What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Automotive Programs - Professional Automotive Training Center position at Shoreline Community College?
Date of First Consideration: September 9, 2026
Applications received by the date of consideration will have priority in the review process, noting the position will remain open until a final hire is made in the event a return for review of late applications is needed.
Salary Range: $109,30 - $121,367 annually, depending on qualifications and experience
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Professional Automotive Training Center
The Director of Automotive Programs provides visionary leadership for Shoreline College's nationally recognized Professional Automotive Training Center (PATC), one of the Pacific Northwest's premier automotive workforce education programs.
Working at the intersection of education and industry, the Director reports to the Dean of STEM-CTE, leads faculty, develops strategic partnerships with automotive manufacturers and employers, and advances innovative workforce pathways to prepare the next generation of highly skilled automotive technicians.
As the College's lead representative for automotive education, the Director provides strategic leadership in program planning, industry engagement, accreditation, enrollment growth, workforce development, customized training, and continuous improvement. The Director works collaboratively with faculty, staff, employers, K–12 partners, workforce agencies, and community organizations to ensure programs remain responsive to evolving technologies and employer needs.
The successful candidate combines technical credibility, collaborative leadership, and business acumen. Equally comfortable in the classroom, the shop, the boardroom, and the dealership, the Director is passionate about developing people, building partnerships, and shaping the future of automotive workforce education.
Why Join Shoreline?
Shoreline College has built one of the Pacific Northwest's most respected automotive workforce education programs through decades of strong partnerships with manufacturers, outstanding faculty, and a commitment to student success. The next Director will have the opportunity to build on this foundation while leading innovations in advanced vehicle technologies, electrification, workforce development, and industry partnerships. This is an opportunity to shape the future of automotive education and develop the skilled workforce that shapes the future of technician education.
Required Education & Experience:
- Five years of progressive responsible leadership experience in one or more of the following:
- Automotive technical education
- Automotive service operations
- Manufacturer technical training
- Workforce development
- Apprenticeship programs
- Technical training
- Community or technical college education
- Bachelor’s degree in automotive technology, Engineering Technology, Business, Workforce Development, or closely related field
- OR equivalent combination of education, industry certifications, and progressively responsible leadership experience
- Leadership experience within an automotive manufacturer (OEM), dealership group, technical training organization, or community/technical college.
- ASE certifications or equivalent professional credentials.
- Experience managing ASE Education Foundation accreditation or manufacturer certification programs.
- Experience developing industry partnerships, customized training, apprenticeships, or workforce initiatives.
- Experience securing grants, sponsorships, or external funding.
- Experience supervising union-represented employees.
Knowledge Of:
- Principles, trends, and emerging technologies within the automotive service industry, including manufacturer training systems and workforce development.
- Leadership principles, organizational management, and employee supervision
- Strategic planning, program development, assessment, and continuous improvement.
- Career and Technical Education (CTE), community college operations, and workforce training.
- Accreditation processes, manufacturer program standards, and quality assurance practices.
- Student recruitment, enrollment management, and workforce pathway development.
- Equity-centered leadership and practices that promote student success and inclusive learning environments.
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint) and enterprise software used for program administration.
Skilled In:
- Providing collaborative, student-centered leadership while fostering an inclusive and equitable learning and work environment.
- Building and sustaining productive relationships with automotive manufacturers, dealerships, workforce agencies, K–12 partners, community organizations, and other external stakeholders.
- Leading organizational change, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Developing and implementing strategic initiatives that strengthen workforce education and respond to industry needs.
- Managing multiple priorities, complex projects, budgets, grants, and competing deadlines.
- Analyzing data and using evidence to support planning, decision-making, and program improvement.
- Communicating effectively—both orally and in writing—with individuals at all organizational levels and from diverse cultural, educational, and professional backgrounds.
- Navigating complex or sensitive situations using sound judgment, diplomacy, and applicable laws, regulations, and College policies.
- Collaborating effectively as a member of the College's leadership team while also working independently.
- Representing the College professionally with industry partners, government agencies, accrediting organizations, and the public.
Physical Work Environment:
The College provides services both online and in-person. Administrators are assigned to work on campus, noting there may be some opportunities to work remotely based on program or area needs. If authorized for limited remote work, employees will need to provide their own workspace and internet access, noting the College will provide technical equipment and support for online work needs. When working on campus, this position will perform work in a standard office setting, classroom, or shop using standard office equipment and industry-specific tools & machines. You must physically attend meetings both on and off campus. This position also requires work on weekends and evenings when appropriate and needed.
Terms Of Employment/Salary:
- This is a full-time administrative/exempt contracted position
- Initial salary placement determined by the College dependent upon education/experience.
- Hiring of this position is contingent upon available funding as determined by the College President.
To be considered for this position, please submit the following:
- NEOGOV online application
- Cover letter describing relevant knowledge, skills, and characteristics that align with the needs of the position
- Current resume
Please Note:
- Once application materials have been submitted, you may not modify the application
- If you are chosen to move forward in this recruitment, you will be notified via email to the address listed in your application
Salary : $109,230 - $121,367