Director of Skilled Trades and Technical Education

Discover the opportunity to join Baker College, honored as one of the 2024, 2025 & 2026 Best and Brightest Workplaces in West Michigan, Metro Detroit & Nationally!

Baker College is thrilled to announce an opportunity for a high-impact, visionary Director of Skilled Trades and Technical Education to lead our premier technical program at our Owosso campus!

Baker College is seeking a visionary, entrepreneurial leader to shape the future of skilled trades and technical education-one who can transform industry needs into innovative learning opportunities, build powerful partnerships, and create clear pathways from the classroom to rewarding careers. As Director of Skilled Trades and Technical Education, this individual will drive the strategic growth and operational excellence of Baker College's skilled trades portfolio, including the Auto Diesel Institute (ADI), expanding programs that prepare students to meet evolving workforce demands while strengthening the College's impact on Michigan's economy.

The Director will lead the growth and development of Baker College's skilled trades programs by identifying workforce-driven opportunities, evaluating new programs and credentials, and guiding initiatives from concept through launch. The role will cultivate partnerships with employers, high schools, career and technical education centers, and workforce organizations to expand dual enrollment, articulation, apprenticeship, and career pathways while supporting enrollment and program visibility.

The director will strengthen the performance, enrollment, industry relevance, and financial sustainability of the Auto Diesel Institute (ADI), oversee personnel and daily operations, and ensure instructional facilities, labs, tools, and equipment are safe, well-maintained, and aligned with industry standards. Working collaboratively with academic leadership and institutional partners, the director will support faculty recruitment and development, advance curriculum quality, pursue external funding and shared-resource opportunities, and establish measurable goals, budgets, and timelines to drive continuous improvement and sustainable results.

Rooted in collaboration, innovation, and Baker College's Student
- First
philosophy
, this leader will transform bold ideas into meaningful outcomes that create lasting opportunities for students and strengthen partnerships within the industry.

Founded in 1911, Baker College is committed to embracing technology, sparking innovation, and fostering a supportive learning environment where students can get the real-world knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to pursue the life and career they want. Each of our campus locations is special, with a unique culture, collection of academic programs, and landscape.

Baker College is an independent, private, non-profit institution that grants associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campuses across Michigan and online. Our student-first philosophy is the cornerstone of our institution. It is our compass, guiding us and keeping us on course to ensure our students have every opportunity to work hard, grow, and succeed. Because at Baker College,
Greatness is Earned Here!

The ideal candidate will hold a bachelor's degree complemented by extensive industry and leadership experience, with industry-recognized credentials or trades licensure preferred. Candidates must have at least five years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, K–12 career and technical education with higher education partnerships, vocational or technical education, skilled trades, workforce development, or industrial sector management. The successful candidate will demonstrate a proven ability to launch or…