Program Director, Career and Academic Programs

This position manages a variety of academic initiatives, with a primary focus on the Strengthening Career and Technical Education in the 21st Century program (previously Perkins). The position aims to enhance retention, completion, and career placement rates of all students participating in career and technical education (CTE) programs at Ocean County College (OCC). In addition to CTE, this position is responsible for enhancing and supporting all academic programs by expanding initiatives that bridge credit and non-credit programs, fostering engagement with local middle and secondary schools, and creating work-based learning experiences across various academic disciplines. The Program Director collaborates closely with academic schools, workforce education, and community partners to align student needs with institutional goals and funding opportunities.

Classification: Non-Affiliated Administrator

Staff Duration: Full Time 12 months

1. Administers the Strengthening Career and Technical Education in the 21st Century program budget in accordance with NJDOE regulations and OCC policies and procedures. This includes predictive budget analysis, efficient resource allocation, and balancing all projects within the scope of activities. Develops programming that promotes access, equity, and bridges achievement gaps across CTE and other academic programs.
2. Ensures the annual grant application aligns with the College's two-year comprehensive local needs assessment plan. Collaborates with internal offices and external partners to ensure compliance with all grant requirements. Prepares and submits amendments and final reports to NJDOE through the EWEG online system within required deadlines.
3. Supervises professional development experiences for faculty, coordinates program events, and manages personnel related to grant-supported programming.
4. Serves as an active member of the IAAG Grants Committee, representing Ocean County College in discussions related to grant funding and program alignment.
5. Facilitates connections between OCC's non-credit workforce programs and for-credit academic programs, with a strong emphasis on CTE. Engages with local middle and secondary schools to enhance program awareness and pipeline opportunities. Collaborates with academic schools to build work-based, experiential learning opportunities into curricula.
6. Works with academic schools and administration to integrate industry-recognized credentials into CTE and other academic programs based on advisory board recommendations and student data analysis.
7. In partnership with the OCC Grants Office, researches and identifies additional grant opportunities that align with CTE and broader academic program goals.
8. Assists in the comprehensive local needs assessment process to support data-driven decisions for program development and evaluation. Utilizes assessment tools to monitor effectiveness and impact across all academic programs.
9. Evaluates research related to course enrollments, student retention, completion rates, and projected workforce demands to identify evidence-based program opportunities.
10. Contributes to the ongoing enhancement of the program review process by identifying areas for standardization and refinement to improve institutional effectiveness across all academic disciplines.
11. Works cross-functionally with academic leadership, faculty, and community stakeholders to develop initiatives that support student success and workforce alignment across multiple disciplines.
12. Performs related duties, projects, and initiatives as assigned to support the college's mission and strategic goals.

1. Bachelor's Degree.
2. Four years of progressively responsible experience in Higher or Post-secondary Education.
3. Knowledge of and experience working with issues related to career and technical education, student retention and completion, academic programming, and/or serving marginalized student populations.
4. Exceptional time management skills and ability to meet deadlines and build and maintain relationships and partnerships, both internal and external.
5. Demonstrated experience with developing programs, planning events, and/or strategic planning initiatives; ability to use creative and critical thinking to problem solve and develop innovative programs.
6. Two years of program, project or team leadership experience.
7. Demonstrated proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite with an emphasis on Excel; and the ability to create detailed reports, documents, presentations and deliver basic training on systems.

1. Master's Degree.
2. Prior experience working in a community college setting.
3. Previous experience with career and technical education.
4. Prior teaching experience within a community college setting.
5. Previous experience with tutoring or supplemental instruction.
6. Demonstrated proficiency with a student database platform (ideally Colleague, Banner or similar).