Associate Vice President of Workforce Education at Pierce College – Lakewood, Washington

Position Summary:
The mission of Pierce College is to create quality educational opportunities to a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world. The Pierce College District is committed to being an anti-racist institution; to truly be anti-racist we must work deliberately to eliminate barriers that have prevented the most promising and capable students from entering and thriving in college. We work to ensure that every student in the Pierce College District feels valued, respected, and inspired to achieve their goals. We provide a brave space for Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ/QTPOC students, students with disabilities, and all students and staff to seek refuge, and an opportunity for them to cultivate their strengths, intelligence, resilience, and creativity.

To learn more about our Equity, Engagement, and Belonging efforts, please visit: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/equity-engagement-and-belonging.

The Pierce College District Associate Vice President of Workforce Education provides leadership and vision with a core focus on workforce development in order to advance the institution's mission, with intentional focus on advancing Black and Brown excellence and building an antiracist institution. Reporting to the Vice Presidents of Learning & Student Success, the AVP is responsible for the development, implementation, and sustainability of equitable workforce programs, building effective partnerships with industries/employers and communities, ethical and sound budget management, and operation of Basic Education for Adults (which includes ESL and the Pierce College Adult Diploma (PCAD). The AVP has a robust community role through engagement with workforce partners and collaborative organizations such as Workforce Central, WorkSource, the Economic Development Board, Chambers of Commerce, various Community based organizations, as well as the State Board for Community & Technical Colleges.

About the District:
Named as a Top 5 Finalist and a Rising Star for the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, Pierce College Fort Steilacoom was recognized for exceptional achievements in student learning, certificate and degree completion while in community college and after transferring to a four-year institution, employment and earnings rates after graduation, and access for and success of minority and low-income students. Pierce College District was named as a Top 10 finalist for the 2021 Aspen Prize and a Top 25 for 2023.
Want a feel for our District? Take a peek with aerial campus views!

Pierce College Fort Steilacoom

Located on a beautiful 140-acre site adjacent to a 340-acre community, recreational park, and Waughop Lake.

Pierce College Puyallup

Located on an expansive site with 125-acres of wooded land with beautiful hideaways.

Pierce College at JBLM

Located at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord military sites, serving many of our military and active-duty families that are serving our country.

Essential Functions:

Integrated Institutional & Program Core

• Actively advance Pierce College's goals for equity and belonging in order to provide access and support for our diverse community of learners as framed in the Strategic Plan.
• Participate in committees and task forces to ensure collaboration on reducing barriers and promoting student success outcomes with a particular focus on Black and Brown excellence.
• Other duties as assigned to support the mission, goals, and objectives of the college.

Workforce and Economic Development

• Cultivate partnerships with local businesses and organizations in order to expand equitable educational and employment opportunities and resources for students. Develop and maintain relationship with various Workforce system stakeholders including: State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, Workforce Education Council, Workforce Central (Workforce Development Council), WorkSource (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Department of Health and Human Services (DSHS), Employment Security (ESD), Pierce County Economic Development Board (EDB), Chambers of Commerce, and other entities related to workforce education. Collaborate with community partners to develop new resources for funding and implementation of workforce education programs.
• Track and respond to regional market demands in order to develop and sustain programs that meet student and employer needs. Support curriculum and program development and revisions, budget development and monitoring, program assessment and evaluation, marketing coordination, and ongoing labor market analysis. Manage state program approval processes and inventory. This includes Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) development and support.
• Lead and facilitate new program development including professional technical degrees and certificates, Bachelor of Applied Science degrees, Academic Credit for Prior Learning, and Guided/Career Pathways with an intentional focus on reducing barriers for marginalized students.
• Collaborate across the institution to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate workforce education programs. Incorporate evaluative tools and systems for program review and program vitality.
• Serve as a resource to provide support for professional development, certification, program development, work-based learning, and advisory committees. Convene quarterly Pro-tech Chair meetings regarding program management and professional development. Connect Chairs to Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment Process including Workforce Education Graduate Survey, Advisory Committee Survey, Job and Career Connections, and Workforce Website.
• Support Guided Pathways through Career and Technical Education Pathways, connections with school districts, and the Pierce County Skills Center. Serve on K-12 Career and College Readiness Advisory committees and maintain connections with Pierce County Career Connections to ensure articulations are current and processes meet community needs. Represent Pierce College District on Workforce Education Council. Participate in various task forces around Workforce issues and advocate for workforce programs. Provide leadership for the statewide WEC supported Washing Career Pathways (WACAPA) Program.

