Director, Business and Industry

Position Title: Director, Business and Industry

Department: WIT-Business and Industry

Advertised Pay: Competitive

Campus Location: Washburn Tech

Application Deadline:  Application review will begin as applications are received and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants can be assured of full consideration if submitted by: July 15, 2025.

Position Summary: Washburn University is a teaching-focused, student-centered, public institution located in the metropolitan setting of Topeka that has earned national recognition for its high-impact programs for first-generation students. Washburn has a student body of over 5,500 undergraduate, graduate, and law students, a significant and growing number of whom are first-generation and Pell-Grant eligible. The University has created educational pathways for all students to be successful and achieve their educational goals.

Washburn is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a dynamic faculty, staff, and student body and cultivating a robust learning and working environment and curriculum. We employ more than one thousand faculty and staff on our campuses throughout Topeka and strive to offer competitive wages, an excellent benefits program, and a supportive culture and a healthy work/life balance. Washburn seeks to create an environment that reflects our core values for creating positive IMPACT: inclusion, modernization, partnership, achievement, community and transformation. In 2024, Washburn was recognized as one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to Great Colleges to Work For® program.

The Director, Business and Industry is required to represent Washburn University Institute of Technology (Washburn Tech) and Washburn University in a positive, professional manner and to develop and nurture institutional partnerships that will enhance the school’s educational efforts and meet the training needs of the area employers.

Essential Functions:
• Conduct surveys, meet with business, industry, and government leaders, and research industry trends to identify and assess training needs for area employers. Analyze costs and benefits to be realized from possible training programs and identify those that would be feasible and beneficial.
•Working with partners and industry/training experts, develop and design educational programs to assist area employers in developing the skills and abilities of their workforce through relevant training and education.
• Develop course curriculum to ensure training programs are consistent with training needs and meet employer and Washburn Tech standards.
• Meet training sales targets as identified in each year's budget.
• Develop and administer program budgets to ensure expenses for developed programs are covered and necessary resources are available to ensure the success of each program.
• Identify and secure facilities and other training resources relative to course needs, working collaboratively with local and state partners to identify and secure training resources outside the Washburn Tech service radius.
• Recruit, select, train, and supervise teachers and staff to support and/or develop courses or special programs.
• Develop and employ marketing materials, develop and deliver presentations, and network with area employers to promote customized training programs.
• Develop education program assessment tools and collect and analyze data to measure learning results relative to employer needs and expectations as well as achievement of final competency standards and final Return on Investment. Identify and initiate corrective action to improve effectiveness and performance.
• Draft narrative, compile data, assemble supportive materials, and work with granting agencies as appropriate to prepare and submit grant applications.
• Monitor and track grant processes from submission through awards. Work collaboratively with the Washburn Foundation to attain and manage financial resources.
• Attend and participate in institutional and/or staff meetings, functions, and ceremonies, serve on committees and task forces to maintain an awareness of issues related to Washburn Tech.
• Comply wth all Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) and Washburn University policies, regulations, and procedures.
• Participate in professional organizations and groups to create a Technical College presence and establish important networks and partnerships.
• Perform additional job-related duties as assigned or as appropriate.

Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Two years of experience in education, education administration, marketing, business development, public relations or a related field.
• Knowledge of curriculum development and adult learning principles.
• Ability to use computer technology.
• Occasional travel required.
• On-site management of staff.
• Demonstrated budget and contract management skills.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record under Washburn's standards.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Master's or doctorate degree.

Exempt, Full-time, Mon-Fri, 7:30am - 4:30pm   
Background check and driving history required