Senior Director of Workforce Programs

Job Description

UW Continuum College has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Director of Workforce Programs!

About the position  

The Senior Director of Workforce Programs leads Continuum’s delivery and scaling of workforce-aligned education in support of the University’s statewide strategy to expand access to career-relevant credentials. This role is central to advancing the University’s commitment to serving learners across all Washington counties and substantially increasing the number of residents earning workforce credentials that lead to gainful employment in high-demand sectors. The Senior Director forges and sustains statewide partnerships and drives innovation across Continuum’s workforce portfolio to ensure programs are responsive to employer needs, regional priorities, and Washington’s economic landscape. 

About you  

You thrive in a collaborative, dynamic work environment. You are committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment and support practices that promote equity and a sense of belonging for all. You model progressive leadership experience in workforce development and a deep understanding of Washington's economic landscape. You have proven success in building cross-sector partnerships and scaling educational programs.

Functional Responsibilities  

PORTFOLIO OVERSIGHT AND STRATEGY  60%

• Develop and execute a statewide strategy to expand access to workforce education. 

• Guide portfolio-level investment, prioritization, and scaling decisions for Workforce Programs to support growth, relevance, and long-term sustainability. 

• Establish and steward a comprehensive array of short-form, stackable credentials and certificates in high-demand fields. 

• Oversee the analysis and application of labor market data, alumni outcomes, enrollment trends, and employer feedback to guide program direction, prioritization, and refinement. 

• Ensure programs are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to regional workforce demands. 

• Grow and oversee applied learning models—including internships, co-ops, apprenticeships, practicums, and employer-sponsored project work—to integrate academic study with hands‑on, real-world experience. 

• Oversee advisory board models that balance strategic insight, operational efficiency, and sustainability across the workforce portfolio.  

• Establish metrics to track progress toward credentialing and employment goals. 

EXTERNAL PARTNERSHIPS  20%

• Build and sustain partnerships with employers, workforce boards, community colleges, and state agencies. 

• Represent the University in statewide workforce development forums and initiatives. 

• Collaborate with employers to co-design experiential opportunities tied to high-demand fields. 

STAFF LEADERSHIP 20%

• Provide strategic leadership and people management for programs and initiatives, including direct and indirect supervision of staff. 

• Hire, onboard, and mentor staff, providing opportunities for continued learning and skill development to support success in current roles and readiness for new challenges. 

• Manage budgets, planning cycles, and resource allocation across the portfolio. 

Required Qualifications:

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet the minimum qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration. Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

Minimum Qualifications:
Master’s degree in education, public policy, workforce development, or related field (doctorate preferred) and 6 years progressive leadership experience in workforce development, higher education, or public sector strategy and:

• Proven success in building cross-sector partnerships and scaling educational programs. 

• Deep understanding of Washington’s economic landscape and high-demand industries. 

• Strong analytical, communication, and project