The Dean of Workforce Development and Applied Sciences provide visionary leadership and administrative oversight for a diverse portfolio of academic and career-technical programs. This division encompasses Agriculture, Business & Management, Computer Information Technology, Criminal Justice, and Fire & Emergency Services. The Dean is responsible for bridging the gap between academic instruction and economic demand, ensuring all programs ranging from short-term industry certifications to associate degrees are high-quality, fiscally sustainable, and directly aligned with Louisiana’s workforce needs. As a key member of the Academic Affairs leadership team, the Dean drives enrollment growth, secures external funding, and fosters high-level partnerships with industry, government, and public safety agencies.
Job Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Workforce Innovation
- Provide administrative oversight for all credit and non-credit programs within the division.
- Lead the rapid development of stackable credentials and micro-credentials that allow students to enter the workforce quickly while progressing toward a degree.
- Lead the conceptualization, design, and implementation of new Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees and technical diplomas in emerging fields.
- Ensure all programs meet SACSCOC accreditation standards and specific program certifications.
Workforce & Industry Engagement
- Serve as the primary liaison to regional economic development engines, agricultural boards, and public safety leadership.
- Align programs with regional labor market data and workforce demands.
- Develop short-term credentials, certifications, apprenticeships, and customized training programs.
- Develop revenue-generating contract training and customized workforce solutions for regional business partners.
Academic Quality & Industry Alignment
- Oversee curriculum development, assessment, and continuous improvement processes.
- Modernize curriculum to reflect emerging technologies.
- Ensure effective student learning outcomes assessment and program evaluation.
- Support faculty in innovative teaching practices and instructional technologies.
- Utilize regional labor market data to justify program expansion or sunsetting of outdated offerings
Performance & Fiscal Management
- Develop and manage divisional budgets in coordination with Business Affairs.
- Monitor expenditures, equipment purchases, grants, and workforce training funds.
- Seek and support external funding opportunities including state, federal, and industry grants.
- Ensure efficient allocation of instructional resources, labs, and technology infrastructure
Faculty & Personnel Management
- Supervise department chairs, program coordinators, and faculty within assigned divisions.
- Lead faculty recruitment, hiring, evaluation, and professional development.
- Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Ensure compliance with institutional policies and collective agreements where applicable.
- Support recruitment and retention initiatives specific to workforce and technical programs.
Compliance & Accreditation
- Ensure programs meet state licensing and certification standards (POST, technical certifications, etc.).
- Coordinate program reviews and accreditation reporting.
- Maintain documentation required for audits, state reporting, and grant compliance.
Minimum Qualifications:
Master’s degree in a related field (Business, Agriculture, public Administration, Technology or Education Leadership).
Preferred Qualifications:
Ph.D. in a related field (Business, Agriculture, Public Administration, Technology, or Education Leadership).
Experience:
5 years – – Specific experience in Louisiana Workforce Commission initiatives or Louisiana higher education systems.
- Experience launching new technical programs or securing significant external grant funding.
- Background in managing diverse technical programs.
- Experience in a community college or technical college environment.
- Experience working with industry partnerships and workforce training grants.
SPECIAL AND/ OR PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to sit, stand, and work at a computer for extended periods.
- Ability to occasionally visit labs, training sites, and industry locations.
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