This role is not eligible for remote work and will be based onsite in Danville, Virginia.
This position is a strategic leadership role in the field of Workforce Development. The Vice President of Advanced Learning will lead initiatives that connect education with economic opportunity—designing and scaling programs that prepare learners of all ages for high-demand careers, support regional industry needs, and drive innovation in talent development. The ideal candidate will bring experience in workforce development, career and technical education, talent pipeline strategy, or a related field focused on aligning learning with labor market needs.
About IALR
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation. The mission will be accomplished through applied research, advanced learning, economic development, advanced manufacturing, and conference services. Driving Economic Transformation is at the heart of everything we do at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. We discover breakthroughs, create opportunity, grow innovation, power progress, and host greatness. Each of our divisions plays a critical role in daily preserving and delivering this mission.
About the Role
The Vice President of Advanced Learning at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is a transformative leadership role at the intersection of education, workforce development, and regional economic growth. This executive will lead a nationally recognized division that designs and delivers innovative learning experiences across the lifespan—from K-12 STEM engagement to adult upskilling and credentialing.
As the strategic architect of IALR’s talent development ecosystem, the VP will oversee a diverse portfolio of high-impact programs, including GO TEC®, the Academy for Engineering and Technology (AET), REACH, Dan River Year AmeriCorps, and the Wonder Community of Lifelong Learning. These initiatives are designed to close skills gaps, expand access to opportunity, and prepare individuals and communities for the jobs of tomorrow.
This role requires a bold thinker and collaborative leader who can anticipate trends, build powerful partnerships, and align learning strategies with the evolving needs of employers, educators, and learners. The VP will serve as a key voice in shaping regional and statewide policy, securing funding for innovation, and representing IALR on influential platforms.
If you are passionate about transforming lives through education, driving systemic change, and leading with purpose, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Program Leadership: Leads the planning, execution, and evaluation of a dynamic portfolio of programs and initiatives. Establishes clear timelines, ensures accountability, and communicates progress through data-driven reports, presentations, and stakeholder engagement.
- Resource Development & Grant Management: Identifies and secures external funding to support strategic initiatives. Crafts compelling proposals, develops budgets and logic models, and ensures full compliance with grant requirements. Maintains transparency and strong relationships with funders through consistent reporting and communication.
- Financial Oversight: Manages state and grant-funded budgets, approves expenditures, and ensures timely and accurate financial reporting. Proactively identifies and resolves financial or compliance issues and participates in audits and financial reviews.
- Team Leadership & Culture Building: Leads and mentors a team of Program Managers and staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence. Conducts regular team and individual meetings, supports professional development, and drives continuous improvement.
- Strategic Innovation & Development: Anticipates emerging trends and opportunities in education and workforce development. Leads the ideation and development of new initiatives, integrating research, stakeholder input, and cross-sector collaboration to maximize impact.
- Institutional Representation & Advocacy: Represents the organization on local, state, and national boards and committees. Serves as a thought leader and advocate, advancing the institution’s mission and visibility through strategic engagement and leadership roles.
- Partnership Development: Cultivates and sustains strategic partnerships with educational institutions, employers, and community organizations. Leverages relationships to expand access to higher education, workforce training, and credentialing opportunities.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Works collaboratively across all divisions to support institutional priorities and the strategic plan. Serves as a key liaison to the Board of Trustees, responding to requests and contributing to enterprise-wide initiatives.
