Vice President of Workforce Development and Community Engagement

Vice President of Workforce Development and Community Engagement

Qualifications: An earned Master's degree with eight (8) years of increasingly progressive management experience in one or more areas that report to this position.

Equivalency : Doctorate preferred; with five (5) years of increasingly progressive management experience in one or more areas that report to this position. Any equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience as approved by Human Resources Department.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Level: Fifteen (15)

Salary: $145,000 - $165,000 DOE

Campus Information:

Located in Carlsbad, New Mexico, Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) is a newly independent public community college accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. A proud Hispanic Serving Institution, it awards certificates and associate degrees that serve the needs of its region and prepare students to transfer to programs at other colleges or universities. SENMC offers Early College and Dual Credit programs in collaboration with local high schools.

Southeast New Mexico College enjoys the strong support of its community, and has been awarded many grants, which include $11.7 million from the U.S. Department of Energy and several multimillion-dollar grants from the U.S. Department of Education for student support.

The college’s diverse employee pool includes 39 full-time faculty, 48 adjunct faculty, and 112 staff members. SENMC offers a generous benefits package which includes medical, dental, retirement, and college tuition reimbursement. More information on SENMC can be obtained from its website at

Purpose and Scope:

Reporting to the President, the Vice President of Workforce Development and Community Engagement provides strategic leadership and oversight for all workforce development, work-based learning, community engagement, community education, adult education, and operations of the SENMC Workforce Training Center. This role advances the College’s mission by aligning programs with regional and state economic priorities, strengthening partnerships with industry and community stakeholders, and driving initiatives that support workforce readiness and job creation. The Vice President ensures effective coordination of academic and administrative functions across these areas while promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration.

In partnership with internal and external stakeholders, the Vice President identifies workforce and skills gaps and leads the development, funding, and implementation of responsive programs and training opportunities, including non-credit instruction, adult basic education, and industry-recognized safety and compliance trainings (e.g., MSHA, OSHA). This position builds and sustains strategic alliances, enhances the College’s visibility and impact, and ensures programs remain responsive, accessible, and aligned with community and industry needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

SENMC seeks a dynamic and established leader to advance workforce development and community engagement efforts that strengthen regional partnerships and support economic growth. This role is critical to expanding workforce opportunities, enhancing community impact, and aligning programs with industry needs. The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated experience in workforce development, collaboration with external partners, and program innovation, and will be responsible for the following duties:

• Provides strategic leadership and direction for workforce development and community engagement initiatives, ensuring alignment with the College’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
• Leads, develops, and evaluates staff to build a high-performing, collaborative team focused on results, innovation, and service excellence.
• Cultivates and sustains strategic partnerships with business, industry, government agencies, and community organizations; supports the President in advancing key external relationships.
• Expands the visibility, enrollment, and financial sustainability of non-credit and workforce programs through data-informed decision-making and market-responsive offerings.
• Leads college-wide community engagement and outreach efforts, strengthening the College’s presence and impact across the service area.
• Provides oversight of Work-Based Learning, Community Education, Adult Education, and the SENMC Workforce Training Center, ensuring programs are aligned, efficient, and responsive to community and workforce needs.
• Oversees delivery of industry-recognized training programs, including safety, compliance, and certification-based offerings (e.g., MSHA), ensuring quality, compliance, and relevance.
• Expands adult education and community-based learning opportunities, including workforce readiness, upskilling, and lifelong learning initiatives.
• Ensures operational effectiveness and growth of the Workforce Training Center, including program development, scheduling, partnerships, and revenue generation.
• Collaborates with Marketing and the President’s Office to advance branding, communications, and public relations efforts that promote workforce programs and institutional impact.
• Supports regional economic development by engaging with prospective, new, and existing employers to identify workforce needs and align training solutions.
• Oversees the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of workforce training, customized industry programs, and community education offerings that prepare individuals for employment and career advancement.
• Develops and expands apprenticeship, internship, and work-based learning opportunities aligned with regional workforce demands.
• Identifies, secures, and manages alternative funding sources, including grants, contracts, partnerships, and gifts to support program growth and sustainability.
• Partners with Academic Affairs to align non-credit and credit pathways, creating stackable credentials and seamless student transitions.
• Ensures programs and services are responsive to the diverse needs of the College’s service area, including youth enrichment and community-based learning opportunities.
• Collaborates with executive leadership to support institutional planning, policy development, and cross-functional initiatives.
• Establishes and monitors performance metrics to evaluate program effectiveness, workforce outcomes, and return on investment.
• Maintains a strong, visible presence in the region, representing the College with business leaders, community partners, and educational institutions.
• Leads or supports special projects and initiatives as assigned by the President.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of workforce development, community engagement, economic development, and customized industry training programs.
• Understanding of higher education operations and complex organizational systems, including public and governmental environments.
• Knowledge of grant funding processes, including federal, state, and foundation funding opportunities.
• Understanding of institutional mission, vision, and strategic priorities, with the ability to align programs accordingly.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving economically and culturally diverse populations.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to navigate complex personnel and organizational dynamics.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to engage effectively with students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to collaborate, negotiate, and build partnerships with individuals, organizations, and industry leaders.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, promote, and expand workforce programs in alignment with community and industry needs.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, including the ability to make sound decisions and communicate effectively in challenging situations.
• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, facilitate planning forums, and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and ability to manage confidential information.
• Ability to work independently while fostering a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to remain adaptable, responsive, and effective under pressure and in dynamic environments.

Work Environment and Physical Demand:

• Reach and grasp objects
• Stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Use of video display terminal
• Use of manual dexterity and fine motor skills
• Communicate information orally and in writing
• Receive and understand information through oral and written communication
• Proofread and check documents for accuracy
• Work a fluctuating work schedule

Performing the essential functions of this position requires the use of a computer throughout most of the workday, the ability to navigate a typical office environment, significant amounts of interpersonal interaction including oral and written communication, and the ability to keep track of multiple tasks, projects, deadlines, information sources, and business processes. This job description is intended to be generic in nature and describe the essential functions of the job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities, and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.

Affirmative Action Statement:

SENMC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer dedicated to excellence through diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.