Director, Workforce Training - Economic and Workforce Development

Southeast Missouri State University; Cape Girardeau, Northern (MO, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) seeks a Director of Workforce Training to lead strategic development and evaluation of regional workforce programs. The role oversees partnerships, budgets, grants, and program outcomes, guiding a team to deliver impactful training aligned with employer needs and regional economic growth.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree and at least seven years of related experience, with strong leadership, data, and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in training, workforce development or related field.
• Minimum seven years of progressively responsible experience in education, counseling, career development or related area.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a workforce training strategy aligned with regional priorities.
• Lead planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of programs.
• Establish and monitor goals, KPIs, and outcomes.
• Cultivate partnerships with employers, associations, chambers, and agencies.
• Serve as liaison for partnerships, contracts, and employer engagement.
• Identify and administer grants and funding resources with compliance.
• Recruit, supervise, and evaluate staff and students.
• Ensure compliance with applicable requirements and maintain records.
• Prepare reports and presentations for leadership and stakeholders.
• Represent SEMO at meetings and public events to promote training programs.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Data analysis

Presentations

Communication

Problem-solving

Customer service

Evenings/weekends availability

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in training or workforce development

Job description

Director, Workforce Training
Division of Economic and Workforce Development
Full Time

The Director of Workforce Training provides strategic leadership, development, implementation, and evaluation of workforce training programs that support regional economic growth and meet employer talent needs. The position oversees workforce training operations, partnerships, budgets, grants, and program outcomes.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a workforce training strategy aligned with regional workforce and economic development priorities, utilizing labor market intelligence and employer feedback to identify skill needs and talent development opportunities
• Lead the planning, development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of workforce training programs, and customized training solutions, that address employer demand and support workforce advancement
• Establish and monitor department goals, key performance indicators, and outcome measures to assess program effectiveness, ensure continuous improvement, and demonstrate workforce and economic impact
• Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with employers, industry associations, chambers of commerce, workforce agencies, educational institutions, government entities, and economic development organizations to advance workforce development initiatives and respond to regional talent needs
• Serve as the primary liaison for workforce training partnerships, contracts, and employer engagement efforts, and assist in the development of work-based learning opportunities
• Identify, pursue, secure, and administer grants and other funding resources that support workforce training initiatives, ensuring compliance with funding requirements, budget expectations, and reporting obligations
• Recruit, supervise, and evaluate workforce training temporary staff and students while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and customer service
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, accreditation, and organizational requirements, maintaining accurate program records, performance data, and documentation
• Prepare and present reports, analyses, presentations, and recommendations for leadership, funding agencies, governing bodies, and external stakeholders regarding program performance, workforce outcomes, and strategic initiatives
• Represent the organization at community, industry, workforce, and economic development meetings, conferences, advisory boards, and public events to promote workforce training programs and strengthen regional partnerships
• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of workforce development, talent pipeline expansion, and organizational objectives

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with equivalent experience in training, workforce development or another related field
• Minimum seven years of progressively responsible experience, demonstrating education, counseling, career development and/or related experience

Required Skills

• Strong leadership and administrative skills including planning, budgeting, and resource management
• Experience managing and/or using computerized data information systems
• Demonstrated experience in data collection, analysis, and report writing
• Experience delivering engaging presentations to internal and external audiences
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Excellent problem-solving abilities
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of customer service
• Available to work evenings and weekends

Application Deadline:To ensure full consideration, applications must be received bySeptember 4, 2026.The position is available immediately and will remain open until filled.

About Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO):Founded in 1873 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Southeast Missouri State University provides student-centered education and experiential learning with a foundation of liberal arts and sciences, embracing a tradition of access, exceptional teaching, and commitment to student success that significantly contributes to the development of the region and beyond. SEMO values access to high-quality, affordable education with a broadly representative student body, faculty, and staff that respects and celebrates a diverse learning community in a global society.
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