Associate Vice President for Workforce Development

Career Guide

An Associate Vice President for Workforce Development is a senior leader who builds and grows programs that help people gain job skills and help employers find talent. The role typically sits in a college, university, workforce system, or economic development organization and focuses on employer partnerships, program strategy, funding, and measurable outcomes.

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Key Responsibilities

Set the workforce development strategy and annual goals
Build employer partnerships to align training with hiring needs
Oversee short-term training programs and industry credential offerings
Lead teams across program design, operations, outreach, and employer services
Secure and manage funding from public grants, philanthropy, and contracts
Coordinate with academic leaders to create clear pathways from training to degrees
Develop services for learners such as career coaching and job placement
Manage budgets, contracts, and vendor relationships
Track performance metrics such as enrollment, completion, job placement, and wage gains
Represent the organization with government, industry groups, and community partners
Ensure equitable access for underserved communities
Improve processes and systems to scale programs sustainably

Top Skills for Success

Strategic Planning

Stakeholder Management

Executive Communication

People Leadership

Budget Management

Program Management

Partnership Development

Employer Engagement

Workforce Program Design

Grant Writing

Grant Management

Contract Negotiation

Performance Measurement

Labor Market Analysis

Policy Literacy

Change Management

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Vice President of Workforce Development

Vice President of Continuing Education

Chief Workforce Officer

Chief Operating Officer

Executive Director of Workforce Development

Dean of Workforce and Economic Development

Transition Opportunities

Economic Development Director Talent Development Director

Government Workforce Program Director

Corporate Learning Leader

Nonprofit Program Executive

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Grant ManagementPerformance MeasurementLabor Market AnalysisContract NegotiationChange ManagementEmployer Engagement

Development SuggestionsBuild a portfolio of outcomes using a simple scorecard, lead at least one employer-led program launch, and take ownership of one funding cycle from proposal through reporting. Strengthen executive presence by presenting quarterly results to external partners and internal leadership.

Market Intelligence Report

Associate Vice President for Workforce Development is part of the Business Development category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 110,000 to 150,000

Mid LevelUSD 150,000 to 210,000

Senior LevelUSD 210,000 to 280,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand, driven by upskilling needs, talent shortages, public workforce funding, and employer interest in faster training pipelines.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Miami Dade CollegeHouston Community CollegeCity Colleges of ChicagoNorthern Virginia Community CollegePima Community CollegeMaricopa Community CollegesArizona State UniversityWestern Governors UniversityJobs for the FutureYear Up

Industry Sectors

Community CollegesUniversitiesWorkforce BoardsState and Local GovernmentEconomic Development OrganizationsNonprofits focused on job trainingHealthcare SystemsManufacturing AssociationsTechnology Training ProvidersPhilanthropic Foundations

Recommended Next Steps

Review local labor market data and identify two priority industries to target

Map current programs to employer needs and pinpoint gaps in training offerings

Create a one-page partnership pitch for employers with clear value and outcomes

Implement a quarterly metrics dashboard for enrollment, completion, placement, and wages

Develop a funding plan that blends grants, contracts, and philanthropic support

Schedule informational interviews with workforce board leaders and major regional employers

Update your resume and LinkedIn with measurable program and partnership results

Join a professional association focused on workforce and continuing education leadership