Director of Education & Workforce Development

Job Summary

*This is a full-time, hybrid position. During your 6-month probationary period, you will be required to work on-site for at least 3 days per week at Merit's office location in Ann Arbor, MI. Following, working on-site will be required for a minimum of 2 days per week.

At Merit Network, we believe technology has the power to connect people, strengthen communities, and expand opportunity. For more than 60 years, our nonprofit organization has supported education, research, healthcare, government, libraries, tribal organizations, and nonprofits through innovative technology and connectivity solutions. Join a team of passionate professionals who are committed to making an impact and helping create a future where communities have the tools and connections they need to thrive.

To learn more about Merit Network, please visit our website: https://www.merit.edu/ 

The Director of Education and Workforce Development provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for Merit's statewide workforce initiatives. This role is responsible for bridging the gap between broadband infrastructure needs and the skilled labor market in Michigan. You will lead the design, implementation, and growth of training programs, including apprenticeships and experiential learning in IT, security, fiber optics, and network engineering. A primary focus includes securing external funding via grants and partnerships to sustain and scale these initiatives while serving as the liaison between Merit and external stakeholders, including government agencies, member institutions, and industry partners.

Responsibilities*

Essential Functions for this position are followed by an (E).

As the Director of Education and Workforce Development, your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Program Development & Strategic Leadership (50%)
  • Define the long term vision for Merit's workforce development (WFD) program, aligning it with Merits' mission of advancing digital opportunity. (E)
  • Define the short term goals needed to achieve the long term vision for the WFD program, in collaboration with Merit's CFO and VP for Community Engagement. (E)
  • Design and launch experiential learning opportunities for high-demand roles, specifically Inside Plant Technician, Outside Plant Technician, Broadband IT, and Cyber Security. (E)
  • Manage an Apprenticeship Program that aligns with Merit and industry needs, while collaborating with relevant Merit leaders. (E)
  • Monitor industry trends and Michigan's metrics to ensure Merit's WFD activities remain relevant and impactful to the State of Michigan, Merit Members, and relevant industry.
  • Oversee the procurement of training supplies and manage access to specialized training facilities and opportunities in collaboration with Finance & Administration. (E)
  • Evaluate program effectiveness through data-driven metrics, including enrollment, certification completion rates, and job placement statistics. (E)
  • Work with Merit's Human Resources Director and WFD Associate to plan and ensure quality control for the experiential learning, certification, and other tools used by internal and external customers.
  • Collaborate with Merit HR to support internal staff development opportunities. 
• Funding & Resource Development (25%)
  • Identify and secure diverse funding streams for the WFD program, including grants, private foundations, and corporate sponsorships. (E)
  • Manage grant lifecycles, including proposal writing, budget allocation, compliance monitoring, and reporting on outcomes while collaborating with other Merit leaders to identify grant opportunity efficiencies. (E)
  • Collaborate with the CFO to ensure the financial sustainability of the program.
  • Identify and secure long term funding that supports sustainable department operations within 2 years of program launch. (E) 
• Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Management (25%)
  • Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with Michigan's educational institutions, government organizations, and private sector entities to create seamless career pathways. (E)
  • Lead sector partnership meetings with telecommunications employers to ensure program graduates meet hiring needs. (E) 
  • Serve as the primary ambassador for Merit's WFD efforts at state and national conferences, legislative meetings, and community forums.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of you for this job.  Responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Supervisory Responsibility

You have no supervisory responsibilities, however at times will direct the work of others within the scope of project management activities. 

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. You will routinely use standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, cloud-based systems, and AV/teleconferencing software & equipment.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee (with or without accommodations) to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Employees must frequently work at computer stations, answer telephone calls, emails, and/or other forms of customer/client communication. Employees may on occasion be required to move items of various sizes throughout the office or building.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Business Management, Public Administration, Human Resources and 5 years of experience in Workforce Development, Higher Education, or Technical Training or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven track record of managing grants.
• Experience managing department-level budgets.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical or policy concepts to diverse audiences.
• Experience designing inclusive training and development programs that serve internal and external stakeholders.
• Foundational understanding of broadband infrastructure.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a dynamic, team-oriented environment
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting organizational purpose-driven work, particularly in workforce development, education, and digital opportunity 
• Ability and willingness for up to 20% travel across the state of Michigan as needed

Desired Qualifications*

• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• Knowledge of Michigan's specific broadband landscape and workforce ecosystems.
• Familiarity with telecommunications certifications.
• Experience using data driven metrics to track program ROI. 
• Prior experience within a Research and Education Network or a similar nonprofit.
• Experience working in a nonprofit, higher-education, or purpose-driven environment

Modes of Work

This is a full-time, hybrid position. Though the typical work schedule is 8am - 5pm, Monday through Friday for most staff, your work schedule will be determined with your supervisor and may change if necessary.

During your 6-month probationary period, you will be required to work on-site for at least 3 days per week at Merit's office location:

880 Technology Dr., Suite B 

Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Following, working on-site will be required for a minimum of 2 days per week determined in partnership with your supervisor. In addition, ad-hoc on-site meetings and events may be needed with adequate notice provided. 

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or remote work modes are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

There may be some occasional work required outside of the established schedule, which may include evenings, weekends and holidays.  

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Travel

Some travel within Michigan will be required; roughly 20% of the time.

Additional Information

Starting salary range is $95,000-$100,000, depending on experience and credentials. 

Enjoy comprehensive benefits that support your health, well-being, and future, including:

• Full access to medical and dental insurance for you and your eligible dependents
• Generous 2:1 retirement matching to help you plan for your long-term goals
• Paid vacation, sick time, holidays, and additional paid time off to support work-life balance
• Access to a variety of well-being programs, resources, and campus perks
• Professional development opportunities and educational assistance to further your career
• And more- discover the complete benefits package at careers.umich.edu/benefits 

If you have any other questions regarding this role, please contact [email protected].

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.