Director of workforce development job description

• Bachelor’s Degree required (or equivalent experience) with minimum of 5 years of experience. 7-10 years or more of work experience preferred

• At least 5 years of experience working in a non-profit setting focused on homelessness, supporting individuals with housing insecurity and/or working with vulnerable populations

• Minimum 5 years of experience developing and implementing workforce development solutions

• Established relationships among workforce development community

• Experience facilitating collaboration across multiple stakeholders including internally and externally

• Demonstrated public speaking, and facilitation skills

• Excellent organizational and leadership skills

• Experience developing and administering training

• Experience analyzing data and producing reports

• Experience in project management

• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills

• Proficient in MS Office suite

Working Conditions and Necessary Capabilities

• I n compliance with the CMS IFR, all NSO employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or qualify for a medical or religious exemption that NSO can reasonably accommodate.
• This position may be required to travel between NSO locations as needed.
• Works in an office environment as needed and uses a computer, telephone and other office equipment as needed, to perform duties. The noise level in the work environment is typical of that of an office with frequent contact with clients.
• Seeing/vision, talking/speaking and listening/hearing are continuously required.
• Frequently required to stand during working hours.
  Required to sit, walk or drive as needed.

DISCLAIMER MESSAGE: The above elements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties of personnel so classified, or a contractual commitment, and NSO retains the right to amend or revise this job description at any time.

NSO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to excellence through diversity and considers candidates without regard to sex (including pregnancy related conditions) genetic information, race, color, weight, height, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, martial or veteran status, misdemeanor arrest record, sexual orientation, transgender status or gender identity or any other legally protected status.

The Executive Director of Workforce Development and Employer Relations is responsible for developing and implementing an annual strategic plan to build positive working relationships with senior level executives as well as middle level leaders across business and industry to secure internships, apprenticeships, and jobs. These groups include prospective partners and current industry partners that support P-TECH programs, Career Institutes, and Career and Technical Education campus-based high school programs.

Direct all industry partnerships and engagement across college and career readiness programs through establishing relationships with executives in industry.

Collaborate with workplace learning coordinators and district staff members to ensure coherence of programming.

Seek new partnerships to support current and future programs to strengthen workplace learning, internships, and job opportunities for students through collaboration with senior level executives in business and industry.

Develop and implement a comprehensive, strategic plan for schools and departments across the district to support campuses and partners to ensure maximum engagement and collaboration.

Develop and implement a plan to retain and recruit industry partners to ensure programming has adequate opportunity for students to gain workplace experiences.

Coordinate and implement programs with local chambers and other stakeholder groups to enhance Dallas ISD educational initiatives.
Establish and maintain a tracking system to collect and capture industry partner engagement. Collaborate and build strong relationships with principals, school staff, and administrative personnel to explain industry partner supports and expectations, as well as conduct partnership check-in meetings throughout the year. Represent the department at meetings, presentations, and events to introduce new initiatives and strengthen relationships in the stakeholder community. Collaborate with departments to support and strategically increase partnerships using proven ability to research, analyze, and monitor trends to increase partnerships.



Qualifications



Required 5+ years of leadership experience in working collaboratively with executive level leadership in business and/or industry. Required Bachelors degree in Business, Public or Community Relations or related field. Strong knowledge of school district organizations, operations, policies, and procedures. Serve as the district leader in partnership and industry engagement with the goal of securing internships, apprenticeships, and job opportunities for students. Excellent public speaker with the ability to develop presentations and connect with various audiences. Ability to work on several projects concurrently and to positively engage staff and parent volunteers. Ability to work nontraditional hours, including after school, evenings, and Saturdays. Experience working with content management systems.

Illinois Action for Children (“IAFC”), a local, state and national leader in the early childhood care and education sector for over 50 years. IAFC programs, services, and advocacy improve learning and life outcomes for children and families, including reducing the effects of poverty. IAFC works to ensure that every child in Illinois – particularly those in need – have access to the necessary resources to succeed in school and in life.

Along with our mission, IAFC is committed to building and maintaining a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist culture. We are dedicated to this pledge through our hiring practices and our focus on creating a culture and environment where diverse perspectives, ideas, and identities are valued and integrated into our way of working and servicing our staff and clients. IAFC staff represent a wide diversity of racial, socio-economic, gender, religious, and national identities. We welcome all applicants who share our mission and vision to join us in our essential work.

SUMMARY :

Under the direction of the Vice President of Family and Provider Services, the Director of Workforce Development leads in the planning, coordination, and execution of workforce leadership events, coordinating internal and external activities, and other deliverables related to supporting early care and education professionals. The Director implements the Maria Whelan Leadership Institute development strategy and program design and works alongside IAFC leadership to ensure programs are aligned with and amplifying the impact of, IAFC’s organizational strategic plan.

