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Director Workforce Development information

What does a Director of Workforce Development do?

A Director of Workforce Development leads efforts to design, implement, and oversee programs that enhance the skills and employability of a community's workforce. This role involves collaborating with businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies to identify workforce needs and create training programs that fill skill gaps. Directors often manage teams, secure funding, and evaluate the effectiveness of workforce initiatives. Their ultimate goal is to ensure that workers are prepared for current and future job opportunities, supporting both individual career growth and broader economic development.

What are some common challenges faced by a Director of Workforce Development in aligning training programs with organizational goals?

A Director of Workforce Development often encounters the challenge of ensuring that training and development initiatives are closely aligned with both the immediate and long-term objectives of the organization. This requires staying updated on industry trends, regularly assessing workforce skill gaps, and collaborating with department leaders to anticipate future talent needs. Balancing budget constraints, rapidly changing technologies, and diverse learning preferences across the workforce can also present difficulties. Successful directors leverage data-driven strategies and maintain strong communication channels with stakeholders to overcome these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Workforce Development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Workforce Development, you need expertise in program management, workforce planning, and labor market analysis, often backed by a bachelor's or master's degree in human resources, business, or a related field. Familiarity with HR information systems (HRIS), data analytics tools, and workforce development certifications such as CWDP is typically required. Strategic thinking, leadership, stakeholder engagement, and excellent communication are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities are crucial for developing effective workforce strategies, aligning talent initiatives with organizational goals, and fostering partnerships that drive organizational and community success.

What is the difference between Director Workforce Development vs Workforce Development Coordinator?

AspectDirector Workforce DevelopmentWorkforce Development Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor’s degree often required; advanced degrees preferred; experience in workforce programsAssociate or bachelor’s degree; relevant experience in workforce or community programs
Work EnvironmentLeadership role overseeing teams and programs; strategic planningOperational role supporting program implementation; administrative tasks
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, non-profits, educational institutionsCommunity organizations, government offices, training providers

The Director Workforce Development typically holds a higher-level leadership position, focusing on strategic planning and overseeing workforce programs. The Workforce Development Coordinator handles day-to-day program operations and supports implementation. Both roles are essential in workforce development initiatives but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Workforce Development jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Workforce Development jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Workforce Development jobs in Tennessee? For Director Workforce Development jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Workforce Development jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Director Workforce Development jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Director Workforce Development jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Director Workforce Development job openings:
Director Workforce Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Workforce Development job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Director of Continuing Education & Workforce Development - UT Southern

The University of Tennessee

Pulaski, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description


The Center of Continuing Education & Workforce Development will advance UT Southern's role as a regional leader in adult learning, workforce development, and community partnership. The Director will provide strategic leadership, direction, and management for academic and non-credit initiatives designed to expand educational access, support workforce advancement, and strengthen the university's service to the region. The Director will oversee the Interdisciplinary Studies Program, including teaching capstone courses and conducting program assessment as well as other tasks as assigned. Reporting to the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, the Director will develop, implement, and oversee programs for adult learners, working professionals, employers, and community partners, with particular attention to innovative and flexible pathways that respond to emerging workforce needs. This is a full-time in-person position.
Responsibilities
Internal leadership: Provide founding leadership for the Center of Continuing Education & Workforce Development within the College of Arts & Sciences;
  • Develop and implement a strategic vision for continuing education, workforce development, and professional learning aligned with UT Southern's mission, strategic plan, and regional priorities;
  • Lead the development, operation, and evaluation of credit, non-credit, and workforce-aligned programming, including interdisciplinary studies, prior learning assessment, competency-based education, credentialing, and micro-credentials;
  • Represent the center and the university in community, regional, and professional settings.

External partnerships: Build, strengthen, and sustain collaborative partnerships with local businesses, industries, school systems, nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations to identify workforce needs and develop responsive educational programming;
  • Design, market, and manage leadership, professional development, and customized training opportunities for employers and community partners.

Programming and assessment: Collaborate with faculty, deans, and university leadership to create innovative academic and non-credit offerings for adult learners, place-bound students, and working professionals;
  • Provide leadership for the Interdisciplinary Studies degree program and support its growth as a flexible, student-centered pathway;
  • Oversee the development and implementation of Prior Learning Assessment processes that appropriately recognize college-level learning gained through work, military service, training, and other professional experiences;
  • Support the exploration and implementation of Competency-Based Education models and other flexible delivery systems that expand student access and success; Use data to assess program effectiveness, support continuous improvement, and identify growth opportunities
  • Conduct Interdisciplinary Studies program assessment as part of SACSCOC guidelines

Operations: Supervise center personnel, including hiring recommendations, support, evaluation, and professional development;
  • Manage center planning, budgeting, operations, assessment, and reporting;
  • Ensure compliance with university, system, accreditation, state, and federal standards relevant to academic, credential, and workforce programming;
  • Work across academic and administrative units to coordinate scheduling, student support, enrollment, communication, and service delivery
  • Teach LBA 400 Interdisciplinary Studies Capstone and other classes as needed

Qualifications
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status.
  • Demonstrated experience in adult education, continuing education, workforce development, professional learning, or a closely related field;
  • Demonstrated experience designing, delivering, or managing education and training programs in higher education, workforce development, adult education, or a related environment;
  • Experience in curriculum development, program design, implementation, and assessment;
  • Knowledge of and experience with one or more of the following: Prior Learning Assessment, Competency-Based Education, stackable credentials, micro-credentials, non-credit programming, workforce partnerships, or professional development programming;
  • Demonstrated ability to identify workforce needs and develop customized or employer-aligned programming in response;
  • Proven ability to work effectively, both independently and collaboratively, with cross-functional teams;
  • Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills;
  • Record of fostering positive working relationships with faculty, staff, employers, and community stakeholders;
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills;
  • Ability to think entrepreneurially and build new programs that support student success, workforce advancement, and regional economic growth;
  • Demonstrated supervisory or administrative leadership experience preferred;
  • Strong commitment to excellence, transparency, innovation, and attention to detail;
  • Master's degree in a related field from an accredited institution is required;
  • Earned doctorate in a related field is preferred; and
  • Commitment to advancing UT Southern's strategic priorities and regional mission.

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