Director, Economic and Workforce… at South Orange… · Mission…

Job Description / Essential Elements

Director, Economic and Workforce Development

Salary: $174,120.00 - $257,280.00 Annually

Location: Saddleback College - Mission Viejo, CA

Job Type: SC - Management (Full-Time)

Job Number: 202401243

Office, Division, or School: SC - Division of Workforce Program Innovation and Partnership

Opening Date: 10/29/2026

Closing Date: 11/18/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Supplemental Information

Required Documents: Resume and Cover Letter

Range 19 of the District Management Team Salary Schedule

Employment in this position is contingent upon funding by: Strong Workforce Program Local, Contract Education

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) - Schedule and shift are subject to change in accordance with the department's needs.

Hours per Week: 40

Months per Year: 12

Culture of Care:

At the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD), we foster a Culture of Care grounded in connection, collaboration, inclusion, and service. We seek employees who contribute to a welcoming, student-centered environment and who understand the important role every position plays in advancing student success and strengthening our District community. Our employees build meaningful relationships, demonstrate empathy and professionalism, and promote a culture of belonging, engagement, and mutual respect.

Join SOCCCD and be part of a community dedicated to connection, purpose, and impact. We are seeking collaborative professionals committed to supporting students, creating meaningful experiences, and contributing to an inclusive and supportive workplace. Every employee helps shape a Caring District—one where students, colleagues, and the broader community feel valued, respected, and empowered. If you are passionate about service and making a positive difference, we invite you to bring your talents to our team.

Application Instructions:

• Complete all sections and fields on the application and attach all required documents – incomplete applications may not be considered.

• Include all relevant education, training, and/or experience on the application.

• Do not include any personally identifiable, confidential, or otherwise unrequested information that does not pertain to job related factors (e.g., social security number, date of birth, pictures, etc.) on your application or attached documents.

• For job postings with a close date, all applications received by 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on the job posting close date, will receive consideration.

• For job postings with an initial screening date, all applications received by 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on the job posting initial screening date, will receive priority consideration; however, typically the job posting will remain open, and continue to accept applications, until the position is filled.

Description

Specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the position. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

The Director of Economic and Workforce development plans, develops, organizes, implements, and evaluates the goals, objectives, programs, services, and budgets of the College’s Economic and Workforce Development (EWD) function. Serve as the College’s primary external workforce and training representative to agencies, consortia, partnerships, regional workforce groups, employers, and community stakeholders throughout the region. Cultivate and promote positive and substantive relationships with local business and industry to identify workforce needs and expand training opportunities. Develop and oversee fee-based and contract education programming that generates revenue in support of departmental goals and promotes the development of work experience education and apprenticeship opportunities with employers. Serve as a leader and advocate for the College within the external community. Coordinate branding, marketing, and outreach efforts for the College’s EWD program; collaborate with School and Division Deans to coordinate credit and noncredit contract education offerings; prepare and administer annual budgets for assigned programs; and provide responsible and complex administrative support, analysis, and recommendations to Administrative Leadership.

Foster a culture of collaboration, mutual respect, innovation, and continuous improvement throughout the district; lead by example; actively participate in and support district-wide participatory governance components and activities and other collaborative processes; encourage professional excellence among the staff and promote an organizational culture of customer service, innovation, and quality services.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

• Receives general direction from the appropriate level manager, administrator, or designee.

• Exercises functional and technical supervision over assigned managers, classified professionals, student staff and contractual personnel.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

• The following duties and responsibilities are typical for this position. Incumbents may not perform all the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Provide leadership in the administration of all externally focused economic and workforce development programs and services of the College, including EWD personnel management, in accordance with laws, regulations, District policy and collective bargaining agreements; direct and evaluate assigned programs and services, which may include, but are not limited to, economic and workforce development and grant-funded projects.

• Formulate, recommend, and implement long and short-range goals and strategic plans for area of assignment, requesting resources required through the College process; assure consistency of unit plans with other College and District plans; lead economic and workforce development assignment in alignment with College’s mission, goals and objectives.

