CMU Tech Assistant VP of Workforce Development

ANNOUNCEMENT OF POSITION VACANCY

Title (Function): CMU Tech Assistant VP of Workforce Development
Department: CMU Tech
Reporting To: VP, Technical Education & Workforce Development
FLSA Status: Exempt
Compensation: $90,000.00-95,000.00. Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits package: Click here for more information!
Open Date: 07/16/2025
Close Date: 08/03/2025 11:59 PM MST

SECTION
I - OUR VALUES CULTIVATE OUR VISION AND CULTURE

At CMU, we believe
in acting from a foundation of goodwill. This belief gives us the courage to
form meaningful relationships, embark on joint endeavors and take risks in the
pursuit of new possibilities. It's this courage that enables the Mavily to explore
new ways of thinking and doing, knowing that there is no perfect solution, no
perfect idea.

From this place of humility and courage, we've built a culture of resilience.
We invest in the future by continuously adapting to change, overcoming
challenges, and seizing new opportunities. We recognize that change is
constant, and our resilience allows us to embrace it with confidence. Endless
curiosity drives us to approach the unexpected as if it were expected, seeing
opportunities for discovery and renewal in every challenge. In this community
rooted in love and dignity, curiosity thrives, leading to endless opportunities
for growth and advancement.

Inspired by the soul of the West-the spirit that our region embodies-we emerge
as a force for positive change, harnessing our collective power to build a
Human Scale University that reflects our values and brings to life our shared
vision of the world we aspire to create.

Colorado Mesa University Core Values
Love - Extending oneself for nurturing the growth of self and
others
Dignity - Respecting the intrinsic value of each person and
believing that others act from a foundation of goodwill
Courage - Taking risks in the pursuit of new possibilities
Humility - Suspending one's ego and pride to recognize that no idea
is perfect and being open to the input of others
Resiliency - Investing in the future by adapting to changes,
overcoming challenges and pursuing Opportunity
Curiosity - Cultivating awe and exploring the unknown
Power - The strength to act collaboratively with individual agency to
achieve our goals

SECTION
II - THE SEAT

At CMU, we look at
every position as a seat. Every seat is vital and the individual in the seat
contributes significantly to our mission of providing an affordable and
accessible education and forming meaningful and mutually enriching partnerships
that support the well-being and vibrancy of our community. As a human centric
organization, a priority is to ensure we have the "right seats" in our
organization, and that the expectations, ownership and accountabilities are
defined and communicated clearly for the success of the individuals holding the
seats.

The leader in this seat will serve as
the Assistant Vice President for Workforce Development (AVPWD), a
full-time executive responsible for driving workforce education and training
initiatives that respond to industry needs. This role advances CMU Tech's
mission by building strong partnerships, aligning programs with economic
priorities and securing external funding. The AVPWD helps cultivate a culture
of innovation, collaboration, and real-world impact in workforce development
across the institution and community.

In
collaboration with the Vice President for CMU Tech, program directors, and
external stakeholders, the AVPWD leads efforts to strengthen the impact and
reach of CMU Tech's workforce initiatives. This includes guiding the
development of high-quality, industry-relevant programs and advancing strategic
projects that support regional talent. The AVPWD ensures that workforce
initiatives are responsive and aligned with CMU Tech's vision.

OVERVIEW AND ROLE SCOPE OF TEAM AND/OR TASKS
The AVPWD provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for the
planning, implementation, and evaluation of workforce development programs and
partnerships. The AVP collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to
align training and education programs with regional labor market demands,
promote economic development, and works with the Director of Instruction to expand
career pathways for students and community members.

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of workforce education and training programs.
  
• Collaborate with industry, community organizations, and educational partners to assess labor market trends and develop responsive, high-impact workforce strategies.
  
• Secure and manage grants, contracts, and alternative funding sources to support workforce development initiatives.
  
• Supervise and support directors, coordinators, and staff within the workforce division, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
  
• Align workforce programs with federal, state, and regional priorities, including compliance with WIOA, Perkins, and other relevant policies.
  
• Serve as a liaison to local Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs), economic development councils, employer advisory groups, and other key external partners.
  
• Facilitate and promote CMU Tech policies and strategic priorities through outreach to workforce partners, chambers of commerce, civic groups, and education leaders.
  
