Executive Director for Maritime Center of Excellence

Executive Director for Maritime Center of Excellence will have the opportunity to imagine the future of maritime education and training through development and implementation of a new campus serving the State of Louisiana and a consortium of higher education and business and industry partners. The Executive Director will lead a collaborative approach to developing programs and trainings that provide opportunities for a diverse student body to access opportunities in the maritime industry.  In developing the campus, the Executive Director will take advantage of partnering with the maritime industry to understand emerging workforce needs and opportunities. These include areas such as automation, unmanned operations, updates in ship safety and security (including cybersecurity), logistics, and environmental protection.

The Executive Director for Maritime Center of Excellence: 

• Develops academic educational programs in maritime studies that supports growth of graduates in maritime industry.
• Develops short-term training opportunities in maritime leading to industry based credentials.
• Coordinates and facilitates current education and training opportunities between institutions within the consortium.
• Oversees the development of the Houma Marine Campus.
• Oversees the construction of the Workforce building at the Houma Marine Campus.
• Fully develops and implements an associate degree program in Cybersecurity with a concentration in Maritime Cybersecurity.
• Fully develops and implements a Marine Technician associate degree.
• Facilitates marine and safety training provided by consortium members at the Houma Marine Campus.
• Oversees daily operations and space rental for the Houma Marine Campus.
• Regularly publishes a schedule of training opportunities for business and industry.
• Generates new revenue for participating colleges through expansion of training and educational opportunities.
• Successfully obtains a “Center of Excellence” designation in Maritime from the State of Louisiana.
• Lead state and federal advocacy efforts in union with maritime consortium.
• Works with consortia members on development and implementation of a statewide maritime academy.
• Plan and prepare for all consortium meetings, including distribution of materials and minutes.
• Actively recruits students and industry workers to engage in relevant workforce training.
• Creates a robust industry advisory board that meets quarterly to advise and assess academic and training programs that serve the maritime industry.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in marine, petroleum industries, management/education or related field. Comprehensive working knowledge and understanding of education and training. Minimum 3 years’ management experience. Dynamic leadership and excellent communication skills. Flexibility with the ability to be a collaborative team player. Demonstrated commitment to student success, outcomes based education and sensitivity to respond appropriately to the needs of a diverse population. Must be goal-oriented and action-focused. Must be pragmatic and self-disciplined. Must be good at project planning, organizing, communication, team motivation and delegation. Ability to develop and market programs to meet business and industry training needs. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. People skills as well as computer skills a must. Must be willing to travel. Must be able to negotiate contracts.
 

Licenses/Certifications Required:

• Be accepted as a qualified United States Coast Guard Instructor.
• Relevant certification in Industry Safety and Health Technology from an accredited institution. Current First Aid / CPR / AED certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Maritime experience strongly preferred
• Experience in higher education administration 
• Experience in public/governmental affairs
• Teaching experience
• Grant experience
• Management of complex and diverse training schedules
• Experience as manager, liaison, and/or company representative
• Development and design of complex training programs.

Reports To:  Chancellor