The AVP of Workforce and Continuing Education serves as the leader for the university’s noncredit and lifelong learning initiatives with a strong focus on sales, revenue generation, and market growth.  This position is responsible for identifying opportunities, cultivating relationships, and securing partnerships that expand the university’s impact in workforce training, professional development, and continuing education.  The AVP will lead the design, promotion, and scaling of innovative offerings—including micro-credentials, customized training, conferences, seminars, and workshops—delivered in online, hybrid, and in-person formats. Central to the role is building sustainable pipelines of learners and employer partnerships that align with workforce needs and the university’s mission. 

● Sales & Revenue Growth:
Serve as the primary sales leaders for workforce and continuing education, with responsibility for driving enrollment, expanding market reach, and meeting revenue targets. Proactively develop and execute sales strategies to attract partners. Negotiate and close agreements for customized workforce and continuing education solutions.

● Business Development & Partnership Expansion:
Identify and cultivate relationships with employers, industry leaders, workforce boards, and other partners to secure recurring business. Represent the university in workforce development networks and industry associations to expand visibility. Develop partnership models that ensure long-term collaboration and revenue growth. implement strategic plans to foster growth, innovation, and continuous improvement in noncredit and continuing education.

● Program Development & Administration:
Serve as the primary architect and point person for the planning, development, and execution of noncredit educational offerings. Ensure alignment with university strengths and the evolving needs of learners and the workforce.

● Workforce & Trend Analysis:
Conduct ongoing research and analysis of workforce and educational trends to inform programming decisions and identify new areas of opportunity.

● Partnership Development:
Build and maintain relationships with businesses, industries, government agencies, and community organizations. Represent the university in relevant local, state, and national organizations.

● Performance Measurement:
Develop, track, and report key performance metrics to measure program impact, growth, and effectiveness.

● Contract Management:
Oversee and ensure compliance with contractual agreements and memoranda of understanding (MOUs).

● Innovation & External Funding:
Actively pursue new program opportunities, external funding (e.g., grants, donations), and partnerships to support student success and program sustainability. Collaborate with university units to manage and administer grant-funded programs.

● Travel:
Some travel is required to engage with partners, attend conferences, and represent the university at various events.

Required Qualifications:
● Master’s degree in education, business, public administration, workforce development, or a related field.

● Minimum of five years of experience in sales, business development, or revenue-focused leadership within workforce or continuing education.

● Proven track record of meeting or exceeding revenue and growth goals.

● Demonstrated success in creating new programs and forming strategic partnerships with employers and external stakeholders.

● Strong knowledge of the higher education landscape, including teaching, research, and workforce development trends.

Preferred Qualifications:
● Experience leading strategic initiatives.

● Experience in pricing strategies, contract negotiation, and client relationship management.

● Experience in fundraising, grant writing, and scholarship or research development.

● Familiarity with managing grant-funded initiatives, as well as knowledge of regional and national workforce development funding sources and structures.

The physical demands characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Health & Safety: All staff has a statutory responsibility to take reasonable care of themselves, others and the environment and to prevent harm by their acts or omissions. All staff is therefore required to adhere to the University’s Health, Safety, and Environmental Policy & Procedures.

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, skills, and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

Special Instructions to Applicants: An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, Clarkson actively seeks and encourages applications from veterans and people with disabilities. 

All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully passing a background check (including, but not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, and criminal records