Associate Vice President, Workforce and Economic Development

Company: Commonwealth of Kentucky
Location: Frankfort
Posted on: February 25, 2021

Job Description:

An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky Associate Vice President, Workforce and Economic Development Title of Position: Associate Vice President, Workforce and Economic Development
Period: Full-time state government non-merit position
Starting Date: Open until filled
Location: Frankfort, KY; may require some limited travel
Compensation: Competitive salary and state benefits Overview As an integral member of the President's leadership team, the Associate Vice President of Workforce and Economic Development provides leadership and support to the CPE President, Chief of Staff and Executive Team. The Associate Vice President will develop and coordinate efforts to align postsecondary programs and policies to the state's workforce and economic development efforts. The AVP also will contribute to the development and execution of CPE's strategic agenda. Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the President's Executive Team, and a chief advisor to the President and senior staff on workforce and economic development issues, programs and policies.
• Lead the development and execution of the Council's Education to Work agenda, a comprehensive statewide effort to improve career outcomes, respond to Kentucky's workforce needs, and streamline pathways between education and work for Kentucky's public college and university graduates.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the CPE and business and industry representatives within the state. Coordinate with the respective government and nonprofit organizations on Kentucky's efforts to leverage higher education as a critical resource to advance the state's workforce and economic development activity.
• Develop and maintain relationships with state and national organizations focused on the intersection between higher education and the workforce. Identify opportunities to position Kentucky and CPE as a state leader in this area.
• Serve as CPE's primary liaison with campus career services personnel and facilitate regular statewide conversations about career development and strategies to successfully transition students from college to work.
• Serve as CPE's primary liaison with campuses on issues related to economic development, including small business services, entrepreneurship training, and tech-transfer.
• Monitor and review regional, state and national workforce and economic development activities and liaison with the Cabinet for Education and Workforce, Labor Cabinet, and Cabinet for Economic Development as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the President and Chief of Staff. Qualifications
  • A minimum of 12 years of professional experience developing and leading workforce and/or economic development efforts in a state-level education, workforce, or economic development agency or organization, a postsecondary institution, or a national foundation/non-profit organization.
  • At least a master's degree in public policy, education policy, or related fields, or an equivalent level of knowledge and experience.
  • Knowledge of (and ideally experience in) efforts to increase student readiness for in-demand, high-skill, high-wage employment, including building and aligning pathways between K-12 and higher education, and expanding work-based learning and industry credentialing opportunities.
  • An understanding of the legislative and policy-making processes that lead to effective state and local implementation of career development practices.
  • Strong research, analysis, writing, facilitation, public speaking and project management skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and keen attention to detail. Candidates should have demonstrated experience and ability to prioritize work and manage time on multiple projects and tasks to meet deadlines.
  • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Candidates should be self-motivated and comfortable within a largely virtual working environment, but also enthusiastic team players open to feedback and collaboration.
  • Well-rounded interpersonal skill set, with the presence and capacity to build relationships, work effectively in teams, and facilitate joint problem solving with businesses and industry representatives, government agencies, and postsecondary institutions.
  • A solutions first mindset, with a strong appetite for problem solving, relationship building, and follow through.
  • Curiosity, eagerness, and ability to develop new knowledge and skills. Contact Information Interested applicants should send a letter of application specifically addressing the responsibilities and qualifications of the position, a resume, and the names, titles, and contact information for at least three professional references to: Rae Smith, Human Resources
    Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education
    1024 Capital Center Dr., Ste. 320
    Frankfort, KY 40601
    Rae.smith@ky.gov The Council on Postsecondary Education is an equal opportunity employer. The Council on Postsecondary Education coordinates change and improvement in Kentucky's postsecondary education system as directed by the Kentucky Postsecondary Education Improvement Act of 1997. The Council is a statewide coordinating agency.

Keywords: Commonwealth of Kentucky, New England , Associate Vice President, Workforce and Economic Development, Executive , Frankfort, Northeast