Program Director of Trades and Careers - Applied Technology

Southern Adventist University; Collegedale (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, TN, seeks a Program Director of Trades and Careers to lead the development, implementation, and promotion of its new applied technology programs. You will collaborate with campus departments to shape curriculum, policies, and partnerships with employers, while guiding faculty and staff.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred), at least five years in industrial arts education or related field, and strong communication,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years progressively responsible experience in industrial arts education or related area.
• Strong writing, speaking, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to represent the university positively.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with campus departments to develop marketing, recruitment, financial aid, enrollment, progression, and completion policies.
• Oversee curriculum development and alignment with workforce needs and industry standards.
• Manage program budgets, timelines, and reporting to government agencies.
• Coordinate hiring for program staff and supervise faculty and coordinators.
• Build relationships with regional employers for internships and job placements.
• Provide mentorship to students in academic, spiritual, and career development.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Writing skills

Speaking skills

Collaboration

Organization

Follow-through

Judgment

Tech savvy

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Program Director of Trades and Careers - Applied Technology

Location: Applied Technology

Hours: Full-Time, Salary

Job Summary: The Program Director of Trades and Careers is responsible for collaboratively developing, implementing, and promoting Southern’s new trades and careers programs. The program director will manage both the program development process and the faculty and staff.

Duties:

• Collaboratively work with administrative departments across campus to develop and implement marketing, recruiting, financial aid, enrollment, progression, and completion policies, processes, and procedures.
• Oversee the development, revision, and implementation of workforce-aligned curriculum for the trades and careers programs.
• Manage the development and implementation timeline to adhere to established deadlines.
• Manage the trades and careers program budget to ensure efficient allocation of resources, fiscal responsibility, and adherence to institutional financial policies.
• Maintain a positive working relationship and correspondence with assigned Title III Program Officer.
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of all required reporting to government agencies.
• Ensure that the trades program curriculum remains current, industry-relevant, and aligned with the evolving needs of employers by integrating emerging technologies, workforce competencies, and industry standards into course content and instructional practice.
• Coordinate the identification and implementation of industry-recognized micro-credentials, stackable credentials, and workforce certifications aligned with employer needs and labor market.
• Support recruitment activities for prospective students to meet enrollment goals.
• In conjunction with the Dean of the School of Engineering and Physics, coordinate the hiring process for the Career and Workforce Pathways Coordinator and full-time and adjunct Trades faculty.
• Supervise and annually evaluate the Career and Workforce Pathways Coordinator.
• Supervise and annually evaluate full-time and adjunct trades and career program faculty.
• Develop, nurture, and maintain relationships with regional employers to facilitate internships, job placements, and alignment of curriculum with workforce needs.
• Develop a culture of Christian mentorship, camaraderie, service, and outreach among students and faculty.
• Nurture a culture of collaboration within the Applied Technology department to promote the growth of the trades and careers programming on campus.
• Part-time classroom instruction as needed and in alignment with qualifications and experience.
• Advise and mentor students in the areas of academic, spiritual, and career development.
• Sponsor student clubs, tours/trips, and special projects as needed.
• Attend professional development events relevant to programs offered.
• Other duties as assigned.

Special Requirements: An expressed commitment to Jesus Christ, the teachings and mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, an SDA church member in good and regular standing.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred. Minimum of five (5) years progressively responsible experience in industrial arts education or industry experience in a relevant trades area or similar. Must demonstrate track record of effective interpersonal communication, strong writing and speaking skills, and the ability to represent the university in a positive way; have a customer‑service approach; be innovative and motivated; be able to work collaboratively; be organized and skilled in follow through; demonstrate sound judgment; and be technologically savvy with strong computer skills.

Expectations: Professional dress and demeanor; maintains confidentiality; committed, team player.

Typical Physical Demands: Requires sitting, standing, bending and reaching. May require lifting up to 25 pounds. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office machines such as computers, copiers, calculators, and telephone. Requires normal range of hearing and vision.

Working Conditions: Essential tasks are performed under normal office/school conditions with little or no noticeable discomfort. Work area is well lighted and ventilated.