Strategic Director of Workforce Development

Job Title:

Strategic Director of Workforce Development

Reports To:

TIC CEO

Location:

Morganton, NC

Job Type: FLSA Exempt, Salaried, Full Time

About The Industrial Commons:
The Industrial Commons is an economic ecosystem located in Morganton, NC with reach across the state and region. Our mission is to found and grow interconnected enterprises that solve problems for businesses and workers, while rebuilding a diverse working class, based on locally rooted wealth. We address the root causes of generational poverty by supporting frontline workers in building an economy for all.

TIC is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Job Overview:
The Strategic Director of Workforce Development provides strategic leadership and oversight for TIC's workforce development portfolio, ensuring alignment, integration, growth, and long-term sustainability across multiple programs and initiatives. Current program areas include entrepreneurial skills training, workforce placement and retention programs, high school curriculum development in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI), apprenticeship and credentialing initiatives, and emerging virtual reality workforce training programs.

This position oversees program strategy, staff leadership, partnership development, evaluation, and funding sustainability while representing TIC's workforce development efforts at the local, regional, state, and national levels.

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for The Industrial Commons' Workforce Development portfolio, ensuring alignment, integration, and collaboration across all program areas.
• Develop and implement long-term strategies for workforce development initiatives, including program growth, sustainability, evaluation, and regional impact.
• Oversee entrepreneurial skills training programs and related workforce development initiatives.
• Partner with the Senior Director of Workforce Development to support the growth and expansion of the Work In program and related workforce development efforts.
• Oversee the continued development and expansion of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI) High School Curriculum program and related educational initiatives.
• Provide leadership and oversight for apprenticeship, microcredential, and career pathway programs, ensuring successful implementation, integration, and expansion.
• Support the development and expansion of workforce training initiatives utilizing augmented, virtual, and mixed reality technologies in collaboration with community college and industry partners.
• Supervise, mentor, and support workforce development leadership and program staff to ensure effective program delivery and achievement of organizational goals.
• Foster and maintain relationships with local, regional, state, and national partners, including government agencies, educational institutions, employers, workforce development organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the Development Team, CFO, and organizational leadership to support funding strategies, financial sustainability, and long-term program growth.
• Develop and monitor program goals, budgets, outcomes, and performance metrics to ensure accountability, effectiveness, and continuous improvement.
• Utilize workforce trends, industry data, community feedback, and program outcomes to inform strategic planning and decision-making.
• Represent The Industrial Commons and its workforce development…