Director, Workforce Innovation & Solutions (On-Site)

To ensure full consideration applications should be submitted by July 30 2026. Review of applications will begin on July 30 2026 and continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Candidates whose qualifications and experience most closely align with the requirements of the position will be contacted.

Due to the nature of the work environment candidates must be a US person as defined by US export control regulations and eligible to access controlled unclassified information (CUI).

The Pay Perks and Benefits

• Annual Salary of $122776 - $138226
• Retirement benefits are provided through the Virginia Retirement System with employer match.
• Generous time off is provided including vacation paid sick leave and paid family leave after one year.
• Paid holidays are provided including a two week paid winter break.
• Anthem PPO and HSA health plans are offered with excellent dental options.

What You Will Do
The Director of Workforce Innovation and Solutions leads the development and execution of innovative workforce strategies that address the evolving talent needs of the manufacturing industry. This role serves as a strategic connector between industry education technology and workforce systems to create scalable solutions that strengthen the manufacturing talent pipeline.

Working closely with manufacturers educational institutions government agencies workforce organizations and economic development partners the Director identifies workforce challenges develops customized talent solutions and advances initiatives that support workforce readiness in advanced manufacturing. This position drives the integration of emerging technologiesincluding automation robotics artificial intelligence additive manufacturing and Industry 4.0 principlesinto workforce development strategies and programs.

The Director provides leadership for workforce innovation initiatives strategic partnerships business development efforts and employer engagement activities that position Manufacturing Advancement as a leading voice in workforce development and manufacturing competitiveness

How You Will Help the Team
Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute workforce innovation strategies aligned with industry workforce needs and organizational priorities.
• Monitor workforce trends labor market data and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for growth and impact.
• Serve as a thought leader in advanced manufacturing workforce development.

Industry & Partner Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with manufacturers industry associations educational institutions workforce boards government agencies and economic development partners.
• Assess employer workforce challenges and develop customized workforce solutions.
• Represent Manufacturing Advancement at industry events conferences and advisory groups.

Workforce Solutions & Program Development

• Lead the design implementation and continuous improvement of workforce development programs and talent initiatives.
• Develop training pathways credentialing strategies and employer-driven workforce solutions.
• Ensure programs reflect current manufacturing practices emerging technologies and workforce needs.

Business Development & Innovation

• Identify opportunities to expand workforce services partnerships and revenue-generating initiatives.
• Support proposal development grant opportunities and strategic growth efforts.
• Promote innovative approaches that improve workforce outcomes and employer engagement.

Program & Team Leadership

• Lead workforce initiatives from concept through implementation.
• Establish performance measures and evaluate program effectiveness.
• Mentor staff foster collaboration and support organizational strategic planning.

Your Knowledge and Expertise
Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Manufacturing Engineering Industrial Technology Workforce Development Education Business Organizational Leadership or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Seven (7) or more years of progressive experience in workforce development manufacturing technical education industry engagement economic development or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of direct experience developing implementing and overseeing workforce training and talent pipeline programs for industry partners including both K-12 workforce development initiatives and adult workforce training programs. Candidates must possess significant experience in both areas.
• Experience developing workforce programs talent strategies or employer-driven training solutions.
• Demonstrated success building partnerships with industry education government and workforce organizations.
• Experience leading complex projects with multiple stakeholders budgets and deliverables.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations skilled trades workforce challenges and emerging technologies.
• Excellent communication relationship-building and strategic planning skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in a related field.
• Ten (10) or more years of leadership experience in workforce development manufacturing technical education economic development or workforce strategy.
• Experience with apprenticeship programs customized training competency-based education or credentialing initiatives.
• Knowledge of advanced manufacturing technologies including automation robotics AI additive manufacturing Industry 4.0 and digital manufacturing.
• Experience managing grants contracts or externally funded initiatives.
• Proven success in business development consulting customer engagement or strategic partnership development.
• Relevant professional certifications such as PMP Lean Six Sigma workforce development or manufacturing credentials.

What Makes Working Here Different
At Manufacturing Advancement you will help shape the future of manufacturing by developing innovative workforce solutions that strengthen businesses create career opportunities and support economic growth. This role offers the opportunity to collaborate with industry leaders influence workforce strategy and drive initiatives that have a measurable impact on employers workers and communities.

Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race color religion sex national origin age disability veteran status or any other protected status