Director of Workforce Education

Riverland Community College; Owatonna (MN); On-site; USD 81,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

Riverland Community College is seeking a strategic leader to direct Customized Training and Continuing Education (CTCE). The role oversees non-credit programs, open enrollment, and contract training while shaping department strategy and workforce initiatives.

Strong collaboration with campuses and community partners is essential. The position includes budget oversight, staff supervision, and outreach to raise the college’s regional impact in workforce development.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years work experience in workforce development, training, sales management, or related field OR a bachelor’s degree with 2 years experience.
• Knowledge of state and federal workforce development systems and related programs.
• Demonstrated history of sales/revenue growth, budget management, and/or continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining partnerships across industries and communities.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for CTCE department.
• Oversee short-term training programs, micro-credentials, and non-credit offerings.
• Build industry partnerships and interpret labor market trends.
• Manage budgets, supervise staff, and lead outreach to enhance visibility.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Budget management

Partnership development

Communication

Education

Master's degree

Bachelor's degree

Associate degree (substitution rules)

Job description

Job Description

This position provides strategic college-wide leadership and direction for Customized Training and Continuing Education (CTCE) department at Riverland Community College.

This position provides administrative leadership, direction and oversight, including but not limited to short-term training programs, micro-credentials and digital badging, contract customized training, open enrollment continuing education, and non-credit courses, programs and certificates.

The position shapes the direction of the department and advances workforce education at Riverland by building industry and community partnerships, interpreting labor market trends, and identifying revenue generation opportunities that support program growth and sustainability.

In addition to developing and evaluating programming, this role manages budgets, supervises staff and instructors, and leads outreach efforts that enhance the colleges' visibility and relevance in regional workforce ecosystems.

The position collaborates across departments to ensure non-credit programs are integrated with academic pathways and student support services.

Salary Range

$38.33 - $55.93 / $81,077.00 - $116,782.00

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years work experience OR a bachelor’s degree and two (2) years work experience in workforce development, training, sales management, or a related field OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. A master's degree may substitute for 18-months of experience; a bachelor's degree may substitute for 12 months of experience; and an associate's degree may substitute for 6-months of experience. The degree must be within any of the following disciplines: Workforce Development, Human Resources, Training and Development, Organizational Development, Business Administration, Education, Organizational Leadership, Sales Management, or related.

• Knowledge of State and Federal workforce development systems and related programs.

• Demonstrated history of sales/revenue growth, budget management, and/or continuous improvement.

• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining partnerships and relationships across various industries and community stakeholder groups.

• Outstanding organizational and communications skills (both verbal and written).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree from an accredited institution. The degree must be within any of the following disciplines: Workforce Development, Human Resources, Training and Development, Organizational Development, Business Administration, Education, Organizational Leadership, Sales Management, or related.

• Five (5) years experience in managing and supervising professional level personnel.

• Experience developing career pathways that reflect local workforce needs and align with educational pathways and local workforce needs.

• Experience with grant writing and/or grant management.

• Experience with union contracts.

• Bilingual/multilingual fluent in Spanish, Karen, Karenni, Somali, Pohnpeian, French, Nuer, Anuak, or other languages that reflect our student body, workforce, and communities.

• Demonstrated experience working with multicultural and underserved populations.

Other Requirements
This position requires completing employment references and a driver’s license background check.

In accordance with the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities (Minnesota State) Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, employees driving on college/university business who use a rental or state vehicle shall be required to conform to Minnesota State’s Vehicle use criteria and consent to Motor Vehicle Records check.

Minnesota State is unable to sponsor Applicants for work visas. All Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

Work Shift (Hours / Days of work)

8:00 am - 4:30 pm / Monday - Friday

Telework (Yes/No)

No

About

Riverland Community College is dedicated to fostering an environment where employees, students, and the region thrive. Guided by our vision, mission, and values, we provide excellent opportunities for students to reach their academic and career goals. Our values focus on cultivating student growth through service, collaboration, innovation, and respect. We offer a supportive and innovative culture that values individual and team contributions and is committed to diversity and inclusion.

Diversity and Inclusion: We are dedicated to continually developing a workforce that mirrors the diversity of our students and communities. We recognize the value of diverse experiences and perspectives, which enhance our ability to serve the people of our region effectively.

Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Commitment: Riverland is an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution. We welcome candidates who understand HSIs and the Latinx student experience, further enriching our inclusive community.

Student-Centered Education: With small class sizes, personalized instruction, and hands-on learning. Riverland offers student-centered education that empowers individuals to succeed. Our diverse range of credit and non-credit courses caters to various learning modalities.

Program Offerings: With campuses in Albert Lea, Austin, and Owatonna, Riverland offers associate degrees in over 90 career options, liberal arts and sciences, and customized training, providing comprehensive educational opportunities for all.

Community and Quality of Life: Located in southern Minnesota, our region boasts excellent public and parochial education systems, diverse recreational activities for all seasons, and upscale communities that enrich personal and professional lives.

Join Riverland Community College, where dedication to employees, students, and the region drives excellence in education and service.

To learn more about Riverland or Minnesota State, visit www.riverland.edu or www.minnstate.edu.