Associate Deputy Director of Workforce Development

Position Title: Associate Deputy Director of Workforce Development

Salary: $110,000 to $130,000 depending on experience

Hybrid, Remote, 30% travel; Eligible candidates may reside in TN, MI, OH, IN, FL, WV, NC, PA, TX; preferably within 1 hour of Knoxville, TN

IACMI - The Composites Institute®, is seeking an experienced and driven Associate Deputy Director of Workforce Development to provide leadership across its workforce development portfolio, with primary responsibility for supporting, guiding, and overseeing the ACE and METAL Programs through direct leadership of the ACE and METAL Program Directors.

This role serves as a key extension of the Deputy Director of Workforce and will help lead strategic execution, stakeholder engagement, program vision, and future growth opportunities across major workforce initiatives. The Associate Deputy Director will play a critical role in ensuring alignment across program leadership, organizational priorities, contract requirements, and long-term workforce strategy.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the Deputy Director of Workforce Development in the leadership, coordination, and advancement of IACMI’s workforce development strategy and priorities.
• Provide direct leadership, guidance, and support to the ACE and METAL Program Directors to ensure strong execution, accountability, and alignment across both programs.
• Help lead the strategic direction and operational success of the ACE and METAL Programs in alignment with organizational goals, stakeholder expectations, budgets, timelines, and contract requirements.
• Provide leadership oversight to ensure program execution remains aligned with deliverables, reporting requirements, and broader workforce development objectives.
• Support the performance, development, and accountability of the ACE and METAL Program Directors through regular engagement, coaching, and leadership support.
• Drive consistency across ACE and METAL in planning, reporting, communications, stakeholder engagement, and program management practices.
• Elevate risks, challenges, and decision points to the Deputy Director with clear recommendations and proposed paths forward.
• Lead cross-functional coordination across workforce, project management, communications, technical, contracts, and finance teams to support successful program execution.
• Engage with government, industry, academic, and internal stakeholders to strengthen relationships, support execution, and help position IACMI for future opportunities.
• Assist in shaping the vision for current workforce programs while contributing to the development of new initiatives, partnerships, and strategic growth opportunities.
• Lead or support the development of white papers, concept papers, statements of work, strategic briefs, and proposals tied to current and future workforce development efforts.
• Review major program deliverables, presentations, and briefing materials to ensure quality, clarity, and alignment with leadership expectations.
• Represent IACMI in meetings, presentations, and strategic discussions related to workforce development initiatives.
• Act on behalf of the Deputy Director when needed to help maintain continuity, leadership presence, and momentum across key workforce priorities.
• Contribute to the long-term sustainability, growth, and strategic positioning of IACMI’s workforce portfolio.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in business, workforce development, education, engineering, manufacturing, project management, or a related field required; master’s degree preferred.
• Seven or more years of experience in workforce development, program leadership, advanced manufacturing, education partnerships, government programs, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex initiatives involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and critical deliverables.
• Experience managing or guiding program leaders and coordinating across multiple functions or initiatives.
• Strong experience developing or contributing to white papers, proposals, concept papers, statements of work, or other strategic documents.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to engage stakeholders, support executive-level priorities, and represent the organization effectively.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working with government-funded programs, higher education institutions, industry partners, or nonprofit initiatives strongly preferred.
• Experience in manufacturing or advanced manufacturing workforce development preferred.

BENEFITS

• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous paid time off and flexible work arrangements
• Professional development opportunities
• Collaborative and supportive work environment fostering growth and innovation

ABOUT IACMI

The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation, or IACMI–The Composites Institute®, is focused on securing U.S. global leadership in advanced manufacturing by connecting people, ideas, and technology. IACMI is a 180-plus member community of industry, academic institutions, and government organizations designed to enhance competitiveness in U.S. manufacturing with a focus on meeting the needs of the private industry sector. Established in 2015 by the Department of Energy, IACMI is one of 17 Manufacturing USA Institutes collaborating to accelerate new technology, create new products, reduce cost and risk, and enable the manufacturing workforce with the skills of the future. Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, IACMI is managed by the Collaborative Composite Solutions Corporation, a not-for-profit organization established by The University of Tennessee Research Foundation.

IACMI has built a national reputation as a leader in U.S. workforce development, education, and training across advanced manufacturing industries. Workforce programmatic themes include, but are not limited to, advanced composites manufacturing and processes, machine tool technology including CNC machining, cybersecurity for industrial applications, additive manufacturing, and metals-related training areas such as casting, forging, plate rolling, metallurgy, and production-focused skilled trades. IACMI’s workforce portfolio also includes internships, apprenticeships, employer-connected training pathways, and K-12 career awareness and skill-building programs designed to strengthen the future manufacturing talent pipeline. Our continued growth and success have led to the search for a new team member.

CCS is committed to equal employment opportunity and to maintaining a workplace free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. CCS does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), CCS provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities and to qualified applicants and employees with known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship. Applicants needing assistance or accommodation during the application or hiring process may contact Human Resources at HR@iacmi.org.

Pay: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Will you now, or in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status)?
• Do you currently reside in TN, MI, OH, IN, FL, WV, NC, AL, PA?
• Are you willing to take a drug test, in accordance with local law/regulations?
• Are you willing to undergo a background check, in accordance with local law/regulations?
• Are you comfortable working in a remote setting?
• Do you have experience managing or guiding program leaders and coordinating across multiple functions or initiatives?
• Do you have a minimum of 7+ years of experience with training, workforce development programs, or program management?
• Do you have a willingness to travel at least 30% of the time with overnight stays?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Knoxville, TN 37920