Adult Basic Education Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership to innovate curriculum and pathways for adult basic education learners in collaboration with instructional deans and faculty to drive access and transition to higher education credential opportunities.
• Supervise Classified staff who support Adult Basic Education programs like ESL and Pierce College Adult Diploma (PCAD).
• Collaborate with instructional deans and faculty in the programming and course scheduling for Adult Basic Education.

Strategic Planning and Budgets

• Apply innovative planning and budgeting to leverage funds and other resources to minimize barriers to equitable student access, opportunity, and success.
• Support budget development, tracking and ongoing support in coordination with ETeam, Dean Team, and other councils.
• Provide Leadership for Workforce and Basic Education for Adults funding plans and budgets including Perkins and Perkins Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment, Perkins Leadership, Perkins Special Projects, Workforce Development and High Demand funds, Worker Retraining, WorkFirst, Basic Food Education and Training (BFET), Opportunity Grant, Workforce Base, and other funding sources (HEET, WIOA, etc.).
• Prepare annual plans and budgets for all workforce funding ($3 million+) and adult basic education. Work with SBCTC and Pierce College administrative services in budget updating, reporting, revising, and auditing processes.
• Provide budget oversight and advocacy for Workforce Education, Basic Education for Adults, BAS development, Community Continuing Education, and the Center of Excellence.
• Work with VPS and Deans on larger budget development, implementation, access, reconciliation, and final reporting.
• Manage professional technical faculty certification process. Provide access to professional development funding related to Perkins and various Workforce budgets.
• Coordinate with Deans for ESL and adult basic education planning and scheduling.
• Apply for and manage Basic Education for Adults grants.
• Work with MarCom on annual marketing plan for workforce education and related programs.

Community and Continuing Education

• Work with Community and Continuing Education (CCE) on program development, publications, budget, personnel, and growth plans. Support CCE led Academic Credit for Prior Learning (ACPL) integration project. Increase opportunities for badging, non-credit to credit pathways, and online learning.
• Provide responsible oversight and advocacy for CCE budgets and personnel and provide accountable budget analysis and requests for budget committee. Coordinate with business office regarding return on investment data and ongoing institutional commitment.
• Increase partnerships with local employers and services to include apprenticeship, Business and Industry Training, Career Bridge, Contracted Training, SBCE/SBA, and vendor offerings (Ed2Go….).
• Work with Marketing and Communications on quarterly bulletin and website updates regarding CCE program offerings.

Center of Excellence for Homeland Security Emergency Management (COE)

• Review annual plan and provide support and advocacy in statewide work.
• Coordinate with Director and SBCTC on COE required aspects of COE statewide plans.
• Supervise Director and support business processes (i.e. PDP, CTClink, travel, etc.).

Required Education:

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university OR equivalent work experience in a workforce department at an institution of higher education.

Required Experience:

• Minimum of five years of progressive leadership responsibilities including at least three years of supervision and management experience.
• Experience in at least two of the following areas: (a) workforce program development, (b) adult basic education program development, (c) implementing data-informed innovative strategies with measurable outcomes.
• Experience managing complex budgets and grants.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships with internal and external partners.

Special Requirements:

• The successful candidate must consent to and pass a criminal background check after a conditional offer of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Required Competencies: Knowledge, skills, abilities, traits and characteristics:

1. Adaptability and Flexibility. Reacts positively to change, embracing and using new practices or values to accomplish goals and solve problems. Adapts approach, goals and methods to achieve solutions and results in dynamic situations.
2. Project and Time Management. Creates realistic schedules for projects and follows them. Evaluates proposed actions and timelines against organizational mission and values. Manges own time, priorities, and resources to achieve goals.
3. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving. Develops and creates ides, processes and approaches that shape the future; uses analysis and critical thinking skills to solve problems; ensures decisions are aligned with strategic direction for the college/district. Identifies and analyzes problems; weighs relevance and accuracy of information; generates and evaluates alternative solutions; makes recommendations.
4. Effective Communication. Uses effective listening skills and applies effective written and oral communication techniques to convey clear, timely, persuasive messages that positively include the thoughts and actions of others.
5. Relationships. Values organizational diversity; treats others with respect; promotes cooperation. Maintains an open, approachable manner and treat others fairly and respectfully; preserves others’ self-confidence and dignity and shows regard for their opinions. High ethical standards.
6. Team Work. Makes team and district/college mission and outcomes a priority. Recognizes and appreciates the contributions of team members.
7. Personal Responsibility. Earns the trust, respect and confidence of coworkers through fairness, truthfulness, sensitivity, reliability and professionalism in all interactions. Is relied upon to achieve excellent results with little need for oversight; faces up to problems with people quickly and directly.
8. Leadership. Creates and nurtures a results-oriented culture that focuses on measurable outcomes by fostering teamwork and innovation to accomplish the organizations’ mission and goals. Actively supports others. Willingness to delegate and to work with others to develop their capabilities. Strong coaching and mentoring skills, including the ability to encourage, inspire, and support students and employees in achieving individual and collective goals. Ability to provide leadership, coordination, and systems-thinking in strategic planning and development, policy development, resource allocation, fiscal management, and decision-making, informed by data and best practices.

