"Director of Workforce Innovation and Community Impact"

Description of Department:

The Office of Workforce Innovation and External Relations (OWIER) was launched by SUNY Oswego's new President in the fall of 2023 to provide a designated point of entry into SUNY Oswego for industry, non-profit, public, private, and community partners to connect with institutional assets.

On behalf of SUNY Oswego, the OWIER staff members identify and form mutually-beneficial partnerships with the greater Central New York community to generate economic and social benefits for the region that align with the priorities and vision of SUNY Oswego.

The OWIER mission is to contribute to the economic and social health of the region while advancing SUNY Oswego's institutional-wide priorities and goals. The OWIER team leads and/or assists in the identification and creation of external grant applications that align with institutional workforce innovation priorities; helps inform the creation of non-credit and credit-bearing programs based on current and future high-demand industry trends; provides timely and necessary programming to support workforce innovation and upskilling demands; and connects the greater community with SUNY Oswego employees and students as related to these areas of focus.

The Office of Workforce Innovation and External Relations at the State University of New York at Oswego invites applications to fill the full time Director of Workforce Innovation and Community Impact.

Posting Date: January 21, 2026

Review Date: Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Compensation: SL5 with minimum starting salary of $87,000 commensurate with experience plus full New York State benefits package.

Date of Appointment: Immediate upon hire

Description of Responsibilities:

The Director of Workforce Innovation and Community Impact will report directly to the Assistant Vice President of Workforce Innovation and External Relations, a member of SUNY Oswego's President's Cabinet. As a collaborative team partner, the Director of Workforce Innovation and Community Impact will manage and/or support grants and partnership initiatives related to SUNY Oswego's workforce innovation programming and community-serving high-impact programs including the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Oswego County.

The Director of Workforce Innovation and Community Impact will identify and/or advance strategies required to successfully develop partnerships between SUNY Oswego and regional partners that attract and secure significant external investment and contribute to increased educational attainment, workforce training, and/or employment outcomes for the region.

The Director of Workforce Innovation and Community Impact will demonstrate exemplary leadership, relationship cultivation and management, project management, and communication skills.

The Director of Workforce Innovation and Community Impact will be expected to develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of the institution's mission, goals, and existing resources and consistently work collaboratively with all relevant team members to effectively envision and identify new opportunities that will advance the institution and contribute to the common good.

In this effort, the Director of Workforce Innovation and Community Impact will frequently engage and collaborate with internal members of the institution including but not limited to: President's Cabinet and Council members, Deans, the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, the Division of Extended Learning, Career Services, Experiential Learning, and University Advancement to understand the internal and external environment, leverage existing partnerships, and establish new relationships to increase the economic and social health of the region.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

• Lead and/or coordinate assigned grants in the Office of Workforce Innovation and External Relations (OWIER).
• Maintain compliance on and ensure effective coordination, communication, tracking, assessment, and reporting of all assigned local, state, and federal grant funded projects and awards.
• Serve as the Project Director for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Oswego County and oversee OWIER staff members who support RSVP.
• As RSVP Project Director, further develop and advance partnerships with agencies and organizations in Oswego County and expand the awareness and impact of RSVP of Oswego County.
• Partner closely with SUNY Oswego vice presidents, deans, faculty, SUNY Research Foundation Office of Research and Sponsored Programs staff, and industry and community members to apply for, secure, and maintain significant local, state, and federal grants.
• As appropriate, represent SUNY Oswego on external advisory boards, councils, and/or on committees to promote collaboration and communication with the external community.
• Maintain a presence between SUNY Oswego's downtown Syracuse Campus (2 Clinton Square Syracuse, NY) and SUNY Oswego's Office of Workforce Innovation and External Relations (34 E. Bridge Street, Oswego, NY) to ensure necessary impact in both counties.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in related field at time of appointment.
• At least three years of professional experience with grant and project management.
• Successful track record of securing and managing state and/or federal grants.
• Highly adept at developing and maintaining close collaborative partnerships that lead to awarded grants and desired impacts.
• Demonstrated leadership skills focused on building relationships to accomplish organizational mission and goals.
• Excellent analytical, written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a related field.
• A comprehensive understanding of the current Central New York and New York State workforce market and of emerging labor needs.