POSITION OVERVIEW: At Lake Area Technical College (LATC), we take our mission seriously: superior, comprehensive technical education that changes lives and launches careers. We’re seeking an innovative, forward-thinking leader to serve as the college’s Center Director for Automotive Programs & Services.

 

The Center Director serves as the educational and administrative leader of LATC’s Automotive Technology program, Auto Body & Paint program, Fleet, and Parts Department. The director provides strategic and operational leadership for high-results academic programs that train Lake Area Tech’s graduates to excel in careers across the spectrum of the automotive industry. The director is responsible for championing a positive, student-first culture focused on enrollment, retention, completion, and career placement; supporting high-performing faculty and staff; serving as a trusted advisor; and ensuring strong alignment with industry’s evolving needs.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher and industry experience in one of the following (or related fields): transportation technology, logistics, supply chain management, organizational leadership, or applied or industrial technology.
• Progressive leadership experience in higher education, industry, or workforce development that includes staff supervision, program development, planning, and budget management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and empower teams in complex operations.
• Strong understanding of industry trends in automotive mechanics and technologies, collision repair, and industrial painting.
• Commitment to supporting students and campus and community efforts.
• Thoughtful and effective communicator.
• Thrive in a high-performing, team-driven environment.
• Technology skills to effectively execute job duties (ex. Microsoft 360, learning management system, industry-connected software or hardware, etc.).
• Track record of continual learning and desire to grow and advance.
• Qualifications considered a plus:
  • Experience leading in a technical college or university setting.
  • Familiarity with accreditation, program review processes, and outcomes assessments.
  • Proven success building partnerships with external stakeholders.
  • Hold the Certified Automotive Fleet Manager or similar credential.

INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS: Provide a cover letter and resume outlining qualifications, note interests in the position, and summarize the skills and experiences the candidate possesses to excel at the Center Director position. The position will remain open until filled; early applications are encouraged as qualified candidates will be interviewed as they are submitted.

 

REPORTS TO: Dean of Academics and Vice President

 

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead High-Quality Academic Programs
  • Align credential programs to industry expectations and accreditation requirements, including for work-based learning experiences like internships and supervised occupational experiences.
  • Ensure students develop the technical skills, professional behaviors, and the confidence needed for entry into entry-level skilled professions. Students’ educations must lead to readiness for relevant industry certifications.
  • Coach and support faculty in instruction in the classroom, lab/shop, and field.
  • Planfully manage the equipment and materials needed for hands-on learning experiences.
  • Develop and manage the Center’s budgets.
  • Coordinate administrative functions in partnership with campus staff such as class scheduling, faculty loads, inventory, program outcomes, assessment of program and course outcomes, enrollment and graduate targets, and contracts/agreements.
  • Monitor and improve performance indicators; support continuous improvement processes.
• Manage Faculty & Staff
  • Foster a collaborative, accountable, and mission-driven culture.
  • Recruit, develop, and evaluate faculty and staff to build a high-performing team.
  • Facilitate faculty and staff continuing education aligned with industry advancements and position responsibilities.
  • Lead with accessibility and a commitment to excellence while empowering the team.
• Cultivate and Sustain Relationships
  • Build and maintain strong partnerships with industry leaders.
  • Represent the college at community, state, and national functions.
  • Engage advisory boards in program development, evaluation, acquiring program resources, and continuous improvement.
  • Collaborate with Lake Area Tech staff, including leadership, Academics, career services, enrollment, campus life, counseling, financial aid, marketing, grant management, IT and institutional effectiveness.
  • Work with the Academics team to create and manage articulation agreements with postsecondary education partners.
  • Collect and share relevant and timely information, including reports, to internal and external stakeholders.
• Engage Students
  • Promote student opportunities in the classroom and beyond (ex. SkillsUSA, judging teams, etc.).
  • Address student concerns, foster an engaging learning environment, and model professional expectations.
  • Implement thoughtful and timely student advising practices.
• Build the Future
  • Align program priorities and results with LATC strategic priorities and workforce demands.
  • Develop and execute a clear vision and program plans.
  • Lead initiatives that drive student enrollment and completion, innovation, and program relevance, including designing new Corporate Education trainings and/or credential programs.
  • Work with the Lake Area Technical College Foundation on fundraising for student scholarships, program equipment, and facility improvements.
  • Represent the Center within the college and in the broader community.
  • Draft and recommend policies and procedures to Academics and the Vice President when necessary.
• Oversee the LATC Fleet and Parts Department
  • Provide leadership and oversight of the college’s automotive fleet, ensuring vehicles are safe, well maintained, and aligned with staff and faculty uses.
  • Implement and operate a fleet management system to efficiently meet campus needs.
  • Oversee daily operations of the parts department, including efficient systems for inventory control, storage, billing, and distribution.
  • Develop and manage budgets for fleet inventory, vehicle maintenance, parts procurement, and service sales.
  • Support integration of fleet and parts operations into student learning experiences, including inventory systems and service workflows.

 

May have occasional teaching duties. Other duties may be assigned.

 

About Lake Area Technical College:

Founded in 1965, Lake Area Technical College serves nearly 2,800 students and offers more than 30 career-focused programs designed to meet workforce needs. The college has a 99.8 percent placement rate, with most graduates choosing to live and work in South Dakota. The alumni network is 26,000 strong.

 

Lake Area Tech’s mission is to provide “superior, comprehensive technical education that changes lives and launches careers.” The college received the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, recognizing it as the top two-year college in the nation. For more information and to apply, visit: www.lakeareatech.edu.

 

SALARY RANGE: $91,800 - $106,920, dependent on qualifications and experience. Highly competitive benefits package.

 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 216-day contract with compensation set by the Watertown School Board. Professional Classified position.