Executive Director, Capital Region ON-RAMP
At a Glance
- $40 million New York State investment
- Advanced manufacturing, semiconductor, and skilled trades focus
- Regional Workforce Innovation Center
- Public-facing leadership; convening employers, government, education, and labor across the region
- Path to independent nonprofit leadership
- Salary range: $170,000–$210,000
- Full Time, Onsite, Albany, NY
The Center for Economic Growth seeks an exceptional leader to serve as the founding Executive Director of Capital Region ON-RAMP (One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships). Backed by $40 million in New York State investment, ON-RAMP is one of the region's most significant workforce initiatives, connecting residents to high-demand careers while helping employers build the talent pipeline needed to sustain long-term growth.
To be considered, applicants must submit a cover letter with their resume. Only candidates being considered will be contacted.
If you are a proven leader who is energized by building something new, convening diverse stakeholders, and shaping the future workforce of the Capital Region, we encourage you to apply. Submit a cover letter and a resume to hiring@capitalregionchamber.com.
The Opportunity
The successful candidate will help shape the workforce infrastructure supporting the Capital Region's next generation of advanced manufacturing, semiconductor, and skilled trades growth. Few leadership opportunities offer this combination of scale, visibility, and funding. The director will lead ON-RAMP's implementation and growth, advancing programs, regional partnerships, facility development, and long-term sustainability.
Success in the First Year
- Complete ON-RAMP's transition to an independent nonprofit organization.
- Build and lead a high-performing team.
- Advance development of the regional workforce training center.
- Launch workforce programs aligned with employer demand.
- Establish the foundation of a diversified, long-term revenue strategy.
Primary Responsibilities
Strategic & Organizational Leadership
- Lead the vision, strategy, growth, and long-term success of Capital Region ON-RAMP.
- Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing team.
- Ensure strong financial management, operational excellence, regulatory compliance, measurable organizational impact, and data-informed decision-making.
Partnership Development & External Affairs
- Serve as ON-RAMP's chief ambassador and spokesperson with employers, educators, government leaders, labor, funders, and community organizations.
- Align industry, education, workforce, and community stakeholders around shared regional workforce goals.
- Position ON-RAMP as a recognized regional and statewide leader in workforce innovation and talent development.
Sustainability & Governance
- Lead fundraising and execution of ON-RAMP's diversified revenue strategy, including public funding, philanthropy, employer investment, and earned revenue.
- Partner with the Board of Directors to advance strategic priorities, ensure effective governance, and provide transparent reporting on organizational performance and finances.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 10 years of senior leadership experience, with a track record of leading organizational growth and complex strategic initiatives.
- Experienced with workforce development systems, talent development strategies, employer engagement, or related economic development initiatives.
- Demonstrated success building, leading, and developing high-performing teams.
- Proven success managing complex partnerships across public, private, educational, community, and labor sectors.
- Experience developing and managing budgets, public funding, grants, and diversified revenue streams.
- Demonstrated experience securing financial support, strategic investment, or revenue from public, private, philanthropic, or employer partners.
- Track record of setting measurable goals and driving outcomes through data-informed management practices.
- Knowledge of advanced manufacturing, semiconductor, construction trades, or other high-growth industries preferred.
- Understanding of organized labor, apprenticeship systems, and workforce equity strategies preferred.
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout the Capital Region.
Leadership Competencies & Personal Characteristics
- Strategic and forward-thinking leader
- Trusted relationship builder
- Exceptional communicator and public ambassador
- Skilled fundraiser with a track record of growing revenue
- Data-informed executive committed to measurable impact
Compensation & Benefits
Salary range is $170,000 to $210,000. Benefits package includes PTO, generous 401(k), and health/life/LTD insurance. During the initial launch phase, the director will be employed by CEG until ON-RAMP transitions to an independent nonprofit organization.
About Capital Region ON-RAMP
The region is experiencing significant growth in advanced manufacturing, semiconductor technologies, clean energy, and the skilled trades, driven in part by major public and private investments across New York's semiconductor and advanced manufacturing ecosystem.
ON-RAMP will serve as the region's workforce center, integrating career navigation, training, supportive services, and employer engagement into a coordinated talent development system. By coordinating efforts across industry, education, labor, government, and community-based organizations, ON-RAMP will accelerate workforce readiness and expand access to opportunity throughout the Capital Region.
ON-RAMP is launching with significant momentum, resources, and regional support. As founding director, you will build upon substantial planning, investment, and regional momentum already established. You will develop and execute a long-term sustainability strategy that diversifies revenue through employer investment, philanthropy, public funding, educational collaborations, and earned revenue, and lead its transition to a fully independent nonprofit, giving you a rare opportunity to shape both the mission and the institution itself.
About Center for Economic Growth
The Center for Economic Growth (CEG) is dedicated to driving economic growth in the Capital Region. As a nonprofit regional economic development organization, we do this by attracting investment and talent; growing manufacturing and workforce capabilities, leveraging industry clusters, and developing the entrepreneurial ecosystem. We serve as a catalyst and work with partners and stakeholders to prepare the region to compete and move high-impact strategies and projects forward. An affiliate of the Capital Region Chamber, CEG is supported by investors in business, government, education, and the nonprofit sectors who are committed to sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity. For more information, visit www.ceg.org
The Capital Region Chamber/CEG is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe our organization thrives when every individual feels respected, valued, and empowered to contribute fully. As an advocate for regional businesses, the Chamber/CEG—through its leadership, actions, educational efforts, and community partnerships—is dedicated to fostering a workplace and regional economy where fairness, access, and opportunity are extended to all.