Strategic Director of Workforce Development

Job Title: Strategic Director of Workforce Development
Reports To: Executive Director
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 Executive 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.
Essential Functions
? 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 initiatives at local, regional, state,
and national meetings, conferences, and industry events.
? Ensure workforce development programs are designed for long-term sustainability, scalability,
replicability, and measurable impact.
? Perform other related duties as assigned to support organizational priorities.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
? Master's degree in Education, Public Administration, Business Administration, Workforce Development,
or other equivalent degree or program experience
? 5+ years of experience in workforce development at the regional, state, or national level
? Experience leading complex, multi-program initiatives with diverse stakeholders and funding sources.
? Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, program development, implementation, and evaluation.
? Experience managing budgets, financial sustainability planning, and grant-funded programs.
? Knowledge of workforce development systems, apprenticeship models, credentialing programs, career
pathways, and Opportunity Youth initiatives.
? Experience building partnerships with employers, educational institutions, government agencies, and
community organizations.
? Strong data analysis and program evaluation skills.
? Experience leading, coaching, and developing professional staff and program leaders.
? Exceptional communication, relationship-building, facilitation, and public speaking skills.
? Ability to balance strategic leadership with operational execution in a dynamic environment.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
? Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods.
? Ability to move throughout office, meeting, and work environments to access equipment, materials, and
communicate with others.
? Ability to occasionally lift and move materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
? Ability to travel locally and regionally as needed to support business operations.
? Ability to perceive, process, and communicate information presented in written, verbal, and electronic
formats.
? Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through virtual communication
platforms.
Salary and Benefits
? Salary: Competitive, with an anticipated annual salary range of $80,000-$120,000, commensurate with
experience and based on 40 hours per week.
? Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and holidays.
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to hr@theindustrialcommons.org with the subject line
Executive Director of Workforce Development