Dean of Career and Community Connections (Network2Work)

Dean of Career and Community Connections (Network2Work)

Title: Dean of Career and Community Connections (Network2Work)

Agency: Piedmont Virginia Community College

Location: Albemarle - 003

FLSA: Exempt

Hiring Range: $110,000 - $123,000

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Position Purpose: The Dean of Career and Community Connections/Network2Work (N2W) serves as a senior leader advancing an integrated, college-wide approach to student recruitment, career development, holistic student support, and community engagement. The position champions student success and economic mobility by aligning education, workforce pathways, and supportive services. The Dean leads a comprehensive portfolio that spans the student lifecycle ensuring coordinated strategies that promote access, persistence, credential attainment, and career readiness. Areas of responsibility include Outreach and Admissions, Career Services, the Student Resource Center, Higher Education in Prison, and Dual Enrollment and Early College programs. In addition, the Dean directs the strategic vision and implementation of N2W, including the Job Seeker, Employer, and Provider Networks. Through strong regional partnerships and cross-sector collaboration, the Dean advances pathways to high-opportunity careers by integrating education and training with basic needs support and employer engagement. The Dean works in close partnership with Academic Affairs and Workforce Development, Advancement and External Affairs, and other college divisions. The role emphasizes collaboration, data-informed decision-making, and continuous improvement to strengthen outcomes for students and the broader community. Reporting to the Vice President of Student Affairs, the Dean is a collaborative and forward-thinking leader who builds and sustains internal and external partnerships, advances strategic priorities, and fosters an inclusive, student-centered culture in support of the mission and values of PVCC.

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership for the PVCC Outreach and Admissions department, guiding recruitment, outreach, and onboarding efforts for prospective students pursuing degrees, certificates, transfer pathways, workforce training, and short-term credential programs.
• Partner closely with Academic Affairs and Workforce Development to advance a cohesive learner-to-employer ecosystem across FastForward programs, continuing education, Adult Education, and contract training.
• Direct Career Services operations to connect students and graduates with regional employers and high-opportunity careers. In partnership with Academic Affairs and Workforce Development, promote credit for prior learning and work-based learning opportunities, including internships, apprenticeships, and other experiential learning initiatives.
• Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of recruitment and enrollment strategies aligned with the Strategic Enrollment Management Plan, the College's strategic plan (Momentum 2030), and the Virginia Community College System's strategic plan (Accelerate Opportunity).
• Provide strategic leadership for the Higher Education in Prison program, the Dual Enrollment and Early College Office, Success Coaching, and Student Resource Center ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and student success outcomes. Oversee the administration of the Request-for-Assistance process, emergency funding initiatives, community resource referrals, and the Panther Food Pantry. Coordinate the implementation and assessment of the Non-Academic Needs Assessment in partnership with Success Coaching and other student support units.
• Provide strategic leadership for N2W. In coordination with cross-college partners, cultivate and steward relationships with community stakeholders, service providers, employers, and regional organizations to strengthen support networks and expand the reach of N2W initiatives. Manage the N2W platform, including coordination of job ticket development by Career Services to connect students with community resource providers. Collaborate with the University of Virginia (UVA) Center for Community Partnerships on the development and publication of the biannual Orange Dot Report.
• Partner with PVCC Advancement and External Affairs to identify and secure financial and community resources that sustain and grow N2W efforts. In collaboration with the Grants Office and relevant departments, ensure compliance, reporting, and performance tracking for federal, state, foundation, and community-based grants and funding initiatives.
• Represent N2W and PVCC in regional, statewide, and national forums, advancing partnerships and initiatives related to workforce development, community engagement, and economic mobility.

Piedmont Community College offers a robust benefits package, including:

• State of Virginia employee benefits
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision)
• Virginia Retirement System (VRS) participation
• Generous annual leave and paid holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Continuous learning programs
• Access to wellness resources and employee assistance programs

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Significant experience (5+ years) in program development, administration, and strategic management.
• Proven ability to lead, supervise, and develop diverse teams in a collaborative environment.
• Experience building and sustaining partnerships with community-based organizations, employers, and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to use data and assessment outcomes to inform decision-making, planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and initiatives simultaneously.

Additional Considerations:

• Administrative leadership experience within a community college/higher education setting or equivalent.
• Experience in community-based outreach, recruitment, and engagement initiatives.
• Experience identifying and developing partnerships with community-based organizations to achieve a defined objective.
• Experience working with employers.
• Experience managing grants, contracts, and other restricted funding sources, including compliance, and reporting responsibilities.
• Experience with fundraising, donor engagement, or resource development activities.
• Demonstrated ability to represent an institution externally through public speaking, presentations, advocacy, and community engagement activities.
• Doctorate from an accredited institution in student affairs, higher education administration, or related field.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer