The Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute (DMDII) is the nation’s flagship research organization for applying cutting-edge digital technologies to reduce the time and cost of manufacturing and strengthen the capabilities of the U.S. supply chain.  The DMDII will develop, demonstrate, deploy and commercialize digital design and manufacturing technologies across key industries.

 DMDII is seeking candidates for the position of Director, Workforce Development and Education Outreach.  One of the key objectives of DMDII is to ensure the manufacturing workforce within the commercial and DOD organic industrial base is capable of utilizing new digital manufacturing technologies. This will be accomplished in partnership with large industry, small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises, technology developers and educational institutions.  The Institute seeks to foster collaboration and leverage the capabilities of its membership to define target manufacturing technologies, develop tailored educational curriculum and execute learning.   This key position will be responsible for developing a vision for the Institute’s workforce development initiatives, creating and implementing a framework and infrastructure for workforce development activities, and establishing partnerships with other organizations with common objectives.  The Director Workforce Development will be responsible for identifying, capturing and leveraging additional funding within this domain at the local, state and federal level, as well as from non-government sources.  This position is also responsible for partnering with organizations that accomplish science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education to introduce the concepts of digital manufacturing to K-12 students in a hands-on fashion that inspires the pursuit of learning about manufacturing technology.

Essential Functions

-        Develop and implement a vision for the execution of workforce development initiatives by an Institute devoted to manufacturing innovation.

-        Internally and externally advocate for the importance of workforce development in balance with research, development and technology transition for the advancement of digital manufacturing technology.

-        Establish enduring partnerships with relevant organizations to accomplish workforce development in an effective manner.

-        Establish a framework and infrastructure for a project-based learning environment and implement collaboration with external education and workforce training organizations.

-        Develop, implement and refine a metrics for the Institute’s actions and investments in workforce development and educational outreach.

-        Design and implement a process to attract and develop students at all levels; including non-traditional students, K-12, and veterans; in addition to teachers, faculty and other instructors on digital manufacturing and design.

-        Identify and engage relevant industry and industry association partners to identify skill gaps.  Create validated educational activities, certification programs and credentialing to address these gaps.

-        Work with regional manufacturing extension partners MEPs and professional education content developers to develop training courses that facilitate dissemination of information to the public at large.

+ Qualifications

-         Master's degree (Doctorate preferred) from an accredited institution

-         Minimum of 10 years of administrative or managerial experience in corporate or higher education settings.

-         Demonstrated track record of identifying and engaging key strategic external partners (individual or institutional) for the purposes of building effective collaborative initiatives to deliver programs, curriculum, industry partnerships

-         Proven ability to pull together many different constituencies, from both the public and private sectors.

-         Demonstrated ability to supervise a professional staff, develop and manage a budget.

-         High energy with the ability to lead teams toward successful collaboration in the development of workforce training that will meet the present and future needs of the region's economic development and corporate communities.

-         Possess highly developed analytical skills, writing and presentation skills, and communication skills that allow for effective communication with stakeholders.

+  Anti-Discrimination Policy and Commitment to Diversity

UI LABS is an equal employment opportunity employer.

We seek individuals of all ethnic and racial backgrounds to apply for this position.  We are committed to maximizing the diversity of our organization, as we want to engage all those who can contribute to this effort.

 + About DMDII

As a pillar of President Obama’s investment in U.S. Manufacturing, the DMDII will be the nation’s flagship research institute in digital manufacturing and design innovation and a world-class, first-of-its-kind manufacturing hub with the capabilities, innovation, and collaboration necessary to transform American manufacturing.

 + About UI LABS

UI LABS is a not-for-profit, independent research, training, and commercialization engine focused on solving big problems. It curates partnerships that bring together innovative industrial partners and best-in-class technical capabilities and resources to tackle grand challenges. UI LABS accelerates innovations that contribute to the economic prosperity of Chicago and the greater Midwest by solving company-