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* Utilize regional labor market data to justify program expansion or sunsetting of outdated offerings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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