Virginia's Community College System · 1 day ago
Senior Advisor - Life Sciences
Richmond, VA
Internship
Hybrid
Intern, Mid, Senior Level
$73K/yr - $85K/yr
3+ years expVirginia's Community College System is one of the largest community colleges in Virginia, serving approximately 13,000 credit students. The Senior Advisor – Life Sciences will serve as the primary liaison to the life sciences and biotechnology industry, focusing on developing partnerships and ensuring programs remain aligned with workforce needs.
E-LearningEducationHigher Education
Responsibilities
Build and maintain a robust network of life sciences and biotechnology employers across the Richmond region
Serve as the college’s primary employer-facing representative for the Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (APM) and Biotechnology Intermediary
Lead employer engagement efforts as part of the APM–Biotech Workforce Sectoral Partnership, a collaborative ecosystem of industry, education, and workforce partners advancing the region’s pharmaceutical manufacturing and biotechnology cluster
Cultivate long-term partnerships with employers to align training, curriculum, and work-based learning opportunities (e.g., internships, apprenticeships, clinical placements) with real-world skill demands
Work collaboratively with academic departments to ensure employer partnerships translate into applied learning opportunities
Gather continuous feedback from employers to ensure Reynolds’ biotechnology and chemical technician programs align with evolving industry standards and workforce trends
Translate employer needs into actionable insights for academic leadership, informing curriculum design, credential development, and program planning
Identify emerging technologies, occupational roles, and competency requirements in the life sciences sector to help Reynolds remain a responsive, leading workforce partner
Contribute to program review, advisory board discussions, and assessment processes by providing industry input on curriculum relevance and student learning outcomes
Represent Reynolds Community College on the Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing–Biotechnology Workforce Sectoral Partnership, serving as spokesperson for both credit and workforce programs in biotechnology and chemical technician
Collaborate closely with college administrators, faculty, and workforce development staff to integrate employer feedback into a continuous improvement process
Work as part of a five-member regional team leading the Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing-Biotechnology Intermediary, advancing the shared goal of building a sustainable, inclusive life sciences workforce ecosystem across the Greater Richmond region
Partner with the Dean and department chair to align partnership outcomes with academic program goals assessment cycles
Support the development of grant proposals, articulation agreements, and new credential pathways that strengthen the connection between industry and academic programming
May be required to perform other duties as assigned
May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor
Qualification
Required
At least 3-5 years of biotechnology/life science workforce experience
Strategic Thinking. Ability to synthesize diverse perspectives, analyze data, and make decisions with both detail and big-picture context
Project Management. Proven experience coordinating complex initiatives across multiple systems and stakeholders
Communication. Excellent written and oral communication skills; able to clearly convey sensitive and complex topics to diverse stakeholders
Cross-functional Coordination. Skilled at working across departments and organizations, influencing colleagues with varying perspectives
Leadership Experience. Guiding cross-functional teams and representing organizations to external partners
Adaptivity and Creativity. Comfortable adjusting strategies in changing circumstances and finding creative solutions
Workforce Landscape Awareness. Familiarity with workforce initiatives in Virginia and knowledge of key players in talent development
Academic Collaboration. Demonstrated ability to engage faculty and academic leaders in program development and curriculum enhancement
Graduation from an accredited college or university with course work in Business Administration, Biotechnology or other science or related field
Minimum 3 years' relevant work experience in workforce and talent development with a focus on program planning, business operations, and project management
Prior success leading a cross-functional team
Strong analytical and project management skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate with team members
Prior effective results managing complex projects involving cross-sector stakeholders
Strong interest in discourse around workforce development strategies and career and technical education
Proven record of success in program development and stakeholder management
Experience collaborating with academic units or faculty-led initiatives
Preferred
Masters' degree preferred
Human Resources experience is preferred
Experience collaborating with academic units or faculty-led initiatives is highly desirable
Benefits
Health Benefits: Competitive state health coverage options, including dental, vision, hearing, and premium rewards
Retirement: Membership in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS), plus voluntary supplemental retirement options with employer contributions
Paid Leave: Generous paid time off, including sick leave, personal leave, vacation, holidays, and paid parental leave
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Options for medical and dependent care with pre-tax dollars
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support including legal, financial counseling, and up to four no-cost therapy visits per incident
Professional Development: Tuition assistance, internal leadership programs, and advancement opportunities
Company
Virginia's Community College System
Since 1966, Virginia’s Community Colleges have given everyone the opportunity to learn and develop the right skills so lives and communities are strengthened.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Dennis Moynihan
Director, Shared Services Center
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