• Prepare reports, planning documents, and presentations for internal leadership, governing boards, and external stakeholders.
  
• Report on and analyze trends in technical education, both nationally and within Colorado, with an emphasis on policy alignment and mission relevance.
  
• Work collaboratively across departments and with external stakeholders to coordinate strategic initiatives and advance CMU Tech's workforce mission.
  
  ROLES
  The
  following roles define the core areas of leadership and oversight held by the
  Assistant Vice President for Workforce Development (AVPWD). Each responsibility
  contributes to advancing a cohesive and results-driven workforce strategy.
  These roles reflect the AVPWD's broad leadership scope, with emphasis on
  external partnerships, workforce alignment, funding acquisition, and internal
  operational oversight.
  
  Workforce
  Strategy and Industry Engagement
  
• Focus: Aligning programs with labor market needs, engaging with employers and advisory groups, promoting CMU Tech's role in workforce ecosystems.

  Workforce
  Grants and Compliance



• Focus: Securing/managing grants and contracts, ensuring compliance with WIOA, Perkins, and accreditation standards.

  Stakeholder
  and Community Engagement



• Focus: Leading outreach to local governments, chambers, WIBs, civic organizations, and education partners to support strategic initiatives.

  Technical
  Education Policy and Planning



• Focus: Monitoring and analyzing trends in technical education, preparing strategic reports and advising leadership on policy implications.

  Workforce
  Division / Operations
  
  

• Focus: Supervising staff and coordinating internal operations across workforce education programs.

  The
  AVPWD is accountable for delivering the following outcomes:

  
  Development
  and Launch of Market-Aligned Programs



• Lead the design and
  implementation of workforce training and technical education programs that
  respond to current and projected labor market demands.
  
• Ensure new programs are developed
  in alignment with industry needs, state/federal workforce priorities
  (WIOA, Perkins), and institutional goals.

  
  Growth
  in Enrollment and Completion Rates



• Increase student enrollment in
  workforce training.
  
• Work with the Director of
  Instruction to enhance continuing education and industry credentials for
  technical programs.

  
  Expansion
  of Industry and Community Partnerships



• Establish and maintain active
  partnerships with employers, Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs), chambers
  of commerce, and economic development agencies.
  
• Facilitate work-based learning
  opportunities such as apprenticeships, internships, and job placements.

  
  Successful
  Acquisition and Stewardship of External Funding



• Secure competitive grants,
  contracts, and other funding sources to support workforce development.
  
• Ensure effective grant
  management, compliance, and performance reporting.

  
  Staff
  Development and Organizational Effectiveness



• Build a high-performing team
  within the workforce division through strong supervision, professional
  development, and accountability practices.
  
• Promote collaboration and
  operational efficiency across programs.

  
  Compliance
  with Federal, State, and Accreditation Requirements



• Ensure all workforce education
  programs meet regulatory requirements, including those tied to WIOA,
  Perkins, and applicable accrediting bodies.
  
• Maintain accurate and timely
  reporting of outcomes and fiscal stewardship.

  
  Implementation
  of Strategic Initiatives



• Deliver progress on key CMU Tech
  workforce initiatives, as outlined in institutional strategic plans.
  
• Develop planning documents and
  performance dashboards to track implementation and impact.

  
  Promotion
  of Equity in Workforce Access and Outcomes



• Demonstrate measurable progress
  in reducing equity gaps in enrollment, completion, and employment outcomes
  for underrepresented groups.
  
• Embed inclusive practices in
  program design, hiring, and community engagement.

  
  Data-Informed
  Decision-Making and Reporting



• Provide timely, data-driven
  insights and reports to internal leadership, governing boards, and
  external stakeholders.
  
• Use labor market data,
  performance metrics, and stakeholder feedback to guide continuous
  improvement.

  
  Additional
  metrics may be assigned based on CMU Tech needs.

  
  SECTION
  III - OUR DESIRES FOR RIGHT FIT

  For the success of
  our mission and our teams, we desire to have individuals who are a "Right Fit"
  in our seats. We define "Right Fit" as those who embrace our culture,
  demonstrate our values, understand the seat and what is required. We seek
  individuals who want this seat, desire to be a part of a bigger vision and have
  the capacity to be a successful member of our CMU team.

