"Director of Workforce Development"

Director of Workforce Development

Empire State University is seeking an innovative and driven Director of Workforce Development to lead strategic workforce initiatives across the New York City region. This position plays a key role in advancing the university's commitment to accessible, high-quality workforce training that meets employer and community needs.

The Director will develop, manage, and scale workforce training initiatives - including registered apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, microcredential programs, and dual enrollment partnerships with NYC high schools. This role requires strong partnership development skills, experience navigating the NYSDOL apprenticeship system, and the ability to align training initiatives with regional labor market needs and SUNY Empire's internal systems.

Key Responsibilities:

Workforce Program Development & Management

• Lead the creation, implementation, and expansion of workforce training programs across the Downstate region, including apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, and microcredential offerings.
• Coordinate closely with the Director of Workforce Planning and Design to ensure programs are structured, scalable, and aligned with statewide standards.
• Develop employer-driven programs that address workforce gaps in key sectors such as healthcare, technology, and business.
• Build clear on-ramps and advancement pathways from workforce training into degree programs when applicable.

Partnership Engagement & Relationship Management

• Establish and maintain relationships with NYC-based employers, government agencies, workforce boards, unions, and community organizations.
• Represent SUNY Empire at workforce convenings, industry meetings, and local partnership events.
• Collaborate with high schools to implement dual enrollment and pre-apprenticeship programming, especially in career and technical education (CTE) areas.

NYSDOL Compliance & Title Development

• Serve as the lead for NYSDOL registration and compliance for Downstate apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs.
• Work with NYSDOL to develop and register new titles that reflect emerging industry needs.

Job Requirements:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• A minimum 3 years of experience in workforce development, apprenticeship coordination, or a related field.
• Knowledge of NYSDOL registered apprenticeship systems, workforce compliance, and industry engagement practices.
• Experience building and maintaining employer partnerships.
• Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to travel throughout the Downstate region as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in education, workforce development, public administration, or a related field.
• Experience working with high schools or youth-based workforce programming.
• Familiarity with SUNY systems and online learning environments.
• Knowledge of microcredential frameworks and short-term training models.

Special Information:

• This position will be based out of the SUNY Empire Manhattan location - 4 Park Avenue, New York, New York.
• One-year temporary appointment with possibility of renewal dependent upon funding.
• This is a hybrid role with travel required throughout the Downstate region for school visits, partner meetings, and student engagement.
• Some evening and/or weekend engagement with stakeholders may be required.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. VISA sponsorship is not available for this position.

Additional Information:

Rank/Salary: Staff Associate, SL4/ $80,000-$85,000, dependent on experience and qualifications.

We are pleased to offer our employees an excellent benefit package which includes NYS health insurance, free dental and vision, competitive retirement options, and generous vacation, sick and holiday accruals; and a strong emphasis on work-life balance. We also offer professional-development activities for professionals and support staff.

SUNY Empire is an AA/EEO/ADA employer. The University actively seeks applications from women, veterans, individuals with a disability, members of underrepresented groups or anyone that would enrich the diversity of the University. SUNY Empire is committed to fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, or criminal conviction. Employees, students, applicants, or other members of the university community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.

SUNY Empire provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities, veterans, or wounded warriors where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (518) 587-2100 ext. 2240.

In accordance with the Title II Crime Awareness and Security Act, a copy of our crime statistics is available upon request by calling (518) 587-2100, ext. 2800. It can also be viewed online at our Safety and Security website.

To apply, visit http://esc.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=192202.