Workforce Development Director

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Haverhill, MA

4d•$100,000 - $110,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Workforce Development Director leads the development, implementation, and initial execution of workforce development initiatives that respond to regional workforce needs and employer demand. Initial priorities include the Baseline Manufacturing Training Program and the Community College Heat Pump and HVAC Training Program. The Director leads these initiatives through pilot phases and establishes the partnerships, resources, structures, and operating models needed to transition them into sustainable, scalable programs. Reporting to the Dean of Workforce Development, the Director turns strategic priorities into implementation plans and coordinates the people, resources, and activities needed to achieve program goals. The role includes engaging employers and community stakeholders; coordinating curriculum frameworks, training models, instructional needs, and equipment; and collaborating with institutional and external partners. The Director also develops funding opportunities, performance measures, and sustainability plans. This is a full-time, grant-funded position whose continuation depends on ongoing funding availability.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in education, business development, workforce development, or a related field.
At least seven years of experience in workforce development, career and technical training, program development, business development, or a related field, preferably in workforce or education settings.
Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects and work with diverse stakeholders who have differing styles and preferred outcomes.
Demonstrated ability to build and sustain employer and community partnerships.
Ability to speak clearly and persuasively and actively participate in private and public meetings.
Ability to give and receive information and adapt strategies to changing conditions.
Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills.
Commitment to equity, access, and inclusive program design.
Legal authorization to work in the United States; employment-based visa sponsorship is not provided.
Successful completion and review of a background check, including CORI and SORI.
Cover letter and resume/CV are required to apply.

Nice To Haves

Experience in manufacturing, HVAC/clean energy, or technical training environments.
Ability to conduct comprehensive business analyses, including financial assessments, and inform strategic decision-making.
Interest in enhancing program offerings and outcomes.
Success cultivating and maintaining external relationships, and experience with participant job placement.
Curiosity, understanding of research and data-informed decision-making, and a continuous improvement approach.
Experience working in a community college.
Bilingual Spanish/English.
Experience working with and supporting a culturally diverse population.

Responsibilities

Lead workforce training programs from concept through launch readiness, execution, and sustainability, in alignment with departmental strategy.
Identify and develop additional programming opportunities; define program goals, success measures, timelines, tasks, and outcomes with stakeholders.
Develop program plans covering staffing, instructional space, equipment, procurement, budgets, and resource acquisition.
Conduct labor market analysis and maintain employer engagement to inform program design.
Work with the Grants Development Office to identify and pursue funding opportunities for program development and position funding.
Build relationships with regional employers, workforce boards, and community organizations; convene advisory groups and pilot partners.
Ensure compliance with grant requirements and institutional policies, and align training with regional workforce needs.
Create internships, apprenticeships, and other work-based learning opportunities; establish participant pipelines to employer jobs.
Promote programs and impacts through presentations, meetings, and community engagement, and seek new partnership opportunities.
Collaborate with subject-matter experts and curriculum providers to select and adapt instructional content.
Identify assessment tools and learning outcome frameworks; coordinate with academic departments and instructional designers to prepare program materials.
Ensure programs offer opportunities for industry-recognized credentials and assess articulation to credit-bearing programs.
Develop and execute outreach, recruitment, and marketing strategies to attract diverse student populations and meet enrollment and placement goals.
Coordinate participant supports, including advising, career counseling, and wraparound services addressing barriers such as childcare, transportation, financial insecurity, and digital access.
Create systems to monitor and report student progress, retention, and completion, and implement interventions and supports as needed.
Connect participants with college support services and pathways to employment or further education leading to career advancement.
Coordinate across college departments, including Institutional Research and Effectiveness, facilities, finance, marketing, and student services.
Track and report program milestones, stakeholder engagement, and resource planning in collaboration with Institutional Research and Effectiveness.
Manage program budgets and grant and institutional funding reports, ensuring compliance with applicable requirements.
Prepare program documentation, including curriculum outlines, partnership models, launch plans, and plans for transition to ongoing operations.