(Hybrid) Assistant Director of Talent Retention & Workforce Development - Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative

The Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative at West Virginia University Research Corporation is currently accepting applications for an Assistant Director of Talent Retention and Workforce Development.

About the Opportunity

The Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC) empowers West Virginia's communities and partners to advance the state's economy and enhance quality of life through outdoor recreation. One of the strategies to fulfill this mission is by addressing population loss through Talent Attraction & Retention Programs. The Assistant Director of Talent Retention & Workforce Development functions as a member of the OEDC's Talent Attraction & Retention team and fulfills the overall mission of the OEDC with a focus on building and operationalizing new approaches, partnerships, and programs designed to encourage retention of talent and workforce development in the Mountain State.

Under the direction of the Director of Talent Attraction & Retention, the Assistant Director of Talent Retention & Workforce Development is responsible for implementation, operations, oversight, evolution, and supporting the development of the Ascend WV program, the First Ascent programs, and additional workforce development efforts, including new verticals and strategic programs. The Assistant Director will be a self-starter who shows a high aptitude for innovation, adaptability, team leadership, project development, collaboration, and applied learning toward overall program improvement. The Assistant Director will be primarily responsible for the implementation, growth and expansion of the First Ascent program in multiple locations throughout West Virginia, while supporting additional workforce development initiatives. This position leads the program development and implementation, strategic planning, goal setting, benchmarking, reporting, grant management/reporting, and operationalization of the necessary systems for managing marketing, recruitment, staffing, and programming for multiple talent attraction/retention initiatives.

This is a hybrid and grant funded position ideally based out of Morgantown, though other areas within West Virginia may be considered.

At WVU Research Corporation, we strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU Research Corporation offers a comprehensive benefits package with a variety of options to suit your needs:

• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• Paid Time off (PTO)
• 403(b) retirement savings with a fully vested 3% employee contribution match, (Employees have the option of contributing an additional 1-3% of their earnings to the plan, which is also matched by the WVURC)
• A range of health insurance and other benefits
• Dependent Education Scholarship
• WVU Perks

What You'll Do

Program Management and Implementation

• Manage the selection, onboarding, and retention efforts of retention program participants.
• Assist with the planning, organization, oversight, and lead when appropriate community building efforts which include short outdoor experiences for participants (to include rock climbing, hiking, paddling, biking trips, etc.), socials, speakers, mentorship, events, continuing education, volunteer opportunities, etc.
• Develop systems for compliance, operations, program planning, implementation, reporting, data collection, etc. that advance the First Ascent program and other subsequent talent attraction/retention efforts.
• Operationalize, evaluate, and improve the online Remote Work Certificate as well as the development of new micro-credentials.
• Travel to various locations across WV as needed for location program development and implementation.
• Support, develop, and lead additional workforce development efforts at WVU and throughout the state.
• In alignment with WVU policies and procedures, implement the departmental policies and procedures that are in place to support staff in successfully implementing the First Ascent program and subsequent new initiatives.
• Along with the Director, provide training and guidance to the staff who will assist with coordinating the program in multiple locations and oversight of activities.
• Keep abreast of new developments in relevant industries and fields.

Other Duties as assigned

Examples include but are not limited to:

• Represent First Ascent, Ascend, OEDC, and subsequent workforce initiatives in public forums and conferences as needed.
• Engage in additional project and program development to advance the unit and its mission.
• Lead and support research and data driven projects to advance the goals of WVU, OEDC, and the position.
• Collaborate on grants and funding projects for new opportunities.

• Bachelor's degree is required in communications, public relations, recreation, public administration, business, education, human resources, community development or a related field.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience involving:
  
  
  
  • Progressive program development and management
  • Experience in participant recruitment and retention
  • Experience in workforce development programs
  • Experience in collaborations with diverse stakeholders
  • Experience building, implementing, and maintaining organizational systems
  • Technical experience with computer software, project tracking, and reporting
  
  
  
  
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
  
• All requirements must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to foster positive relationships with multiple diverse professional constituencies
• Ability to be innovative, strategic, adaptable, and thoughtful with multiple constituents and projects
• Ability to evaluate and consistently improve programs in recreation, continuing education, development, etc.
• Demonstrated skills in team leadership, training, and networking
• Demonstrated technical aptitude to create systems and software as needed to improve and advance program operations
• Analytical skills to identify problems, assess alternatives, and render consistent logical decisions
• Experience developing assessment & evaluation plans, professional reports, presentations, and articles
• Detail-oriented, with aptitude to manage day-to-day operations while advancing projects toward future goals
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including large group presentations
• Understanding of West Virginia, including outdoor recreation, community partners, and culture
• Understanding of university students and those who are entering their first remote or hybrid career
• Self-starter with the ability to manage and follow-through multiple responsibilities simultaneously in a timely manner and fast-paced environment
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and long days when appropriate to see a program from start to finish
• Needs to be a self-motived innovator that looks for unique opportunities to advance the program and state.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Experience with WV outdoor activities.

Licenses/Certifications

• Wilderness First Aid or ability to obtain in 6 months of hiring (costs covered by the department). This certification is needed as a minimum for leading outdoor recreation activities.
• Valid driver's license. This certification is needed as travel throughout WV is required for this role.

The WVURC was created as a not-for-profit corporation in 1985 to support research (R1) at West Virginia University. We provide evaluation, development, patenting, management, and marketing services for inventions of the faculty, staff and students of the University.

The WVURC receives and administers funds awarded by external agencies for research and other activities and is responsible for helping protect intellectual property through patents, copyrights and licensing agreements for start-up companies based on University research.

West Virginia University Research Corporation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We value diversity among its employees and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.