Program Director Workforce Development- Institute for Disability Empowerment and Advocacy

Duquesne University•Pittsburgh, PA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Program Director for Workforce Development leads the Institute for Disability Empowerment and Advocacy’s efforts to create meaningful, competitive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This position is responsible for developing and sustaining partnerships with employers, training providers, and community organizations to build inclusive workforce pipelines. The Director designs and implements strategies that connect participants with career pathways, supports their preparation and placement, and ensures alignment with industry demand. Through collaboration, advocacy, and innovation, the Director advances the Institute’s mission of empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve economic independence and long-term career success. This new position is being created to establish a dedicated workforce development function within the Institute for Disability Empowerment and Advocacy (IDEA). As IDEA launches initiatives focused on inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment, a specialized role is needed to connect individuals with disabilities to meaningful employment and advancement opportunities. The Program Director will build relationships with employers, workforce agencies, and community partners to create pathways that align participant strengths with market needs. This position ensures IDEA fulfills its mission of fostering economic independence and workforce inclusion, serving as a catalyst for sustainable partnerships and measurable employment outcomes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution
A minimum of five to eight years of progressively responsible experience in workforce development, vocational rehabilitation, employment services, or a related field is required.
Experience should include developing and managing employment or training programs, establishing partnerships with employers, and supporting job placement and retention for individuals with disabilities or other diverse populations.
Demonstrated experience in program design, data tracking, and collaboration with government agencies, nonprofits, and educational institutions is essential.
PA Driver’s license in good standing.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Special Education, Rehabilitation Counseling.
An ACRE (Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators) certificate is the most common foundational requirement for employment specialists. To practice Customized Employment, you must specifically earn an ACRE certificate with an Emphasis on Customized Employment.
Certified Employment Support Professional - Advanced competency in job development, customized employment, job coaching, and disability legislation.
Experience leading disability employment initiatives or managing workforce programs within higher education, nonprofit, or community-based organizations is preferred.
Familiarity with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, and best practices in inclusive hiring is highly desirable.
Prior experience working directly with employers to implement accessibility strategies, create job accommodations, and promote workforce inclusion is strongly preferred.
Alternatively, the successful candidate may possess any equivalent combination of experience and training, which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential job functions.

Responsibilities

Designs, implements, and evaluates workforce development programs that prepare individuals with disabilities for competitive, integrated employment.
Develops strategies and initiatives aligned with industry demand, accessibility standards, and the Institute’s mission.
Cultivates and manages relationships with employers, workforce agencies, vocational rehabilitation services, and community organizations.
Promotes inclusive hiring practices, identifies job placement opportunities, and collaborates with partners to address workforce barriers.
Oversees recruitment, assessment, and job placement of participants.
Coordinates career readiness training, coaching, and follow-up support to ensure sustainable employment outcomes.
Works directly with employers and participants to promote successful matches.
Collects and analyzes data related to program participation, employment outcomes, and employer engagement.
Prepares reports and evaluation summaries for internal and external stakeholders to support continuous improvement and funding efforts.
Represents the Institute at regional and national workforce development events, conferences, and employer roundtables.
Works with University departments and external partners to integrate IDEA’s workforce initiatives with broader institutional and community goals.
Performs other related responsibilities or special projects to advance the mission of the Institute.
Completes other duties as assigned.