To advance the college’s mission, vision, principles, values and strategic initiatives through continuous improvement decisions.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY: 

The Director of Corporate Training is responsible for leading Kirkwood’s corporate training team, managing employer partnerships, and overseeing the administration of the 260E training program. This role plays a key part in developing and expanding customized corporate training solutions, ensuring alignment with workforce needs, and maximizing the impact of state-funded training programs.

The Director will work closely with businesses, industry leaders, economic development organizations, and internal stakeholders to strengthen Kirkwood’s role as a leader in workforce development. This position will oversee the delivery of contract training, manage financial performance, and drive continuous improvement in corporate learning initiatives.

The ideal candidate is an experienced workforce development leader with a proven track record in corporate training, team management, employer engagement, and program oversight.

UNIVERSAL CORE COMPETENCIES: 

• Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence.
• Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working together with a willingness to take ownership and account for our actions. 
• Champion Service- anticipating needs and create a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment. 
• Perseverance- commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success. 
• Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence. 

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:

• Leadership: Leads the corporate training team in delivering high-quality, results-driven training programs.
• Strategic Thinking: Aligns training programs with regional workforce needs and economic development goals.
• Business Acumen: Understands corporate training trends, funding opportunities, and employer expectations.
• Collaboration: Works with internal teams, businesses, and funding agencies to strengthen Kirkwood’s training impact.
• Accountability: Ensures corporate training programs and 260E initiatives meet compliance, financial, and performance goals.

Leadership of the Corporate Training Team:

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to the corporate training team, ensuring alignment with institutional and workforce development goals.
• Oversee the recruitment, onboarding, and development of corporate trainers, program coordinators, and staff.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement within the corporate training division.
• Set performance goals and key metrics to measure training effectiveness and business impact.

Corporate Training & Business Engagement:

• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with businesses, industry leaders, and economic development agencies.
• Conduct needs assessments with employers to design customized workforce training solutions.
• Expand corporate training offerings in high-demand industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, IT, and business leadership.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of contract training programs to ensure high-quality, competency-based learning.
• Work with marketing and enrollment teams to drive corporate client engagement and training participation.

Financial & Performance Management:

• Oversee budget development, financial forecasting, and revenue management for corporate training initiatives.
• Establish pricing structures and contract agreements to ensure financial sustainability.
• Track and analyze program enrollment, employer engagement, and ROI to inform decision-making.
• Identify opportunities for additional grants, workforce funding, and industry partnerships.
• Perform other related work duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

• Provide strong leadership and guidance to the corporate training team.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal workforce training funding requirements, including 260E reporting.
• Build and maintain high-impact relationships with businesses and industry partners.
• Deliver scalable, high-quality corporate training programs that drive business and workforce success.
• Demonstrate entrepreneurial thinking and a proactive approach to business engagement and program innovation.
• Occasional travel required for business meetings, workforce development initiatives, and industry events.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings or weekends, based on employer needs.   
• Welcome, value, and nurture people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, as well as support and promote an environment that accepts differences.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential job duties/responsibilities and performance expectations of the job, which should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

Position involves working in an office setting. Occasional (10-33%) standing, pushing, pulling and grasping. Frequent (34-66%) reaching and viewing a computer and other types of close visual work. Constant (67-100%) sitting, walking, repetitive motion, talking and hearing. 

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, workforce development, education, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in corporate training, workforce development, or business engagement.
• Proven leadership experience in managing teams, training programs, and employer partnerships.
• Experience with state-funded workforce training programs, including 260E.
• Strong business development, contract negotiation, and employer engagement skills.
• Knowledge of adult learning principles, instructional design, and training program evaluation.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and leadership skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Experience in a community college or higher education setting.
• PMP (Project Management Professional) or relevant certification.
• Knowledge of learning management systems (LMS), CRM tools, and training analytics platforms.