• Represent the College to business, industry and governmental agency-based organizations on local, state, and national committees and taskforces regarding economic and workforce development and training; establish and support an EWD advisory board made up of representatives of the community and local business and industry.

• Contact and develop connections with local business and industry representatives; provide technical assistance to companies and facilitate related economic development activities in the region.

• Conduct needs assessments and assist in the collection and analysis of significant data, which reflects existing needs of the local business community.

• Facilitate the creation, implementation and evaluation of the College’s EWD plan; recommend and assist in the implementation/evaluation of goals and objectives for assigned services and functions.

• Serve as a liaison between the College and business organizations, community and regional groups, other community colleges and four-year colleges and universities; interface with the community and external agencies in all matters of economic and workforce development, including, but not limited to, career technical training, basic skill development and proprietary training for businesses.

• Foster innovation in economic and workforce development programs and services; work with the community, business, industry and other educational institutions to promote areas of assignment; contribute to the development and implementation of a coordinated outreach, marketing and public relations process.

• Participate in the collection, compilation, and analysis of information from various sources on a variety of specialized topics related to business and/or program development; prepare reports that present and interpret data, identify options to address identified needs; and make and justify recommendations for business and/or program development.

• Work with content experts to propose training programs that meet community, industry and government training needs.

• Solicit and utilize feedback from employers, employees, faculty, students and other departments to develop fee-based and contract education-training solutions and make improvements in EWD operations.

• Work collaboratively to develop partnerships/agreements with businesses, advisory boards, and professional associations; cultivate and promote positive and substantive relationships with local business and industry.

• Plan, coordinate and direct customized programs and services that address the economic and workforce development needs in the region, including short- and long-term training programs, workshops, and seminars, to meet identified needs. Identify and expand economic development opportunities targeting local, regional, and international firms that strive to address training needs.

• Attend workshops, professional conferences, and trade shows for program planning and development and marketing services; and serve on a variety of community and state committees.

• Work with the marketing department at the respective College to brand and market the EWD program, including creative solutions related to social media, website enhancement, press releases and collateral marketing pieces.

• Serve on business, community and EWD boards to ensure the College has input and influence in the development of public policy on economic and workforce development.

• Seek appropriate funding opportunities for assigned programs and services through partnerships, fee-based activities, grants, contracts and other alternative revenue sources to promote, grow, and expand future economic and workforce development projects and programs.

• Negotiate, prepare and submit contracts for contract education and using approved process and templates for instructional service agreements, ensuring compliance with regulations, such as Title 5 requirements, and good business practices for credit and noncredit instruction, District policies and procedures.

• Design and administer training and employment preparation programs in accordance with College policy and external funding provisions; direct the preparation, submission and maintenance of detailed and comprehensive reports, records and files regarding programs, services, personnel, facilities and activities as necessary; and process required data and reports in a timely manner.

• Ensure the accurate and timely development, preparation, submittal, administration, and monitoring of annual budgets for assigned programs; provide administrative oversight of all assigned funds and budgets; monitor and control all such funds in a responsible manner; direct the maintenance of necessary records and controls to assure expenditures and operations remain within established budget limitations in conformance with District policy; monitor and approve purchase requisitions and prepare agenda items for Board approval as needed.

• Participate in the selection of staff as necessary; train and supervise classified and contract employees; evaluate employees per contract.

• Hire, train, supervise and evaluate the performance of contract trainers for contract education in keeping with Board policies and administrative procedures; visit contracted work sites and observe and evaluate training methods and effectiveness; and administer employment contracts.

• In cooperation and coordination with School/Division Deans, plan, coordinate, and direct contract education courses (credit, noncredit, or not-for-credit) and work with faculty to review and facilitate development of credit curriculum requested for contract education; hire college faculty under contract to teach externally funded EWD Contract Education courses.

• Cultivate internship opportunities for students and connect employers to the career resource center; notify appropriate Deans of internship opportunities identified for their programs.

• Act on opportunities to support and promote College career technical education programs and services to business and industry. Organize and manage events on campus for community, business, and industry representatives.

