DIRECTOR OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENTPosition Summary
The Director of Workforce Development provides strategic leadership, design, implementation, and oversight of workforce development initiatives that align talent pipelines with organizational and industry needs. This role is responsible for workforce strategy, employer partnerships, training programs, funding compliance, performance metrics, and cross-sector collaboration to ensure sustainable talent development and measurable employment outcomes.
The Director serves as a senior leader responsible for aligning workforce initiatives with economic trends, labor market data, organizational goals, and community impact objectives.
Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & Planning
- Develop and execute a comprehensive workforce development strategy aligned with organizational and industry goals.
- Conduct labor market analysis and workforce needs assessments to inform program design.
- Identify high-demand occupations and emerging industry trends.
- Establish multi-year workforce development roadmaps and performance benchmarks.
- Advise executive leadership on workforce trends, talent pipelines, and skill gaps.
Program Development & Oversight
- Design, implement, and evaluate workforce training programs, apprenticeships, internships, and career pathways.
- Ensure programs meet regulatory, accreditation, and funding compliance standards.
- Oversee curriculum alignment with industry certifications and employer requirements.
- Monitor program outcomes including completion rates, credential attainment, job placement, and wage progression.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives based on performance metrics.
Employer & Industry Partnerships
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships with employers, industry associations, educational institutions, and community organizations.
- Facilitate sector partnerships to align training with workforce demand.
- Secure employer commitments for work-based learning and hiring pipelines.
- Represent the organization in regional workforce councils and industry coalitions.
Funding & Compliance
- Identify and pursue workforce funding opportunities (grants, contracts, public funding, philanthropic support).
- Oversee grant compliance, reporting, and fiscal accountability.
- Manage budgets related to workforce initiatives.
- Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local workforce regulations (apprenticeship standards, labor laws).
Team Leadership & Operations
- Lead, supervise, and develop workforce development staff.
- Establish performance expectations and accountability frameworks.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, equity, and high performance.
- Coordinate cross-functional teams including HR, training, operations, and community outreach.
Data & Performance Management
- Establish and track for workforce initiatives.
- Analyze program performance data to measure community impact.
- Prepare executive-level reports and presentations.
- Utilize data systems for participant tracking and compliance reporting.
Community & Stakeholder Engagement
- Promote equitable access to workforce programs for underrepresented populations.
- Engage community leaders and stakeholders to address workforce barriers.
- Serve as spokesperson for workforce initiatives at public events and meetings.
QualificationsRequired
- Bachelor’s degree in Workforce Development, Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, Education, or related field.
- 7–10+ years of progressive experience in workforce development, talent strategy, economic development, or related field.
- 3–5+ years of leadership/management experience.
- Demonstrated experience managing grants and public funding.
- Strong understanding of labor market dynamics and workforce policy.
- Experience building employer partnerships.
Preferred
- Master’s degree in relevant discipline.
- Experience with registered apprenticeship programs, or sector partnerships.
- Grant writing experience.
Core Competencies
- Strategic thinking and systems-level planning
- Labor market analysis and workforce forecasting
- Stakeholder engagement and coalition building
- Financial and grant management
- Regulatory compliance
- Program evaluation and performance management
- Equity-centered workforce strategies
- Executive communication and presentation skills
Reporting Structure
Reports to: CEO Supervises: Workforce Development Managers, Program Coordinators, Career Coaches, Data Analysts
Compensation
Salary Range: $70,000-85,000
Benefits: 401(k), 401(k) matching, Dental insurance, Health insurance, Life insurance, Paid time off, Retirement plan
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $70,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Ability to Commute:
- Boston, MA 02111 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Boston, MA 02111: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
