Director of Technical and Vocational Studies

Director of Technical and Vocational Studies

Ensign College • Center for Technical and Vocational Studies

Full-Time • Salt Lake City, Utah

Reports To: Dean of Applied Sciences

Ensign College invites applications for the position of Director of Technical and Vocational Studies, a dynamic and high-energy leader who will guide the continued development, expansion, and innovation of our vocational and technical education programs. This role oversees the Center for Technical and Vocational Studies (CTVS) and plays a pivotal part in shaping workforce-ready training that aligns with industry needs, employer partnerships, and the mission of Ensign College.

About the Role

The Director will provide strategic vision, operational direction, and hands-on leadership for all technical and vocational programs, certificates, apprenticeships, employer-led and employer-advised curriculum pathways, and workforce-based learning initiatives. Responsibilities include ensuring innovative curriculum design, accreditation compliance, faculty adjunct mentorship, industry engagement, and fostering environments where students learn by doing and grow spiritually through discipleship.
 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the vision and strategic growth of vocational and technical training at Ensign College with emphasis on enrollments, retention, graduation and apprenticeships.

• Ensure programs align with workforce and employer needs in the state of Utah.

• Promote a culture of inspired learning, skill development, and spiritual discipleship consistent with Ensign College’s mission and immersive learning principles.

Community, Industry & Employer Collaboration

• Build strong relationships with workforce employers, community leaders, trade organizations, licensing bodies, and local businesses along the Wasatch Front.

• Organize and convene program advisory boards with employers to develop and refine employer-advised and employer-led curriculum.

Program Development & Oversight

• Ensure that students are job ready with skills prepared to succeed as apprentices on their pathway to master trade skills offered at Ensign College.

• Guide creation and improvement of vocational programs, badges, certificates, and apprenticeships.

• Integrate simulation labs, virtual reality/augmented reality tools, and project-based learning.

• Ensure programs meet accreditation, regulatory, and licensing standards.

Hands-On Leadership

• Demonstrate high energy, visibility, and active involvement in labs and classrooms.

• Inspire students, adjunct faculty, and staff to fulfill Ensign College’s mission to develop capable and trusted disciples of Jesus Christ.

Student & Workforce Success

• Promote a student-centered culture focused on employability and discipleship.

• Strengthen internships, practicums, apprenticeships, and work-based learning.

• Ensure graduates leave with industry-recognized skills and spiritual confidence.

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years of leadership experience in vocational education, workforce development, CTE, or related fields.

• Experience in developing or implementing employer-advised curriculum.

• Proven ability to collaborate with business, trades, and community partners.

• Strong communication and team-building skills.

• Knowledge of competency-based and employer-driven training models.

Preferred

• Experience in the trades, Utah licensing processes, and apprenticeships.

• Involvement in local community or workforce networks.

• Experience with accreditation and regulatory compliance.

• Familiarity with Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality training environments and technical learning tools.

• High-energy leadership with a discipleship-oriented mindset.

About Ensign College

Ensign College is a student-centered community, with approximately 2000 students on campus and an additional 10,000 students online through our collaborative partnership with BYU-Pathway Worldwide. Our diverse student body represents 60+ countries. As an institution sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we strive to be aligned with Church leaders in all we do. Our central mission is to develop capable and trusted disciples of Jesus Christ. As Ensign College students learn by faith, they prepare to assume responsible positions in the workplace as well-qualified professionals.

Include with Application

• A cover letter outlining their vision for vocational training and community collaboration.

• A current résumé or CV.

• Contact information for 3 references

Requirements for Employment Eligibility: 

• Membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

• Worthiness to hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend.

• Receive clearance from the Church Educational System Ecclesiastical Clearance Office.

• Strict adherence to company policies and procedures.

• Commitment to bring about the purposes of Ensign College.

• Reside in Utah and able to work in person at our downtown Salt Lake City campus. 

Ensign College is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, genetic information, or veteran's status. As an educational institution owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ensign College gives lawful hiring preference to qualified, faithful members of the Church who are in good standing.