[Hiring] Director of Trades @Salem University LLC

Role Description

The Director of Trades provides strategic academic leadership and operational oversight for Salem University’s skilled trades portfolio, including certificate, associate, and bachelor’s degree programs. This position is responsible for academic quality, faculty and mentor leadership, curriculum development, program innovation, workforce alignment, student success, accreditation compliance, enrollment collaboration, and continuous program improvement.

The Director serves as the academic leader for the Trades programs and works collaboratively with various departments to ensure program integrity, relevance, growth, and operational effectiveness. The Director leads the development of workforce-responsive programs that incorporate industry-recognized credentials and emerging instructional technologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, Building Science, Industrial Technology, Facilities Management, Business, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of emerging instructional technologies, including simulation, AR/VR, digital learning platforms, artificial intelligence, or other technology-enhanced training environments preferred.
• Knowledge of current workforce development trends, skilled trades technologies, and innovative instructional practices supporting career readiness and employer engagement.
• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across multiple departments and external partners.
• Commitment to fostering innovation, transparency, and data-informed decision-making.
• Understanding of accreditation, assessment, workforce education, and higher education regulatory environments.
• Ability to lead in a fast-paced, growth-oriented university environment.

Requirements

• Comprehensive knowledge of skilled trades education, workforce development, vocational training, or applied technical education.
• Strong understanding of curriculum development, competency-based education, assessment, and program evaluation.
• Knowledge of industry-recognized credentials, apprenticeships, work-based learning, and stackable credential pathways.
• Familiarity with construction, facilities, industrial operations, HVAC, advanced manufacturing, or related skilled-trades environments.
• Strong academic and operational leadership skills.
• Ability to supervise and develop faculty, instructors, mentors, and technical personnel.
• Strong understanding of accreditation, institutional effectiveness, and higher education regulatory requirements.
• Excellent project management, organizational, and implementation skills.
• Strong financial and resource-management capabilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to build effective relationships with faculty, students, employers, industry leaders, vendors, and community partners.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and change-management skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives in a matrixed and growth-oriented organization.
• Commitment to academic quality, safety, integrity, innovation, workforce readiness, and student success.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.
• Flexible work environment with remote options.
• Supportive academic and operational leadership.

Company Description

Salem University is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.