems, processes, and operations that support scalable workforce initiatives and effective Career Services, with a clear focus on connecting education to employment—preparing students for meaningful careers while helping employers find skilled talent.

Annual Wage Range: $91,208.00 to $116,934.00, this is a 240-day role.  

Who We Are:

The positive energy at Stark State College comes from exceptionally dedicated employees who work hard for students. Success – for both our employees and our students – is the result. Guided by a vision to lead in student success and community prosperity, we work in close partnership with employers and the region to deliver innovative, responsive programs that prepare students for meaningful careers. Visit us at https://www.starkstate.edu/about/ to learn more.

You’ll be a Great Fit If: 

If you’re a connector and relationship builder who thrives on bringing employers, educators, and community partners together to solve real workforce challenges, this role is for you. Step into a position where you can turn relationships and data into real opportunities for students—and lasting impact for the region.

Typical Areas of Responsibility Include:

Strategy, Leadership & Operations

• Lead and execute the College’s workforce development strategy aligned with institutional priorities and regional labor market needs
• Oversee systems, processes, and operations that support scalable workforce initiatives and effective Career Services
• Provide leadership, direction, and accountability for Workforce and Career Services staff (five full time staff members) and outcomes
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement to strengthen workforce impact and enrollment growth

Employer Engagement & Partnerships

• Build and sustain strategic relationships with employers, industry leaders, government agencies, and community organizations
• Expand Learn-and-Earn and other employer-driven partnerships
• Represent the College externally and lead employer advisory groups to inform strategy and program development
• Ensure strong communication, follow-up, and long-term relationship management with partners

Program & Curriculum Alignment

• Collaborate with Academic Affairs and industry partners to align programs with workforce needs
• Support development of relevant, responsive, and accessible curriculum
• Advance work-based learning, internships, and career pathway integration
• Provide insight on hiring trends, skills gaps, and student preparedness

Student Success & Workforce Outcomes

• Support student access to workforce programs and wraparound services (advising, financial aid, career services)
• Track, analyze, and report student progression, completion, and employment outcomes
• Strengthen pathways from education to employment and demonstrate impact to employer partners

Data, Funding & Strategic Engagement

• Use data and labor market insights to guide decision-making and demonstrate program effectiveness
• Partner with Institutional Research to strengthen workforce pipeline outcomes
• Collaborate with Advancement and Grants teams to secure and align (braid) funding to support workforce initiatives
• Stay current on workforce trends, economic development strategies, and employer needs
• Promote the College as a leading workforce and talent development partner

Qualifications (Full Job Description Found Here)

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, education, or related field
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in workforce development, adult education, or a related field
• Proven experience managing teams and building external partnerships

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in business, education, or a related field

Click Here to View Outstanding Benefits You Can Expect From Stark State College: 
Full-time employees can expect excellent medical, dental & vision coverage; paid life and AD&D insurance; state pension/retirement (OPERS/STRS); paid time off, sick leave and paid holidays; paid Stark State tuition, tuition reimbursement and employee assistance program
 
 The work you do at Stark State will matter to the thousands of students who walk through our doors, and eventually across the commencement stage, on their journey to a better tomorrow. Come join us and learn how your aspirations can be part of a better future for them – and you.

We love meeting stellar candidates, so please don’t hesitate to apply.