Application Requirements:

To be considered for this position, applicants must:

• Meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement.
• Complete the online application profile at: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr.
• Apply for the specific job opening.
• Upload (attach) a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement. (Cover Letter)
• Upload (attach) detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience. (Résumé)
• Transcripts are not required in order to apply for this position; however, if you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to bring copies of unofficial transcripts showing completion of the required level of education. Please upload current copies of your transcripts, if available. Unofficial copies of all college and university transcripts must include degree received and conferral date. International transcripts must include a foreign transcript evaluation. For a list of approved credential evaluation services visit: https://www.naces.org/members (Unofficial transcripts acceptable for application process; official transcripts required upon hire). (Transcripts)
• Upload (attach) a list of at least three (3) professional references with names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. At least one reference must be your current or most recent supervisor. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted. (References)
• Provide a response to the following question. (Supplemental Question): "How does this position impact the College's goal to support all students and to achieve racial and social equity in pursuit of mission? "Please limit your response to a maximum of 500 words.
  • For definitions of certain equity, engagement, and belonging language, please visit: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/eeb-definitions

Special Note: To ensure consideration, application materials should be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.

All correspondence regarding your application status will be sent to the email address associated with your NEOED account. Please make sure to check your spam folder periodically, in the case of an automated, incorrect delivery.

Terms of Employment:

This is a full-time administrative - exempt position. The primary work location will be at Pierce College, Fort Steilacoom campus. Frequent travel to Pierce College campuses or other sites may occur. Standard work hours are between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, with occasional evening and weekend hours required. This position requires regular and consistent attendance.

Salary & Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $130,838.00 - $161,877.00 annually. The salary will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications and related experience. Typically, new hires start no higher than $136,289.00/year, based on Pierce College's Administrative/Exempt Compensation Plan.

Your paycheck is just part of the total compensation package. There is an outstanding benefits package which is worth an additional value equivalent to about 30% of your salary. A comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental and vision insurance. Life and long- term disability insurance plans; vacation, sick and personal leave; reduced tuition; and retirement benefits are also provided. For more information, please visit our Benefits and Leave website at: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr- benefits.

Physical Work Environment:

This position is required to work indoors in an open office environment, which requires visual concentration on detail, dexterity, precision, and is subject to frequent noise and interruptions.

Reasonable Accommodation:

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the application and employment process will be accommodated to the extent reasonably possible. Requests should be made to the District Human Resources Office by calling 253-964-7342. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state's free telecommunication access service.

Screening & Interview Process:

Only those candidates who have complied with the application process and meet the required qualifications will be considered. Following the review of application materials, the most qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Check the email account you used for the application process for communication regarding the status of your application. Application materials submitted to Pierce College are the property of the College and will not be returned.

Please note: This is a competitive selection process. Your application materials will be reviewed and evaluated based on the minimum qualifications listed for the position. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the District's needs will be eligible for further consideration.

Conditions of Employment:
Prior to the start of employment, finalist(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law RCW 28B.112.080.

An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the District to sponsor an H-1B visa. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.

Pierce College has adopted a Drug Free Workplace policy. As a condition of employment, employees must agree to abide by the requirements established in that policy.

Equal Opportunity:

The Pierce College District is an equal opportunity employer. The Board of Trustees and Pierce College District are committed to providing equal opportunity and will not discriminate in terms and conditions of employment and personnel practices. Decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal.

For more information about this position or assistance regarding your application, contact Human Resources at: jobs@pierce.ctc.edu

Questions regarding equal employment opportunities or discrimination may be directed to the following:

Sean Cooke - Title IX & ADA/Section 504 Coordinator

(253) 840-8472

Deena Forsythe - Vice President for Human Resources

(253) 964-6586

Paula Henson-Williams - District Affirmative Action Officer

(253) 864-3229