Director, Professional Workforce Development

About the University of Denver

Located where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains the University of Denver embodies the spirit of exploration and discovery that defines our region and our history. DU is a private institution built on exploration through research and collaboration among educators students and local and global communities. With nationally recognized academic programs a history of widespread influence a forward-looking vision for a 21st-century education and a deep commitment to promoting inclusion we open a world of opportunity to students and empower Pioneers to make a difference around the world. Through learning scholarship and practice students gain the experience knowledge and courage they need to tackle big challenges in the real world and guide diverse communities and organizations.

Department Summary

Professional and Workforce Development provides progressive in-demand and accessible professional education with a personalized approach. Our high-quality programs are designed to develop new skills and refresh existing proficiencies so you can gain the competitive edge within the market.

Through workshops and certificates credentialed by the University of Denver we foster professional and personal growth that will elevate your career and open doors to exciting new opportunities.

Position Summary

The Director of Professional Workforce Development leads strategic transformation of professional education through AI-powered workforce intelligence industry-responsive program development and innovative delivery solutions that address evolving market demands. This role drives institutional positioning as a premier provider of professional education by leveraging data analytics artificial intelligence and strategic partnerships to create cutting-edge programs that enhance career advancement and organizational capability. Working at the intersection of workforce development emerging technology and market intelligence this position ensures the College of Professional Studies (PSC) maintains a competitive advantage in the rapidly evolving professional education landscape.

Essential Functions

Strategic Program Innovation & Market Leadership (35%)

• Workforce Intelligence Development: Utilize AI-powered labor market analytics and predictive modeling to identify emerging skill gaps industry trends and professional development opportunities that inform strategic program planning and market positioning
• Industry-Responsive Program Design: Lead development of innovative professional education programs that incorporate real-time market data employer feedback and AI-enhanced curriculum design to ensure maximum relevance and career impact
• Competitive Market Analysis: Conduct comprehensive analysis of professional education landscape using advanced analytics tools to identify opportunities for program differentiation pricing optimization and strategic positioning
• Partnership Strategy Development: Establish strategic alliances with industry leaders professional associations and technology companies to create pipeline programs custom training solutions and credentialing pathways that enhance institutional reputation

AI-Enhanced Operations & Technology Integration (25%)

• Automated Program Management: Implement AI-powered systems for participant tracking engagement analytics completion prediction and personalized learning pathway recommendations to optimize student success and operational efficiency
• Intelligent Marketing & Outreach: Deploy machine learning algorithms for targeted marketing campaigns lead scoring enrollment prediction and personalized communication strategies that increase program participation and revenue
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Establish comprehensive analytics infrastructure that provides real-time insights on program performance participant satisfaction market trends and financial outcomes to inform strategic planning
• Technology Platform Optimization: Oversee implementation of advanced learning management systems AI-powered chatbots virtual reality training modules and other emerging technologies that enhance program delivery and participant experience

Team Leadership & Organizational Development (20%)

• Strategic Team Management: Supervise and develop Program Management staff through performance optimization professional development in emerging technologies and implementation of AI-enhanced workflow processes
• Change Management Leadership: Guide organizational transformation initiatives related to technology adoption process automation and data-driven program development while maintaining high-quality service delivery
• Budget & Revenue Optimization: Manage comprehensive financial planning including revenue forecasting using predictive analytics cost optimization through automation and strategic investment in technology and partnerships
• Performance Excellence: Establish KPIs and measurement frameworks that track program effectiveness participant outcomes market competitiveness and financial performance using advanced analytics and reporting tools

External Engagement & Strategic Partnerships (15%)