• Organize, attend or chair a variety of administrative and staff meetings related to economic and workforce development; provide workshops on EWD topics as requested.

• Participate in State, national, and international activities that promote economic and workforce development and provides assistance in the creation of high quality and innovative workforce training approaches.

• Perform other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position and the District's mission and philosophy.

• Report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education:

Bachelor's Degree in a discipline commonly taught at a community college from an accredited College or university; Master's Degree preferred.

Experience:

A minimum of five years successful managerial and leadership experience in a post-secondary education/training environment and experience in successfully developing new programs and services, developing collaborative partnerships and project management experience.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND/OR OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid California driver’s license.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• A community college system and academic terminology.

• Basic outcome metrics, data collection and analysis that demonstrates effectiveness of operation.

• Budget preparation and administration, principles and processes, including budget development and meeting annual revenue and budget goals.

• Community/public relations.

• Computer systems and software applications related to area of assignment, including database management, spreadsheets, word processing and specialized software/web-based systems.

• Effective sales techniques.

• Evidence of a working knowledge of local, regional and national workforce trends, legislation and related agencies.

• Evidence of sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of clients, faculty and staff.

• Evidence of understanding and experience with the principles of collegial consultation.

• Extensive knowledge of grant- and externally-funded programs and processes.

• External resource development (e.g. grant writing, fundraising, contracting).

• Familiarity with the Orange County business community and workforce development systems.

• Financial record keeping.

• High level business department, government, or industry organization related to EWD.

• Management techniques that encourage creativity improve efficiency and increase productivity.

• Marketing and public relations.

• Oral and written communication skills, including correct English composition, grammar, spelling and vocabulary.

• Organizational and management practices.

• Planning and organizational skills.

• Principles and practices of training, supervision, motivation, and evaluation of employees.

• Principles of program evaluation, quality assurance and continuous quality improvement.

• Proposal and budget development.

• Website maintenance via a content management system.

• Workforce development methodology, programs, resources, and providers.

ABILITY TO:

• Accomplish work through effective time management and direction of staff.

• Administer budgets, personnel and facilities effectively and in compliance with State and Federal regulations and District policies and procedures.

• Advocate for assigned programs.

• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.

• Assess, manage, implement, and use technology in the management and delivery of training programs.

• Build educational partnerships with business, industry, community or other educational institutions.

• Collect, compile and analyze data, and prepare reports utilizing data.

• Communicate clearly, concisely and effectively, using various means including written/oral communication and public speaking with diverse constituencies within and outside of the District.

• Demonstrate commitment to professional excellence.

• Demonstrate evidence of sensitivity, understanding, commitment and ability to effective with clients of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, physically challenged and ethnic backgrounds.

• Demonstrate flexibility, adaptability and interpersonal skills including tact, patience and diplomacy.

• Demonstrate success in obtaining external funding sources and developing and implementing innovative programs and follow-up reporting related to this funding.

• Develop contract training programs for business and/or industry.

• Develop markets and promotional strategies for services and projects.

• Embrace and work effectively within a participatory governance structure.

• Encourage excellence within the EWD unit and promote an organizational culture of customer service, innovation, and quality services.

• Establish and maintain effective, harmonious, and collaborative relationships with a diverse population of clients, staff and community.

• Establish goals, identify data to be collected for their measurement, and meet/exceed annual objectives.

• Exercise initiative and work independently.

• Exercise judgment in choosing among possible actions (sometimes without clear precedents) and with concern for the consequences of the action.

• Forecast current and future needs and costs affecting assigned programs and services.

• Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.

• Interact with and develop relationships with local business and industry representatives.

• Interpret, analyze, apply and explain applicable, complex and technical District policies and procedures, local, State and Federal laws and regulations.

• Lead, train, supervise, and evaluate assigned staff.

• Learn District and College organization, operations, and objectives.

• Maintain related legislation, regulations and developments that could affect department operations; current knowledge of economic and workforce development; disseminate such information to appropriate personnel.

• Maintain written records and reports.

• Manage and assess technology needs in a training environment.

