Assistant Director of Manufacturing & Workplace Training

Shape the Future of Workforce Development. Strengthen Industry. Change Lives.

Are you passionate about manufacturing, workforce development, and building meaningful partnerships that create career opportunities? Join our team as the Assistant Director of Manufacturing & Workplace Training and help lead innovative training programs that prepare individuals for high-demand careers while supporting the workforce needs of regional employers.

This is an exciting leadership opportunity for a dynamic professional who thrives at the intersection of education, industry, and workforce development. In this role, you will provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and program administration for manufacturing and workplace training initiatives that advance student success, economic growth, and community engagement.

Why Join Us?

As the Assistant Director, you will have the opportunity to:

• Lead workforce development initiatives that directly impact students, employers, and the regional economy.
• Build strong partnerships with manufacturers, businesses, workforce agencies, and community organizations.
• Drive innovation in workforce education and employer-responsive training programs.
• Oversee modern training laboratories, manufacturing equipment, and learning environments.
• Develop pathways that connect workforce training, industry credentials, apprenticeships, and academic programs.
• Help secure grants, resources, and partnerships that support long-term program growth and sustainability.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Associate Director of Workforce & Community Education, the Assistant Director of Manufacturing & Workplace Training provides leadership for manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, and workplace training programs. This position oversees program operations, employer engagement, grant administration, instructor support, budget management, safety compliance, and strategic initiatives that align workforce training with employer demand and institutional priorities.

The Assistant Director serves as a key liaison between the College and business and industry partners, ensuring workforce programs remain responsive, innovative, and effective in preparing individuals for career success.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing and workforce training programs.
• Use labor market data, industry trends, and stakeholder feedback to guide program development and growth.
• Support strategic initiatives that advance workforce development, enrollment growth, and community engagement.
• Represent the College with employers, workforce boards, professional organizations, and community partners.
• Provide leadership for new program development, operational improvements, and long-range planning initiatives.

Workforce Program Development

• Design, coordinate, and enhance manufacturing and workplace training programs aligned with industry needs.
• Develop employer-focused training solutions, contract training programs, and workforce education initiatives.
• Support curriculum alignment, instructional quality, scheduling, assessments, and program outcomes.
• Assist with industry-recognized credentials, certifications, apprenticeships, Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), and workforce education pathways.
• Provide classroom or hands-on technical instruction as needed.

Industry & Employer Engagement

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with employers, manufacturers, workforce agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Conduct training needs assessments and develop customized workforce training solutions.
• Prepare proposals, scopes of work, service agreements, and partnership plans.
• Facilitate advisory committees and employer engagement activities.
• Identify opportunities to expand partnerships, increase enrollment, and generate external support for workforce initiatives.

Safety, Facilities & Equipment Management

• Oversee manufacturing laboratories, training facilities, instructional equipment, and learning environments.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA standards, safety regulations, and College policies.
• Support risk management efforts and promote a culture of safety.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance, calibration, inventory, replacement planning, and facility improvements.
• Recommend capital equipment purchases and long-range technology investments.

Budget, Grant & Administrative Oversight

• Administer workforce training budgets and grant-funded initiatives.
• Monitor expenditures, maintain compliance documentation, and prepare required reports.
• Identify funding opportunities that support program growth, equipment acquisition, and workforce initiatives.
• Develop budget recommendations and resource allocation plans.
• Cultivate partnerships that result in sponsorships, grants, equipment donations, and other external support.

Required Qualifications

Education

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Technology, Engineering, Manufacturing, Workforce Development, Business Administration, Education, or a closely related field.

Preferred

• Master's degree in a related field.

Experience

Required

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in manufacturing, industrial operations, workforce development, technical training, or a related field.
• Experience developing, coordinating, delivering, or overseeing workforce training programs.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with business and industry partners.
• Experience managing multiple projects, initiatives, or operational activities with minimal supervision.

Preferred

• Leadership, supervisory, or team lead experience.
• Experience in workforce development, continuing education, community college, or higher education environments.
• Experience developing customized employer training solutions.
• Experience administering grants, contracts, or externally funded programs.
• Budget and resource management experience.
• Experience managing manufacturing laboratories, facilities, or technical equipment.
• Knowledge of industry-recognized credentials, apprenticeship programs, and workforce certifications.

What Makes You Successful

You are a collaborative leader who combines strategic thinking with operational excellence. You are energized by building partnerships, solving problems, and creating opportunities that help individuals and organizations succeed.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong leadership and accountability
• Strategic planning and continuous improvement skills
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
• Project and operational management expertise
• Budget and grant administration experience
• Commitment to safety, compliance, and quality
• Adaptability in a fast-paced and evolving environment
• A passion for workforce development and lifelong learning

Additional Requirements

• Valid Illinois driver's license with the ability to travel as needed.
• OSHA 10 certification at hire or the ability to obtain certification within one year of employment.
• Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends to support programs, partnerships, and special events.
• Ability to work in classroom, laboratory, manufacturing, employer, and community-based environments.

Make a Difference

This position plays a vital role in advancing our mission of enriching lives through learning and community engagement. If you are ready to lead innovative workforce training initiatives, strengthen industry partnerships, and help prepare the next generation of skilled professionals, we encourage you to apply.

Join us and help build the workforce of tomorrow.

If you have questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 618-985-2828, extension 8912, or by emailing jill.elliott@jalc.edu.