• Exceptional communication skills, strategic thinking, and experience in both the private and public sectors
  
• A strong commitment to long-term relationship building and effective stewardship with key stakeholder groups
  
• A broad network of contacts across the private and public sectors, preferably throughout Colorado
  
• A results-driven mindset with a passion for advancing University initiatives and proposals
  
• The ability to effectively advocate for public higher education, with a particular focus on Colorado Mesa University and CMU Tech
  
• A high standard of professional integrity

  CAPACITY REQUIREMENTS



• Strategic planning and program evaluation
  
• Stakeholder engagement and collaboration
  
• Fiscal and operational management
  
• Grant writing and compliance
  
• Communication and public speaking
  
• Equity-minded leadership
  
  ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE FOR RIGHT FIT
  
• A master's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education is required.
  
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressive administrative experience.
  
• Demonstrated leadership in strategic planning, operational oversight, or program administration within a complex organizational setting.
  
  Reasonable
  accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
  the essential functions.
  
  DISCLAIMER - This position description is only a summary of the typical
  functions of this seat, and not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and
  areas of accountability.
  
  DIRECT INQUIRIES
  CONTACT: Brigitte Sundermann, [email protected]
  
  HOW TO APPLY: Applicants will be
  asked to complete an online application by creating a profile and then
  providing personal and demographic information. In addition, please be prepared
  to upload a:
  
• Cover letter
  
• Resume
  
• Include the name,
  phone number, email address and relationship of at least three professional
  references who can attest to your ability to perform the job you are applying
  for. Professional references should include at least one current or former
  supervisor. Professional reference may also include current or former
  employers, colleagues or other professionals who have first-hand knowledge and
  can recommend you for employment.
  
• Copy of
  transcripts for all degrees completed (if your transcripts include a social
  security number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploading
  the document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire)

  ABOUT
  COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY

  A comprehensive
  university in Grand Junction, Colorado Mesa University provides exceptional
  educational opportunities on a state-of-the-art campus. As western Colorado's
  largest university, CMU serves students on its main campus in Grand Junction,
  its satellite campus in Montrose, its technical college, CMU Tech, and via
  online offerings.

  Colorado Mesa
  University serves as the primary intellectual and cultural center of western
  Colorado and promotes the exchange of ideas that are of regional, national, and
  international importance. Founded in 1925, it is a dynamic university enrolling
  10,000 students at the associate, baccalaureate, and graduate levels.
  
  At the heart of
  the CMU experience is an integrative and experiential approach to higher
  education that encourages students to think differently and empowers them to
  challenge assumptions. CMU brings students together with expert scholars and
  thinkers from different disciplines to make connections between ideas and gain
  the skills to solve the unstructured, complex problems they will encounter in
  life. Our focus is on providing quality academic programs, built on a strong
  liberal arts core that supports students' interests and regional employment
  needs, as well as technical programs that respond to vocational workforce
  demands.
  
  The Grand Valley is
  home to some of the best outdoor recreation in the state of Colorado and you
  will not have to fight traffic and crowds to enjoy it. CMU is surrounded by the
  Grand Mesa, Book Cliffs, and the Colorado National Monument. We have world-class
  mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, rafting, and a mountain resort that's
  less than 45 minutes from campus for skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country
  skiing. Living and working in Grand Junction, you will be able to explore one
  of Colorado's best kept secrets.
  
  Colorado Mesa
  University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working
  with students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment
  to improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented students
  within higher education.
  
  Colorado Mesa
  University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living
  community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all
  final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations
  include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when
  appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. Applicant must be able
  to verify U.S. employment eligibility. Colorado Mesa University is an Equal
  Opportunity Employer, committed to a culturally diverse faculty, staff and
  student body. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Any person with a
  disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided
  reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an
  employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact the CMU
  Human Resources Office by phone or email. You may be asked to provide
  additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional
  limitations and the type of accommodation needed.

  
  Colorado Mesa University
  
  Attn: Human Resources Office
  
  1100 North Avenue
  
  Grand Junction, CO 81501

  
  970.248.1820