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 $122,776 - $138,226
- 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 technologies—including automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 principles—into 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
- Bachelor's 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.
- 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
- Master's 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
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Industrial Technology, Workforce Development, Education, Business, Organizational Leadership, or related field, or 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.
- 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.
- Master's 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 We Do
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation through applied research, advanced learning, economic development, manufacturing advancement, and conference services.
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