The IT Workforce Accelerator Project Director oversees daily operational coordination and effective management of the college’s Good Jobs Challenge Grant Project Round 2, including the authority to manage and coordinate the project according to the approved project plan. The Project Director provides operational oversight of the IT Workforce Accelerator project, drafts effective administrative compliance procedures and progress reports for approval by the Vice President of Workforce & Diversity, monitors resource expenditures and regulatory compliance, and maintains grant systems. The Project Director performs reporting, which contributes to the implementation/analysis of the project’s outcomes and supports the day-to-day operations of the grant project. The Project Director also provides high-level strategic coordination and professional guidance to all Workforce Accelerator team members and Consortium members. The Project Director will coordinate Consortium meetings and implement recommendations from the Consortium Team.

This position is funded by the Good Jobs Challenge- IT Workforce Accelerator Sustainability Project grant. The expected grant end date is August 31st, 2027. This role is mainly located on the Peoria campus but will occasionally have to travel to the East Peoria and Pekin campuses as needed.

This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed while in other cases related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Coordinate, manage, monitor, and facilitate the daily operation of the college’s IT Workforce Accelerator project to ensure the accomplishment of grant objectives.
2. Plan, prioritize, coordinate, manage and direct multiple projects and activities with varied deadlines.
3. With direction from the Vice President of Workforce & Diversity, share administrative control of grant activity to assure operation of the project remains congruent with the established goals and to assure optimal institutionalization of grant activities.
4. Approve and track expenditures and monitor the budget per the project plan. Propose adjustments as needed to the Vice President of Workforce & Diversity.
5. Educate and empower appropriate staff to facilitate or implement grant tasks and activities.
6. Exercise initiative and sound judgment in making decisions, interpret and apply internal policies and governmental regulations, delegate responsibilities and plan and analyze grant services.
7. Develop effective compliance procedures to ensure project operation complies with Economic Development Administration regulations, ICC grant policies and institutional development goals.
8. Ensure internal and/or external customer satisfaction of IT Workforce Accelerator initiatives through effective implementation and coordination of the project activities and budget, interpersonal relationships and continuous quality improvement.
9. Research and analyze the effectiveness of IT Workforce Accelerator project operations to arrive at valid conclusions related to their impact along with recommendations and plans of action. Guide modifications and improvements as approved by the Vice President of Workforce & Diversity.
10. Collaborate with the Institutional Research Office and external evaluators on project evaluation.
11. Draft reports on the activities, status, impact and/or outcomes and expenditures of the IT Workforce Accelerator project for distribution to internal and external stakeholders, including the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
12. Recommend system enhancements that promote continuous improvement in support of grant initiatives designed to increase participant success.
13. Perform related duties as required.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

1. Bachelor’s degree in Education Administration, Management, Information Technology, social sciences, or related field with organizational level project management experience impacting multiple departments and/or divisions
2. Experience with project initiatives and moving them forward.
3. Experience in effective budget management.
4. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
5. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
6. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
7. Strong organizing and prioritizing skills to meet critical deadlines.
8. Strong multi-tasking and decision-making skills.
9. Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish and maintain cooperative and professional working relationships with others.

1. Minimum two years experience managing grant projects.
2. Experience managing projects that involved integration of human processes and information technologies.
3. Experience working directly with disadvantaged and/or underrepresented students.