Executive Director, Capital Region -RAMP

By Center for Economic Growth

10/7/2026

• Advanced manufacturing, semiconductor, and skilled trades focus
• Regional Workforce Innovation Center
• Public-facing leadership; convening employers, government, education, and labor across the region
• Path to independent nonprofit leadership
• Salary range: $170,000 - $210,000

The Center for Economic Growth seeks an exceptional leader to serve as the founding Executive Director of Capital Region ON-RAMP (One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships). Backed by $40 million in New York State investment, ON-RAMP is one of the region's most significant workforce initiatives, connecting residents to high-demand careers while helping employers build the talent pipeline needed to sustain long-term growth.

The successful candidate will help shape the workforce infrastructure supporting the Capital Region's next generation of advanced manufacturing, semiconductor, and skilled trades growth. Few leadership opportunities offer this combination of scale, visibility, and funding. The director will lead ON-RAMP's implementation and growth, advancing programs, regional partnerships, facility development, and long-term sustainability.

• Complete ON-RAMP's transition to an independent nonprofit organization.
• Build and lead a high-performing team.
• Advance development of the regional workforce training center.
• Launch workforce programs aligned with employer demand.
• Establish the foundation of a diversified, long-term revenue strategy.

• Lead the vision, strategy, growth, and long-term success of Capital Region ON-RAMP.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing team.
• Ensure strong financial management, operational excellence, regulatory compliance, measurable organizational impact, and data-informed decision-making.

• Serve as ON-RAMP's chief ambassador and spokesperson with employers, educators, government leaders, labor, funders, and community organizations.
• Align industry, education, workforce, and community stakeholders around shared regional workforce goals.
• Position ON-RAMP as a recognized regional and statewide leader in workforce innovation and talent development.

• Lead fundraising and execution of ON-RAMP's diversified revenue strategy, including public funding, philanthropy, employer investment, and earned revenue.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to advance strategic priorities, ensure effective governance, and provide transparent reporting on organizational performance and finances.

• Minimum of 10 years of senior leadership experience, with a track record of leading organizational growth and complex strategic initiatives.
• Experienced with workforce development systems, talent development strategies, employer engagement, or related economic development initiatives.
• Demonstrated success building, leading, and developing high-performing teams.
• Proven success managing complex partnerships across public, private, educational, community, and labor sectors.
• Experience developing and managing budgets, public funding, grants, and diversified revenue streams.
• Demonstrated experience securing financial support, strategic investment, or revenue from public, private, philanthropic, or employer partners.
• Track record of setting measurable goals and driving outcomes through data-informed management practices.
• Knowledge of advanced manufacturing, semiconductor, construction trades, or other high-growth industries preferred.
• Understanding of organized labor,…