Director of Workforce Development

We are seeking a strategic, collaborative, and forward‑thinking Director of Workforce Development 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 University of Alaska (UA) academic programs and workforce initiatives with the goals of the UA Board of Regents (BOR), 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—benefiting students, communities, industries, and the state’s long‑term economic vitality.

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.

To thrive in this role, the successful candidate will bring demonstrated leadership experience in workforce development, higher education, or a related public‑sector environment. They will be a strategic thinker and effective communicator, capable of facilitating cross‑functional teams, managing complex initiatives, and building consensus among diverse stakeholders. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills are essential, along with experience navigating policy and regulatory environments, managing multiple priorities, and leading change.

A commitment to collaboration, continuous improvement, and aligning education with workforce needs will be key to success in this position.

• 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. Applicants will be given advance notice before references are contacted. 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.

📃To view the full list of job responsibilities, please .

☎️ If you have any questions regarding this position, please…