Associate Director of Academic and Workforce Development - Education Associate

Overview

Step into a leadership role where education meets real world impact. As an Associate Director of Academic and Workforce Development, you will play a vital role on the Pennsylvania State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) team, collaborating closely with senior leadership to shape forward‑thinking strategies that meet the Commonwealth’s evolving workforce credential needs. In this dynamic position, you will drive innovation in higher education, advance academic practices, and help accelerate student success by aligning learning with meaningful career pathways.

Bring your critical thinking and analytical skills to the Pennsylvania Department of Education!

As the Associate Director of Academic and Workforce Development, you will be supporting key Board initiatives through research, policy analysis, cross‑sector collaboration, and project leadership. The role requires expertise in academic affairs, workforce development, and collaborative strategy to execute assignments effectively and efficiently. Responsibilities include leading and coordinating special projects and initiatives that strengthen student pathways to employment; managing grant‑funded activities;

and reviewing and evaluating proposals, applications, reports, and self‑studies to assess operational compliance with statutory, regulatory, and policy requirements. You will also collaborate with higher education institutions, accreditors, industry and employers, workforce agencies, and state government to create innovative programs and guide strategy and related technical assistance.

If you are committed to advancing student success, expanding career opportunities, and strengthening economic mobility, this is an opportunity to make a difference!

• Full‑time employment
• Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday‑Friday, with a 60‑minute lunch.
• Telework:
  Part‑time (up to 3 days per week) may be available. Telework requires a securely configured high‑speed internet connection and an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If telework is not possible, an employee must report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. Telework policy is subject to change. Details will be provided during the interview.
• Salary:
  In some cases the starting salary may be non‑negotiable.
• Further communication regarding this position will be via email. Check spam/junk folders for notices.

• Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
  • One year as a Higher Education Associate (parenthetical:
    Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
  • Four years of professional education experience, including two years in higher education and two years in basic education, plus a master’s degree; or
  • Equivalent combination: three years of professional education experience, including two years in higher education and two years in basic education.
• You must meet the Pennsylvania residency requirement.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed and will not be used to determine eligibility. Eligibility information must be provided on the application (e.g., detailed experience/education).
• College transcripts (official or unofficial) must be uploaded if claiming education in answers to supplemental application questions.
• Applications must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with these requirements may disqualify you.

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. 7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for many state and local government jobs. More information:(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). and click on Veterans.

• 717 or 711 for hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals.

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and…