Wanted: Visionary leader to fuel Hawaiʻi’s workforce future

University of Hawai‘i is officially in the market for a new leader who can create a cohesive workforce strategy throughout all 10 of its campuses statewide.

The job description for the newly created, highly anticipated associate vice president for workforce development includes serving as the primary architect for a cohesive workforce strategy throughout all 10 University of Hawai‘i campuses statewide and a leader who will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between academia and industry all with the goal of meeting Hawai‘i’s pressing labor needs.

Establishment of this position is a major priority for University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel.

Hensel during her inaugural systemwide address stressed the need to move at the “speed of business” and create a centralized place for industry partners to engage with the university.

“We must build an integrated ecosystem with employers that brings them into our curriculum and into the classroom,” Hensel said. “This new associate vice president for workforce development will really own this initiative, ensuring we answer the call of Hawai‘i’s business and industry and move our strategic agenda forward in a targeted, coordinated way.”

Reporting to the vice president for academic strategy, the new associated vice president will lead the development of a systemwide “Workforce Master Plan,” aligning directly with Hawai‘i’s economic priorities.

By unifying credit and non-credit programs, the person who sits in the new post will enhance career pathways, allowing learners to move fluidly from short-term training to advanced degrees.

Furthermore, they will expand opportunities for work-based learning, apprenticeships and applied research by formalizing agreements with private sector partners and large state employers.

Candidates must possess a minimum 8 years of progressive leadership experience in workforce development, economic development or higher education administration.

The search is underway, with the continuous application review process set to begin June 15.