Dean, Workforce, Economic Development, and Public Safety

Salary: $5,994.92 - $8,992.33 Monthly
Location : COA - Elizabeth City, NC
Job Type: Full Time
Division: Division of Learning (Staff)
Opening Date: 11/20/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt

About COA:

College of The Albemarle, located in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, is the state's first community college, founded in 1961. We strive to transform lives by inspiring and empowering individuals and communities of our seven-county service area. Through our four locations, we provide quality college transfer and career and technical education to residents in northeast North Carolina.
Description
***This position is open until filled***

Priority review date: December 12

Current status - Accepting Applications

The Dean of Workforce, Economic Development and Public Safety (WEDPS) assists the Vice President of Learning (VPL) in maintaining and enhancing academic programs and faculty. The Dean works with members of the Division of Learning (DOL) staff, the Academic Deans, and other administrative units within the College to ensure adequacy of programming.

The Dean, Workforce, Economic Development, and Public Safety provides vision and leadership for workforce and economic development program for business and industry that align with regional needs, including: short-term training, customized training, apprenticeships, the small business center, and credit for prior learning (CPL) pathways for the division. This role is responsible for building innovative, accessible pathways to skilled training for employment; fostering internal and external partnerships; advancing technology and program innovation; and ensuring compliance and fiscal integrity.

The Dean also provides vision and leadership for public safety education at the College, including law enforcement, criminal justice, fire technology, emergency medical services, and American Heart Association training.

The Dean, Workforce, Economic Development, and Public Safety, reports to the VPL and provides supervision to the Directors, Department Chairs, Program Coordinators and the Administrative Assistant within the division of Workforce, Economic Development and Public Safety.
Examples of Duties

General Responsibilities:

• Provide vision, leadership, and supervision for division programs, personnel, and operations.
• Develop, review, and assess division goals, objectives, and Unit Action Plans (UAPs), submitting required assessment and planning reports; ensure timely reporting in all areas of responsibility.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant national, state, regional accreditor, and college policies and procedures, including documentation and program accreditation standards.
• Recruit, mentor, supervise, and evaluate division faculty, staff, department chairs, and program coordinators, encouraging professional development.
• Oversee program and curriculum development, including evaluating and updating ongoing instructional programs; implementing new programs that align with Workforce Pell and Propel NC funding models.
• Collaborate with other deans and college leaders to coordinate program offerings, class scheduling, and academic success initiatives.
• Oversee budgets, grant and contract management, and fiscal operations; ensure regulatory compliance and timely reporting.
• Serve as liaison with businesses, community organizations, and educational partners to assess needs, promote programs, and expand partnerships.
• In accordance with college policies and procedures, coordinate student success strategies, address student concerns and appeals, and ensure due process for students, faculty, and staff.
• Lead or participate in marketing, recruitment, and engagement efforts for division programs in cooperation with internal and external partners to raise program visibility and community involvement.
• Participate as a leader in institutional planning, college committees, and cross-divisional college initiatives.
• Support ongoing compliance with all college, Board of Trustees, and North Carolina Community College System policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Learning, or President.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, develop, implement, assess and grow the college's workforce and economic development programs, ensuring relevance to current and emerging labor market trends.
• Work with the Director, Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET), and Program Coordinators/Department Chairs to provide leadership and strategic planning, scheduling, and operational logistics, including equipment, facilities, and training sites to enhance regional public safety training.
• Collaborate with other divisions and campuses to schedule short term training and continuing education classes related to certain programs.
• Partner with other divisions to develop policies, procedures, and articulations of CPL, including short term training, military training equivalency, and/or work experience related to certain courses or programs.
• Foster and maintain partnerships with employers, economic development agencies, workforce boards, schools, first responders, military, and other community partners at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Serve as the college's primary representative for workforce education and economic development and ensure accuracy of full time equivalent (FTE) record keeping and reporting for continuing education
• Drive innovation and technology modernization across short term training and workforce initiatives.
• Utilize performance metrics, labor market data, advisory boards, and program reviews to guide decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Oversee and facilitate apprenticeships and internships to connect students with real-world career opportunities.

Typical Qualifications

Required:

• Master's degree in Education, Workforce Development, Business Administration, Economic Development, or related field from an accredited institution.
• At least two years of progressive administrative or supervisory experience in workforce development, continuing education, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated success in program development and community partnerships.

Preferred:

• Doctoral degree in a relevant discipline.
• Experience with the North Carolina Community College System, Higher Education or similar multi-campus systems.
• At least five years of progressive administrative or supervisory experience in workforce development, continuing education, or a related discipline.
• Expertise in economic development, customized corporate training, business administration or development.
• Military experience is beneficial.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Labor market analytics, workforce training best practices, and the mission of the community college.

Skills:

• Strong leadership, communication, technology, and organizational skills, including budget and grant management.

College of The Albemarle is an Equal Opportunity Employer and seeks candidates who reflect the diversity of our region. In striving to create and sustain a welcoming learning community for all members, employment decisions shall be made without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, sex, disability, age or political affiliation.

Employment with College of The Albemarle is contingent upon the satisfactory results of background and reference checks.

College of The Albemarle does not provide work visa sponsorships. To be considered for employment, applicants must be permitted to legally work in the United States without employer sponsorship.
College of The Albemarle (COA) is committed to providing equal opportunity in admissions, education, and employment. COA prohibits discrimination or harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any status protected by law. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies for students: Kris Burris, Vice-President, Student Success and Enrollment Management | 252-335-0821 ext. 2251 | kris_burris76@albemarle.edu and employees may be directed to Human Resources | coa_hr@albemarle.edu
Retirement, Health Insurance., Holidays, Annual/Sick Leave
01

What is your highest education level in the field of Education, Workforce Development, Business Administration, or Economic Development?

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Associate's degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Education Specialist
• Doctorate degree
• Other
• N/A

02

How many years of progressive administrative or supervisory experience do you have in workforce development, continuing education, or a related discipline?

• 0-1 year
• 2-3 years
• 4-5 years
• 6+ years

03

How many years of demonstrated success do you have in program development and community partnerships?

• 0-1 year
• 2-4 years
• 5+ years

Required Question

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