Director Remote Economic Development Jobs in Tucson, AZ

Primary Position ObjectivesThe Executive Director of Education Alignment & Apprenticeship Strategy leads the strategic integration of education systems and apprenticeship pathways to drive workforce development outcomes under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). This role ensures that all education and apprenticeship initiatives are grounded in Serrato's purpose-driven philosophy by aligning academic growth, industry credentials, and civic readiness. The Executive Director partners with the CSOI to embed strategies across operations and with the CCEO to guarantee compliance, accountability, and continuous modernization that keeps education and apprenticeship strategies aligned with evolving industry demands.Strategic Leadership & Program DesignLead the development and execution of a comprehensive strategy to align education and training systems with workforce needs.Ensure strategies reflect Serrato's purpose-driven approach, rejecting status quo models and advancing modernization to meet evolving workforce and defense readiness priorities.Design and scale registered apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and work-based learning models across high-demand industries.Oversee implementation of career pathway programs that integrate adult education, career and technical education (CTE), postsecondary education, and industry recognized credentials.Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership BuildingCultivate and manage strategic partnerships with K-12 schools, community colleges, universities, employers, labor unions, community-based organizations, and state/federal agencies.Serve as a liaison between the workforce board, education systems, and economic development stakeholders to ensure cross-sector collaboration.All partnerships will reinforce Serrato's belief that people growth and company growth are inseparable.Compliance & Program OversightEnsure apprenticeship and education programs are compliant with WIOA regulations, state policies, and federal apprenticeship guidelines.Lead efforts to secure and manage federal and state funding to support program goals.Monitor performance metrics including the Serrato Dashboard to ensure continuous improvement in outcomes such as credential attainment, employment placement,and equity in access.Review and audit all assigned areas regularly for contractual deliverable implementation and compliance.Report and discuss contract performance, highlights, and concerns a weekly basis with the CSOI.All compliance activities will be carried out in partnership with the CCEO to ensure disciplined execution and integrity across contracts, audits, and performance systems.Policy & System AlignmentAdvocate for policy reforms that remove barriers to education-employment alignment and expand apprenticeship opportunities.Coordinate with internal and external policy teams to analyze trends, develop recommendations, and implement systemic changes that ensure continuousmodernization and purpose alignment.Equity & InclusionPromote inclusive strategies that increase participation of underrepresented populations in apprenticeships and career pathways, including youth, women, communities of color, immigrants, and individuals with barriers to employment.Key Performance Indicators:Program Development:Launch or expand at least 3 apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship programsannually.Partner Engagement:Secure active participation from 5+ education/training providers and 10+ employersannually.Participant Outcomes:At least 75% of enrolled participants attain a credential or apprenticeship placement.Equity in Access:Minimum of 50% of participants served come from underserved populations.Work-Based Learning Growth:Increase work-based learning opportunities by 25% annually.Employer Satisfaction:Maintain 85%+ satisfaction rate among employer partners.Insure 90% of participants complete purpose-driven assessments and demonstrate readiness in both workforce and civic engagement.Integrate Serrato Purpose into apprenticeship design, ensuring alignment between academic growth, technical skill attainment, and whole-person development.Data Reporting Compliance:100% timely and accurate performance reporting for education and apprenticeship outcomes.Key CompetenciesEffective Communication:Presents information both clearly and concisely and regularly confirms correct interpretation of information.Very high standard of communication skills, both written and oral for the presentation of facts and ideas.Written communication must be clear, concise, easy to read and comprehend.Demonstrates ability to integrate Serrato Purpose into all apprenticeship and education strategies, ensuring alignment of people growth with company growth. Leads with a focus on modernization, civic readiness, and industry alignment.Organization of Work:Demonstrates the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously while maintaining strategic focus.Implements principles of time management, task allocation, and priority assignment to ensure both compliance and modernization remain aligned with industry demands.Seeks continual improvement in services through professional development, purpose driven leadership, and innovation.Initiates and responds to suggestions for improving systems, processes, and workforce outcomes.Identifies and addresses steps causing delays, inefficiencies, or barriers to purpose alignment.Qualifications Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations.Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedural manuals.Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from peers, groups of managers, clients, and the general public.Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw related conclusions.Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instruction and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.Proficiency in leveraging digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI) systems for data analysis, performance tracking, and program modernization. Ability to evaluate emerging technologies and integrate AI-driven insights into workforce and apprenticeship strategies to enhance decision-making and outcomes.ExperienceMinimum of 5 years of progressive leadership in workforce development, apprenticeship strategy, or education system alignment. Must demonstrate direct experience in designing and implementing apprenticeship programs, establishing stackable credential frameworks, and leading cross-sector partnerships with employers, education providers, and workforce agencies. Experience in workforce leadership within industry, military, or public systems is highly valued, reflecting Serrato's purpose-driven philosophy of integrating people growth with organizational growth.EducationBachelor's degree required, with preference for fields such as Education, Workforce Development, Organizational Leadership, Human Services, or a related discipline. A Master's degree is preferred.Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in workforce development, apprenticeship strategy, program development, or education system alignment.Equivalent professional experience in workforce leadership, apprenticeship development, or stackable credentialing may be considered in place of formal academic credentials, in alignment with Serrato's purpose-driven philosophy that values demonstrated impact and whole-person leadership.Certificates/Licenses/RegistrationsValid State Driver's License.Preferred or highly Valued Certificates:Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) through the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals.Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) or Pre-Apprenticeship Certification experience from the U.S. Department of Labor or state workforce agencies.National Career Development Association (NCDA) Credentials such as Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP) or Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF). Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent (optional, but valuable for managing cross-sector initiatives and scaling apprenticeship programs). Artificial Intelligence in Workforce or Learning Systems Certification (demonstrates ability to apply AI and digital tools to modernize apprenticeship and education strategies).Benefits OfferedPaid Short Term and Basic Life Insurance.Health care insurance available (medical, dental, vision, critical illness, accident, LTD, HSA, and FSA)Paid HolidaysPaid Time Off401(k) retirement plan with company matchTuition ReimbursementEmployee Assistance Counseling Service Programs AvailableDisclaimerSerrato Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer