Posted 7 days ago

Director, Center for Business and Professional Development

University of Arkansas at Fort Smith United States of America, UAFS | University of Arkansas Fort Smith
Onsite Full Time

Job description

Current University of Arkansas System employees, including student employees and graduate assistants, need to log in to Workday via MyApps.Microsoft.com, then access Find Jobs from the Workday search bar to view and apply for open positions. Students at University of Arkansas System will also view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for “Find Jobs for Students”. All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated). If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application process will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through “My Draft Applications” located on your Candidate Home page. Closing Date: Type of Position: Professional Staff - Project/Program Administration Workstudy Position: No Job Type: Regular

Work Shift

Sponsorship Available: No Institution Name: University of Arkansas at Fort Smith University of Arkansas – Fort Smith The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is a dynamic, mid-sized public university that’s redefining higher education. We’re on a mission to provide transformative, hands-on learning experiences for students of all backgrounds and aspirations. Our multi-faceted approach to education offers a wealth of opportunities, with over 70 academic programs, including certificates, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. We’re committed to building a diverse community that mirrors Arkansas’s rich tapestry, reflecting our dedication to serving the state’s varied population while enhancing the quality of our institution. As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10 percent of employee salary. Fort Smith, Arkansas Nestled along the Arkansas River, this vibrant city offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Old West at the Fort Smith National Historic Site, explore the eclectic local art scene, or take a scenic stroll along the picturesque riverfront trails. With a welcoming community, diverse dining options, and a thriving downtown, Fort Smith is the ideal destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking modern amenities. Thank you for your interest in joining our university. Below you will find details for the position including any supplementary documentation and/or questions you should review before submitting your application. For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at (479) 788-7080. If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process please contact Human Resources at 479-788-7080. Applicants are required to submit a request for each position to which they have applied. Department: Center for Economic Development Department's Website: Summary of Job

Duties

Reporting directly to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Economic and Workforce Development, the Director of the Center for Business & Professional Development leads and manages the Center for Business & Professional Development (CBPD). CBPD provides noncredit professional development, customized training, contract training, and open enrollment learning opportunities for regional employers, community partners, and individuals. The Director is responsible for program leadership, employer engagement, faculty and staff supervision, revenue generation, budget administration, customer service, and alignment with the mission of the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith and the Center for Economic Development.

Qualifications

Required

Education

and/or Work

Experience

Master’s degree in business, management, leadership, education, workforce development, organizational development, or a related field. Five or more years of progressive experience in business, industry, workforce development, professional development, higher education, nonprofit leadership, or a closely related field. Demonstrated leadership, budget management, customer relationship, and oral and written communication skills. Other job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for part of these requirements. Preferred

Education

and/or Work

Experience

Doctorate or additional graduate/professional degree from an accredited institution. More than five years of progressive leadership experience in business, industry, higher education, workforce development, professional development, or nonprofit leadership.

Experience

with customized training, revenue generation, grants, contracts, marketing, sales, business development, event management, employer engagement, and profit/loss or budget responsibility. Essential Job

Duties

and

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Program Development: • Lead, manage, and advance CBPD as a primary noncredit business and professional development training unit within the Center for Economic Development. • Develop annual business, budget, marketing, and operational plans for CBPD that are consistent with UAFS priorities and the strategic direction of the Center for Economic Development. • Establish short- and long-term goals that support CBPD’s mission, promote regional workforce capacity, and strengthen the financial sustainability of the center. • Use employer feedback, regional workforce data, participant evaluations, and financial performance measures to assess program effectiveness and identify new training opportunities. Employer Engagement and Training Solutions: • Build and maintain strong relationships with regional employers, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, workforce partners, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders. • Lead employer needs assessments and develop responsive customized training solutions, proposals, and delivery models for business and industry clients. • Identify, coordinate, and evaluate open enrollment professional development opportunities that meet the needs of individuals, employers, and the broader community. • Represent CBPD and UAFS at community events, employer meetings, professional association meetings, and other workforce and economic development activities. Faculty, Staff, and Instructor Oversight: • Supervise assigned CBPD faculty, staff, instructors, contractors, and related program personnel. • Work with faculty and instructors to establish individual performance, program, and financial goals; meet regularly to monitor progress and support continuous improvement. • Recruit, hire, onboard, and retain qualified faculty, instructors, and staff who support CBPD’s training mission and customer service expectations. • Set high standards of performance, conduct regular performance evaluations, and encourage professional development for faculty and staff. Financial, Contract, and Grant Administration: • Develop, monitor, and manage the CBPD budget, including revenue targets, expenses, net revenue, and financial performance for open enrollment and customized training activities. • Oversee the contract, invoicing, registration, and customer service processes for open enrollment, customized training, and contract training programs. • Identify, pursue, and administer grants, contracts, sponsorships, and other funding sources that support training efforts and expand access to workforce development opportunities. • Ensure compliance with university policies, grant and contract requirements, fiscal procedures, and applicable local, state, and federal requirements. Collaboration and Communication: • Maintain regular communication with the Associate Vice Chancellor for Economic and Workforce Development regarding CBPD operations, opportunities, challenges, financial performance, and strategic priorities. • Establish effective working relationships with other UAFS departments and colleges to support interdisciplinary programming, employer engagement, and regional service. • Collaborate with state and regional organizations, including workforce boards, economic development agencies, and training assistance programs, to support monetary training assistance for employers and participants. • Maintain a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner that fosters teamwork, professionalism, accountability, and service to internal and external customers. Other Job

Duties

and

Responsibilities

• Attend and participate in required faculty, staff, administrative, university, commencement, and community events as appropriate. • Maintain consistent and timely attendance and fulfill other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: To perform the job successfully, the following competencies are required for the essential functions of this position: • Knowledge of professional development, customized training, workforce development, business operations, budget management, marketing, sales, and customer relationship management. • Ability to lead faculty and staff, manage multiple projects, build partnerships, evaluate program effectiveness, and use data to support decision-making. • Strong communication, organization, prioritization, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. • Ability to work effectively with diverse employers, participants, faculty, staff, students, community partners, and public agencies. Additional Information: Working Relationships: The Director of the Center for Business & Professional Development reports directly to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Economic and Workforce Development. The position involves frequent contact with university faculty and staff, regional employers, community leaders, workforce partners, public agencies, professional associations, and the general public. The Director must maintain positive collaboration with regional employers in business and industry and effective working relationships with UAFS colleges and departments. List Employees Supervised: Assigned CBPD faculty, staff, instructors, contractors, and related program personnel. Special Job Dimensions: Work is performed primarily in an office, classroom, training, and event setting. The position requires frequent meetings and occasional travel for employer visits, community events, conferences, and out-of-town activities. Extended hours, evening, or weekend work may occasionally be required. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly uses a computer and other office technology, communicates verbally and in writing, and may sit or stand for extended periods. The employee may occasionally lift materials up to 10 pounds. Background Check

Requirements

Criminal Background Check and Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) Check. Position requires employee to complete Arkansas Mandated Reporter training prior to employment. This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, and/or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Salary Information: $90,000 - $95,000/year, commensurate with education and experience Required Documents to Apply: Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume, Unofficial/Official Transcript(s) Optional Documents: Special Instructions to Applicants: Full consideration will be given to applications received by August 31, 2026. Recruitment Contact Information: HR 479-788-7080 All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS Please do not send to listed recruitment contact. Pre-employment Screening

Requirements

Criminal Background Check, Motor Vehicle Reports Check This position may be subject to a pre-employment criminal background check, sex offender registry check, financial history background check, and/or drug screening. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law. The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of

Education

Office for Civil Rights. Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. Constant Physical Activity: Hearing Frequent Physical Activity: Talking Occasional Physical Activity: Walking

Benefits

Eligible: Yes The University of Arkansas System is a comprehensive, publicly-supported higher education institution composed of 18 unique campuses, divisions and administrative units that share the singular goal of serving Arkansas residents and others by developing and sharing knowledge to impact an ever-changing world. The UA System provides access to academic and professional education, and develops intellectual growth and cultural awareness in its students, staff and faculty. The system further promotes an atmosphere of excellence that honors the heritage and diversity of our state and nation. It provides students, researchers and professionals with tools to promote responsible stewardship of human, natural and financial resources in Arkansas and around the globe, and with workforce-relevant knowledge to enhance economic development efforts that improve the overall quality of life and societal well-being. Universities University of Arkansas, Fayetteville University of Arkansas at Little Rock University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences University of Arkansas at Monticello University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff University of Arkansas at Fort Smith The University of Arkansas System eVersity Two-Year Colleges Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas University of Arkansas Community College at Hope-Texarkana University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville Cossatot Community College at the University of Arkansas University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton University of Arkansas Community College at Rich Mountain University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College Other Units University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Arkansas Archaeological Survey Criminal Justice Institute Arkansas School for Math, Sciences, and the Arts University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service Arkansas Research and

Education

Optical Network (ARE-ON)

Skills and functions

  • Human Resources
  • Marketing
  • Operations
  • Sales