• University-Wide Professional Development: Partner with all DU schools and departments to develop professional education programs that serve faculty staff alumni and students across the entire university system creating revenue-generating opportunities and institutional synergies
• Cross-Campus Workforce Solutions: Collaborate with other DU colleges to create interdisciplinary professional programs that leverage university-wide expertise while expanding market reach and institutional impact
• Industry Collaboration: Serve as primary liaison with corporate partners professional organizations and workforce development agencies to create custom training solutions apprenticeship programs and credentialing pathways
• Thought Leadership Development: Represent the institution at industry conferences publish research on workforce trends and establish PSC as a thought leader in professional education innovation
• Grant Development & Funding: Identify and pursue federal state and private funding opportunities for workforce development initiatives that can benefit multiple university departments and create institution-wide impact
• Community Impact Initiatives: Develop programs that address regional workforce needs support underrepresented populations and create pathways for career advancement and economic mobility

Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement (5%)

• AI-Powered Quality Monitoring: Implement automated systems for program quality assessment participant feedback analysis and continuous improvement recommendations based on data analytics and machine learning insights
• Outcome Measurement & ROI Analysis: Establish comprehensive tracking systems that measure participant career advancement employer satisfaction and program return on investment using longitudinal data analysis
• Accreditation & Compliance Management: Ensure all programs meet accreditation standards industry certifications and regulatory requirements

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Strategic & Leadership Competencies

• Proven ability to lead strategic transformation initiatives and implement technology-enhanced solutions in educational or corporate environments
• Experience with market analysis competitive intelligence and data-driven strategic planning in professional education or related industries
• Strong background in budget management revenue optimization and team leadership in professional development contexts

Technical & Innovation Skills

• Advanced knowledge of AI applications in education learning analytics and workforce development technologies
• Experience with learning management systems marketing automation platforms and data analytics tools
• Experience with emerging trends in professional education including micro-credentials digital badges competency-based learning and professional education market trends and workforce development principles

Communication & Partnership Development

• Exceptional ability to build strategic partnerships with industry leaders professional organizations and technology vendors
• Strong presentation and communication skills with ability to engage diverse stakeholders including corporate executives faculty and government officials
• Experience with grant writing and external funding acquisition
• Experience serving diverse professional populations and underrepresented communities

Personal Attributes

• Entrepreneurial mindset with focus on innovation market responsiveness and continuous improvement
• Commitment to diversity equity and inclusion in workforce development and professional education
• Strategic thinking ability with comfort using data analytics and market intelligence for decision-making

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of progressively responsible experience in professional education workforce development or corporate training with demonstrated success in program innovation and market expansion
• 3 years of supervisory experience with demonstrated success in team leadership and performance management

Preferred Qualifications

• 7-8 years of progressively responsible experience in professional education workforce development or corporate training with demonstrated success in program innovation and market expansion
• 5 years of supervisory experience with demonstrated success in team leadership and performance management
• Masters degree in higher education administration business or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Professional certifications in business development sales or partnership management
• Professional certifications in project management operations or related areas

Working Environment

• Standard office environment.
• Unexpected interruptions occur often and stress level is moderate to high.
• Noise level is quiet to moderate.

Physical Activities

• Ability to work in front of a computer for extended periods of time.
• Occasionally required to move about the office/campus.

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Application Deadline

For consideration please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) 10.29.25.

Special Instructions

Candidates must apply online through to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number

The salary grade for the position is 13.

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $90000-$100000

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate departmental budget availability internal salary equity considerations and available market information but not based on a candidates sex or any other protected status.

Benefits

The University of Denver offers excellent benefits including medical dental retirement paid time off tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

Please include the following documents with your application:

1. Resume

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex (including sex stereotypes sex characteristics sexual orientation gender identity and gender expression) marital family or parental status pregnancy or related conditions national origin disability or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race color national origin ancestry age religion creed disability sex (including sex stereotypes sex characteristics sexual orientation gender identity and gender expression) marital family and parental status pregnancy genetic information military enlistment or veteran status and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal state or local law regulation or ordinance in any of the Universitys educational programs and activities and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Workers Rights (POWR) Act; and any other federal state and local laws regulations or ordinances that prohibit discrimination harassment and/or retaliation. For more information please see the University of Denvers NonDiscriminationStatement.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.