Director of Workforce Development

Director of Workforce Development

Join to apply for the Director of Workforce Development role at University of Alaska Southeast Sitka.

We are seeking a strategic, collaborative, and forward-thinking Director to lead systemwide efforts that advance Alaska’s workforce priorities through high-quality postsecondary education and training. Reporting directly to the Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, this position plays a central role in advancing UA academic programs and workforce initiatives with the goals of the UA Board of Regents, the President, and the State of Alaska.

In this role, you will provide leadership in planning, coordination, policy development, data analysis, and implementation of workforce initiatives across the UA system. Your work will directly contribute to expanding access to career and technical education, strengthening education-to-employment pathways, and ensuring UA programs respond effectively to Alaska’s evolving labor market needs.

The Director of Workforce Development provides strategic leadership in helping align UA workforce programs with current and emerging workforce demands. This role encompasses systemwide coordination of workforce education and training, oversight of compliance with state and federal regulations, and stewardship of workforce-related funding and partnerships. Through close collaboration with campus leadership, faculty, state agencies, industry partners, K–12 education, and economic development organizations, the Director advances data-informed decision-making and promotes innovative pathways that support student success and workforce readiness.

• A Master’s or Professional Degree from an accredited institution and five (5) or more years of progressive experience, or a Doctoral Degree and three (3) or more years of progressive experience. An exception may be made for a Bachelor’s Degree plus seven (7) or more years of comparable experience; preferred to be in the public sector relevant to a higher education and/or workforce environment.
• Two years of progressively executive-level leadership experience with authority, policy development, and financial decision-making.
• Demonstrated experience in workforce development planning, implementation, and review.

Preferred work location will be on-site at any university campus to include rural campus locations in agreement with campus directors at the time of hire, or a negotiated hybrid arrangement.

This is a full-time, exempt staff position complete with a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. New hires will be placed on the UA Staff Salary Schedule, Grade 84, based on education and experience.

Please attach a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information of three (3) professional references with your application. Applications without reference contact information will be deemed incomplete and will not be considered.

Review of applicants will begin immediately. To ensure full consideration, you must apply by 01/07/2026.

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Sarah Randazzo, Signers' Business Office HR Coordinator, at sjrandazzo or .

To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at .

The University of Alaska ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution. The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination () against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.