Executive Director of Workforce Partnerships

Executive Director of Workforce Partnerships

Reporting to the Vice Provost, the Executive Director builds and sustains partnerships with business, industry, and community organizations to expand career-connected learning and align education pathways with regional economic needs. This position oversees the Carl Perkins Workforce Grant, Contract Training, Community Education, non-credit to credit pathways, and Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS/BS) program development. Working collaboratively across divisions, the Executive Director advances Bellevue College's Be Bold Strategic Plan and Achieving the Dream priorities, ensuring equitable access, innovation, and measurable impact for students and community partners.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule

Position Salary Range: $118,403/year - $177,605/year. The salary will be determined based on candidate's qualifications and related experience, as well as market and business considerations. Typically, new hire starts no higher than $133,203 per year based on Bellevue College Exempt salary schedule.

We offer comprehensive compensation package with salary and benefits as the main components. Generous benefits are offered through Washington State plans that includes multiple medical, dental, life and disability coverage choices for employees and dependents; choices of retirement and deferred compensation plans; paid holidays, sick, and vacation plans; transit program, reduced tuition, employee discounts and memberships, etc.

The employee is scheduled to work 40 hours per workweek. This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, which means that you are not eligible for overtime pay.

About The College

Bellevue College is a vibrant, student-centered institution located just 10 miles east of Seattle. Serving one of the most diverse student populations in Washington - we are proud to reflect the global community we serve.

As an employer, Bellevue College is committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered. We believe that our faculty and staff are essential partners in fulfilling our mission, and we prioritize professional growth, collaboration, and innovation in everything we do. Employees at Bellevue College benefit from opportunities to expand their skills, contribute to meaningful work that changes lives, and engage in a community that is deeply committed to inclusion.

We are dedicated to creating an environment where creativity and innovation thrive, and where the contributions of every employee help shape both the success of our students and the vitality of the region. At Bellevue College, you will find a community that supports your goals, values your voice, and celebrates your impact.

About the Department

Workforce Partnerships serves as the college's bridge between education and the regional economy, connecting Bellevue College's academic mission to the evolving needs of students, employers, and communities. The department advances innovation in career-connected learning by coordinating contract training, community education, internships, workforce grants, and non-credit to credit pathways. In collaboration with academic divisions and community partners, Workforce Partnerships drives initiatives that expand access to high-demand programs, support Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS/BS) degree development, and strengthen pathways to economic mobility. Through this work, the department contributes to Bellevue College's Be Bold vision, building community vibrancy, fostering equitable opportunity, and preparing learners to thrive in a dynamic workforce.

Essential Functions

Strategic and Community Partnership Leadership

Provide strategic leadership to strengthen Bellevue College's role in workforce and community partnerships

Build and sustain relationships with business, industry, labor, and civic organizations to expand career-connected learning opportunities.

Serve as the college's representative on regional and statewide workforce councils, boards, and partnerships, and coordinate with College Leadership to ensure appropriate representation and alignment of expertise.

Advance initiatives that position Bellevue College as a regional catalyst for inclusive economic growth and workforce innovation

Communicate and collaborate effectively with internal and external partners to align goals and deliver measurable outcomes.

Program and Pathway Development

Lead and inspire the design of agile, workforce-aligned programs that respond to evolving community and industry needs.

Drive the development of new Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS/BS) and workforce degree pathways that expand opportunity and access in collaboration with academic deans.

Champion innovation in curriculum and experiential learning, encouraging faculty and staff to adapt with creativity and responsiveness.

Guide the integration of non-credit to credit pathways that promote seamless student progression and equitable outcomes.

Maintain and align the purpose and function of Workforce Advisory Committees to ensure programs reflect current labor-market trends and community needs.

Use data and stakeholder input to inform program design and continuous improvement.

Operational and Fiscal Stewardship

Provide leadership and fiscal oversight for Contract Training, Community Education, and the Carl Perkins Workforce Grant.

Manage budgets, contracts, and resources with clarity, accountability, and alignment to college priorities.

Ensure compliance and reporting for grants, contracts, and state or federal workforce programs.

Streamline operations and integrate processes across workforce and continuing education initiatives for maximum efficiency and impact.

Collaboration and Institutional Integration

Work collaboratively with Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and community partners to advance student success and regional impact.

Serve as a key member of the Achieving the Dream (ATD) Steering Committee and lead initiatives that advance the college's Community Vibrancy priority.

Partner across divisions to promote data-informed decision-making and coordinated student pathways.

Model an outward mindset by leading with empathy, curiosity, and shared accountability.

Cultivate a culture of partnership, innovation, and continuous improvement across programs and teams.

Other Duties

Serve on college and statewide committees and task forces as requested.

Participate in college-wide planning, accreditation, and institutional effectiveness initiatives.

Support special projects and emerging priorities that advance Bellevue College's mission and strategic goals.

Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree from an accredited institution in a related field such as education, workforce development, business, public administration, or a discipline aligned with the college's program areas, or equivalent combination of education and experience in a relevant field.

Five (5) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in workforce education, community or economic development, higher education administration, or a related field.

Demonstrated success building and sustaining partnerships with business, industry, community, and workforce organizations.

Experience overseeing budgets, grants, or contract-funded initiatives with fiscal accountability.

Proven ability to lead teams and initiatives that foster collaboration, innovation, and equitable outcomes.

Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across diverse internal and external communities.

Commitment to advancing equity, access, and inclusive economic opportunity.

Preferred Qualifications

Doctoral degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in a relevant field.

Demonstrated leadership in developing or scaling workforce education programs within a higher education or community-based context.

Experience leading Achieving the Dream (ATD), Guided Pathways, or similar student success and equity initiatives.

Proven record of BAS/BS program development, including labor market analysis, curriculum alignment, and community engagement.

Experience managing Carl Perkins Workforce Grants, contract training, or community education programs.

Demonstrated success fostering non-credit to credit pathways and integrating workforce programs with academic divisions.

Experience collaborating with faculty, deans, and executive leaders to advance institutional priorities.

Understanding of state and regional workforce systems, funding models, and economic development trends.

Evidence of inclusive leadership that values well-being, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Conditions of Employment

Bellevue College intends to provide a drug-free, healthy, safe, and secure work and educational environment. Each employee is expected to report to work in an appropriate mental and physical condition to perform her/his/their assigned duties.

Bellevue College employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Sexual Misconduct and Background Check:

Prior to start of employment, finalists(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