• Operate modern office equipment and computer applications and manage databases, documents and other software related to assigned unit.

• Operate successfully in a political environment.

• Perform job duties with tact, patience and sensitivity, and adherence to standards of ethical behavior and accountability.

• Plan, develop, coordinate, implement, direct, supervise, evaluate and promote programs utilizing external funds for training, employment, and workforce development purposes.

• Plan, organize, coordinate, manage and expedite assigned projects and activities related to assignment in a manner conducive to full performance and meeting deadlines.

• Prepare and communicate professional correspondence, reports, and electronic communications using effective business writing and email etiquette.

• Prepare oral and written reports and recommendations.

• Provide relevant facts and recommendation to supervisor.

• Represent the College at the community, state and national levels.

• Recruit qualified workforce development trainers and consultants.

• Research and apply applicable district policies, local, State and federal laws, codes and regulations concerning economic and workforce development for a California community college.

• Resolve conflicts and solve problems.

• Serve as an effective management team member.

• Train, supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel.

• Understand and effectively and collaboratively work in a complicated multi-college environment, as well as within a system of community college districts.

• Use independent judgment in the interpretation and application of rules, regulations, policies and procedures; check with assigned supervisor if there is not clarity regarding your understanding.

• Work effectively and collaboratively with administration, classified management, and staff to achieve common goals.

• Work effectively in a fast-paced environment with numerous interruptions.

• Write grants, proposals, recommendations, contracts, reports and correspondence.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The conditions herein 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 job functions.

Work Environment:

Standard office setting. Typically, duties are performed in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer workstation. An incumbent frequently visits business and community sites and is subject to contact with others, frequent interruptions, noise from talking or office equipment and demanding legal timelines.

Physical Demands:

The incumbent regularly sits for long periods, walks short distances on a regular basis, travels to various locations to visit instructional, business and community sites, attend meetings and conduct work; uses hands and fingers to operate an electronic keyboard or other office machines; reaches with hands and arms, speaks clearly and distinctly to answer telephones and to provide information; sees to read fine print and operate computer; hears and understands voices over telephone and in person; and lifts, carries, and/or moves objects weighing up to 10 pounds.

Notice to all Candidates for Employment:

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) will not sponsor any visa applications.

Employees must reside in California while employed with the SOCCCD.

California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System:

A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the SOCCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.

Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the SOCCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS

Disability Accommodations:

If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling (949) 582-4850 or sending an e-mail to hrinfodesk@socccd.edu.

Attendance Requirement:

All SOCCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

Campus Crime and Safety Awareness:

Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at www.ivc.edu or www.saddleback.edu. Paper copies are available in the Human Resources office upon request.

Non-Discrimination Notice:

The SOCCCD provides access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, military and veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

California Fair Chance Act:

The SOCCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the SOCCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access:

The SOCCCD is looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community.

The SOCCCD is committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed in their classes and as such, to eliminating institutional barriers that disproportionately impact students of color. Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment where students, staff, and faculty from diverse backgrounds can thrive academically and professionally.

Irvine Valley College (IVC) serves approximately 21,584 students, reflecting a rich diversity: 41% Asian, 2% Black/African-American, 21% Hispanic/Latino, 8% Southwest Asian and North African, 5% two or more races, and 21% White in Fall 2024.

Similarly, Saddleback College (SC) serves around 25,789 students, with demographics showing 12% Asian, 2% Black/African-American, 29% Hispanic/Latino, 5% two or more races, and 47% White in Fall 2024.

These numbers underscore the importance of our commitment to eliminating equity gaps across all student demographics through implementing dynamic, student-centered practices and policies. To support the academic and career success of our diverse student body, we seek a candidate who will actively contribute to our mission of inclusivity and support. The ideal candidate's values will align with SOCCCD’s goals for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO).

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The District is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and providing a workplace that is compliant and free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants are evaluated for employment without regard to ethnicity or race, color, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, age, veteran status, political or organizational affiliation, or any other protected characteristic in compliance with federal and California law.

THE SOCCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER