Expansion Director

WRTP|BIG STEP • Neenah, WI

3d • $85,000 - $95,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Expansion Director leads, coordinates, and supervises outreach, workforce development, and training activities throughout Wisconsin, including existing WRTP | BIG STEP locations and new offices supported by designated grant funding. The role works with business, labor, education, government, building trade councils, and community partners to develop and implement programs that strengthen workforce recruitment, retention, training, advancement, and career pathways.

Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, the Expansion Director provides operational leadership for grant-funded outreach services and workforce development programs and is responsible for achieving contractual performance outcomes and delivering quality services. The position oversees staff, instructors, program implementation, community engagement, and industry partnerships to expand WRTP | BIG STEP’s statewide presence. The successful candidate will implement workforce strategies that respond to industry demand for a skilled, qualified, diverse, and sustainable workforce.

Work is performed throughout Wisconsin. The position has a hybrid work environment, with a primary reporting location in the Neenah office and periodic reporting to other WRTP | BIG STEP locations as needed. Frequent day travel is required, and overnight travel may be required with approval. The role requires a minimum of 40 hours per week, with flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed. The position involves regular interaction with diverse populations and requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, use standard office equipment and a computer, communicate by telephone, travel throughout Wisconsin, and occasionally lift and carry materials weighing up to 30 pounds.

Requirements

• Proven experience working with Registered Apprenticeship programs, apprenticeship sponsors, Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATCs), labor-management training partnerships, or workforce development systems supporting apprenticeship pathways.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating complex workforce development, educational, training, or community service delivery systems.
• Proven ability to build and maintain industry, labor, employer, and community partnerships.
• Strong project management experience using planning, leadership, organizational, and implementation skills.
• Experience leading and collaborating within diverse, multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience supervising staff and delivering services to diverse populations.
• Demonstrated cultural competence and ability to work effectively with people from varying backgrounds and experiences.
• Ability to establish priorities, solve problems, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement and operational efficiency.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and performance expectations.
• Knowledge of Registered Apprenticeship systems, including apprenticeship standards, sponsor requirements, recruitment practices, retention strategies, readiness programs, and career pathway development.
• Working knowledge of federal and state apprenticeship regulations and the roles of apprenticeship sponsors, committees, labor organizations, employers, and workforce development partners.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn and use new software systems and databases.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, presentation, relationship-building, and team leadership skills.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict-resolution abilities.
• Commitment to workforce development and the mission of WRTP | BIG STEP.
• Understanding of barriers to employment and strategies for supporting participants in achieving career goals.
• Ability to establish rapport and work effectively with diverse, multicultural, and multiracial populations.
• Initiative, resourcefulness, and ability to improve processes and operational effectiveness.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated.
• Must successfully pass a background check.
• Must maintain reliable transportation and valid automobile insurance as required by state law.
• Ability to meet the physical demands described in the working conditions, including occasionally lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 30 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree preferred; relevant advanced education, certifications, or equivalent workforce development experience will be considered.
• Knowledge of workforce development systems and publicly funded workforce programs, including WIOA, FSET, DOL, DWD, and related initiatives.
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead outreach and programming teams through active involvement in programs and services and develop a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s mission, programs, partnerships, and service delivery model.
• Ensure outreach and workforce development activities are consistent, ethical, and aligned with organizational policies, values, mission, and contractual requirements.
• Develop, implement, and maintain policies, procedures, and operational standards for Outreach and Program Managers and Coordinators in the Northern region and statewide expansion locations.
• Strengthen Registered Apprenticeship partnerships by working with sponsors, employers, labor organizations, training centers, and workforce partners to increase apprenticeship enrollment, completion, and workforce diversity.
• Develop, implement, and manage statewide workforce programming, including apprenticeship readiness training, curriculum delivery, industry-recognized certifications, assessments, and related initiatives.
• Work with Regional Directors and the Data Department to monitor program performance, outcomes, and reporting and ensure contractual obligations and grant goals are achieved.
• Analyze workforce and community needs to identify service gaps and expansion opportunities and develop strategies to increase outreach, recruitment, training, and service delivery throughout Wisconsin.
• Oversee implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of classes, training programs, orientations, recruitment activities, and community outreach events in partnership with sector staff.
• Coordinate staff participation in pre-bid meetings, pre-construction meetings, workforce planning sessions, and other project-related activities.
• Work with employers, contractors, developers, owners, labor partners, and industry representatives to identify workforce needs and develop training and talent pipeline solutions.
• Collaborate with partner agencies, recruiters, case managers, educational institutions, and community organizations to coordinate participant recruitment and services.
• Recruit, train, supervise, coach, and evaluate outreach and program staff, including conducting performance evaluations, planning professional development, and managing ongoing performance.
• Represent WRTP | BIG STEP publicly with employers, educational institutions, government agencies, labor organizations, workforce partners, and community stakeholders and promote its mission, programs, and impact.
• Develop and maintain stakeholder relationships that support program growth, community engagement, and strategic expansion.
• Facilitate presentations, meetings, and speaking engagements on behalf of WRTP | BIG STEP.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Employer pays 85% of the health plan.
• Employer-paid dental insurance for single or family coverage.
• Employer-paid vision insurance for single or family coverage.
• Employer-paid life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance.
• Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• 10 vacation days after 90 days of employment.
• 9 personal days annually after 90 days of employment; first calendar year is prorated.
• 14 paid holidays annually.
• Company contributes 10% of monthly salary to retirement accounts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed