Center Director for Agriculture & Energy Programs

Lake Area Technical College; Watertown (SD); On-site; USD 91,800 - 106,920; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

Lake Area Technical College in Watertown, South Dakota, seeks a forward‑thinking Center Director for Agriculture and Energy Programs to lead both the educational and administrative sides of LATC’s Agriculture, Natural Resources Management, and Energy offerings.

The director shapes program strategy, oversees staffing, budget management, and the student‑first culture that drives enrollment, retention, completion, and career placement.

Qualifications

• Progressive leadership experience in higher education, industry, or workforce development.
• Staff supervision, program development, planning, and budget management.
• Strong ability to lead diverse teams in complex operations.
• Understanding of industry trends in agriculture, natural resources, energy, and manufacturing.
• Commitment to student success and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead High-Quality Academic Programs and align credentials with industry expectations and accreditation.
• Coach and support faculty in instruction and hands-on learning environments.
• Develop and manage the Center’s budgets and coordinate administrative functions.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable culture and recruit/develop high-performing staff.
• Build and sustain relationships with industry leaders and advisory boards.

Skills

Leadership

Higher ed leadership

Industry partnerships

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Job description

Center Director for Agriculture & Energy Programs

Applications will be accepted beginning Monday, July 20, 2026 12:00 AM (Central Standard Time).

Job Description

TITLE: Center Director for Agriculture & Energy Programs

POSITION OVERVIEW: At Lake Area Technical College (LATC), we take our mission seriously: superior, comprehensive technical education that changes lives and launches careers. We’re seeking an innovative, forward-thinking leader to serve as the college’s Center Director for Agriculture and Energy Programs.

The Center Director serves as the educational and administrative leader of LATC’s Agriculture, Natural Resources Management and Energy programming. The director provides strategic and operational leadership for high-results academic programs that train Lake Area Tech’s graduates to excel in careers across the spectrum of agriculture, natural resources and advanced manufacturing. The director is responsible for championing a positive, student-first culture focused on enrollment, retention, completion, and career placement; supporting high-performing faculty and staff; serving as a trusted advisor; and ensuring strong alignment with industry’s evolving needs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher and industry experience in one of the following (or related fields): agriculture, advanced manufacturing, energy production, industrial maintenance, food processing, organizational leadership, or higher education.
• Progressive leadership experience in higher education, industry, or workforce development that includes staff supervision, program development, planning, and budget management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and empower teams in complex operations.
• Strong understanding of industry trends in agriculture, natural resources, energy, food processing, and advanced manufacturing.
• Commitment to supporting students and campus and community efforts.
• Thoughtful and effective communicator.
• Thrive in a high-performing, team-driven environment.
• Technology skills to effectively execute job duties (ex., Microsoft 360, learning management system, industry-connected software or hardware, etc.).
• Track record of continual learning and desire to grow and advance.
• Qualifications considered a plus:
  • Experience leading in a technical college or university setting.
  • Familiarity with accreditation, program review processes, and outcomes assessments.
  • Proven success building partnerships with external stakeholders.

INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS: Provide a cover letter and resume outlining qualifications, note interests in the position, and summarize the skills and experiences the candidate possesses to excel at the Center Director position. The position will remain open until filled; early applications are encouraged as qualified candidates will be interviewed as they are submitted.

REPORTS TO: Dean of Academics and Vice President

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead High-Quality Academic Programs
  • Align credential programs to industry expectations and accreditation requirements, including for work-based learning experiences like internships and supervised occupational experiences.
  • Ensure students develop the technical skills, professional behaviors, and confidence needed for entry into entry‑level skilled professions.
  • Coach and support faculty in instruction in the classroom, lab/shop, and field.
  • Plan to fully manage the equipment and materials needed for hands‑on learning experiences.
  • Develop and manage the Center’s budgets.
  • Coordinate administrative functions in partnership with campus staff such as class scheduling, faculty loads, inventory, program outcomes, assessment of program and course outcomes, enrollment and graduate targets, and contracts/agreements.
  • Monitor and improve performance indicators; support continuous improvement processes.
• Manage Faculty & Staff
  • Foster a collaborative, accountable, and mission-driven culture.
  • Recruit, develop, and evaluate faculty and staff to build a high-performing team.
  • Facilitate faculty and staff continuing education aligned with industry advancements and position responsibilities.
  • Lead with accessibility and a commitment to excellence while empowering the team.
• Cultivate and Sustain Relationships
  • Build and maintain strong partnerships with industry leaders.
  • Represent the college at community, state, and national functions.
  • Engage advisory boards in program development, evaluation, acquiring program resources, and continuous improvement.
  • Collaborate with Lake Area Tech staff, including leadership, Academics, career services, enrollment, campus life, counseling, financial aid, marketing, grant management, IT, and institutional effectiveness.
  • Work with the Academics team to create and manage articulation agreements with postsecondary education partners.
  • Collect and share relevant and timely information, including reports, to internal and external stakeholders.
• Engage Students
  • Promote student opportunities in the classroom and beyond (ex., SkillsUSA, judging teams, etc.).
  • Address student concerns, foster an engaging learning environment, and model professional expectations.
  • Implement thoughtful and timely student advisory practices.
• Build the Future
  • Align program priorities and results with LATC strategic priorities and workforce demands.
  • Develop and execute a clear vision and program plans.
  • Lead initiatives that drive student enrollment and completion, innovation, and program relevance, including designing new Corporate Education trainings and/or credential programs.
  • Work with the Lake Area Technical College Foundation on fundraising for student scholarships, program equipment, and facility improvements.
  • Represent the Center within the college and in the broader community.
  • Draft and recommend policies and procedures to Academics and the Vice President when necessary.

May have occasional teaching duties. Other duties may be assigned.

About Lake Area Technical College

Founded in 1965, Lake Area Technical College serves nearly 2,800 students and offers more than 30 career-focused programs designed to meet workforce needs. The college has a 99.8 percent placement rate, with most graduates choosing to live and work in South Dakota. The alumni network is 26,000 strong.

Lake Area Tech’s mission is to provide “superior, comprehensive technical education that changes lives and launches careers.” The college received the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, recognizing it as the top two‑year college in the nation. For more information and to apply, visit: www.lakeareatech.edu.

SALARY RANGE: $91,800 - $106,920, dependent on qualifications and experience. Highly competitive benefits package.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 216-day contract with compensation set by the Watertown School Board. Professional Classified position.

Primary Location Lake Area Technical College

Shift Type Full‑Time

Job Contact Information

Name: Shane Swenson

Title: Associate Vice President of Industry Outreach

200 9th St NE
PO Box 730
605-882-6312
605-882-6327