This incumbent will be expected to promote and adhere to the workplace core capabilities of: accountability, customer focus, continuous quality improvement (CQI), communication, competent people and clear priorities. All work to be completed with minimum supervision and in accordance with organizational standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following. The organization reserves the right to add to, delete, change, or modify the essential duties and responsibilities at any time.

1. Provide leadership in executing IAFC’s Workforce Leadership Programs.

2. Create a 5-year plan for executing a series of short- and long-term leadership development programs designed to build the leadership pipeline of ECEC professionals.

3. Design and develop leadership development programs tailored for ECEC professionals at different career levels.

4. Manage and implement the annual MWLI 9-Month ECEC Mid-Career Leadership Fellowship, which seeks to develop the leadership of 15-20 early childhood education professionals.

5. Refine the existing curriculum to ensure leadership sessions are relevant, culturally competent, and executed with excellence, identifying fellowship speakers, and coordinating all logistics for the program.

6. Launch a statewide recruitment campaign with marketing to recruit leadership program applicants.

7. Engage stakeholders including the MWLI Core Team, Design Team, other Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, MWLI Alumni, trainers, speakers and funders.

8. Serve as the primary liaison between Illinois Action for Children and MWLI training consultants for early learning programs, providing coordination of training opportunities.

9. Serve as primary contact for IAFC Workforce Initiatives working in conjunction with other provider programs.

10. Manage internal and external communication related to Workforce initiatives and activities.

11. Recruit and identify trainers for Workforce Initiatives.

12. Manage contracts with external trainers and independent consultants, including tracking of contract development and execution, reporting and payments.

13. Coordinate logistics for all Workforce Initiative activities including in person and webinar trainings and events.

14. Facilitate meetings with philanthropy for any interested funders to review programs and progress.

15. Engage both grass tops and grassroots stakeholders in program design and implementation.

16. Analyze program data to evaluate goal achievement and inform program design.

17. Supervise external independent trainers/consultants for this project.

18. Work closely with the training and consultation teams, the community systems development team, and the public policy advocacy and research team. Externally this position works with training consultants, and funders to discuss implementation plans and program modifications.

19. Execute our workplace core capabilities of: accountability, customer focus, continuous quality improvement (CQI), communication, competent people and clear priorities.??

20. Perform other tasks as needed to advance the work.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following. The company reserves the right to add to, delete, change, or modify the essential duties and responsibilities at any time.

Formal responsibility for planning, assigning, directing, and coordinating Workforce Development Leadership Initiatives. Oversee consultants, contractors, and any potential employees hired to support this work.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE :

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field or equivalent experience of having knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college with coursework in early childhood education, public or business administration.
• Requires prior experience equivalent to three years+ experience designing and leading professional, advocacy and/or leadership development programs
• Exceptional organizational skills, and an ability to manage multiple projects at any given time including meeting planning logistics
• Knowledge of the early childhood education and care ecosystem in Illinois
• Deep commitment to building the bench of quality and diverse early childhood professionals in the workforce and to the principles of diversity, equity & inclusion

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS :

Valid driver’s license, reliable personal transportation and insurance required.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES :

• Ability to work independently, with a flexible schedule, which may include nights and weekends
• Able to present information effectively and respond to questions
• Ability to work well independently and as a team member
• Ability to relate to a variety of personalities and cultures
• Accurate record keeping skills
• Ability to travel locally and statewide to communities that are sometimes located in unfamiliar areas, and must have access to reliable automobile
• Ability to attend and participate in required educational programs and staff meetings
• Ability to adapt to a changing work environment

Benefits of Working at IAFC :

• Working with passionate team members that are driven by our Mission: Illinois Action for Children is a catalyst for organizing, developing and supporting strong families and powerful communities where children matter most.
• We strive to foster and implement a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion across our organization. We know it is not only critical to the success of diversity initiatives - but instrumental in creating an unbiassed and inclusive workplace! It not only relates to the diverse clients we serve but also creates a positive employee experience.
• We offer an extensive benefits package that adds value to your total compensation. Our benefits include:

• Health, dental and vision insurance plans with company contribution of 95% for single coverage
• 401k with company match
• Generous PTO – first year-23 days, the second year-28 days, the third year and on - 35 days
• 11 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Account
• STD & LTD insurance
• Company paid Life Insurance

Location: Uptown Illinois Action for Children is EEO/M/F/V/D employer.

Illinois Action for Children does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, because he or she is a protected veteran, or any other grounds prohibited by law.

As established by the Illinois Action for Children Board of Directors, all employees are required to receive a vaccination against COVID-19, unless a medical or religious reasonable accommodation is approved. If offered a job, the candidate must be able to prove that they have been vaccinated with one of the CDC-authorized vaccines, including either Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson / Janssen or request and be granted an accommodation before their start date.

Location: Uptown, IL

IL Action for Children is EEO/M/F/V/D employer.