Director of Workforce Services (Director II or Senior Director)

Position Title: Director of Workforce Services (Director II or Senior Director)
Department: Program
Reports to: Director of Workforce Services (Director II or Senior Director)
FLSA Status: Full Time, Exempt
Hiring range: $80,000-$95,000 (Director II); $95,000-$120,000 (Senior Director)
Benefits Include: Hybrid work model, flexible work schedule, generous paid time off, 401(K) match, healthcare, dental and vision insurance, health savings account and life insurance.
Location: Centre City Tower, 650 Smithfield Street, Suite 2400, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Partner4Work (TRWIB, Inc.) values diversity and strives for our team to reflect the wide range of people and perspectives that form our region. We provide equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, culture, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. Partner4Work is an EEO employer.

About Us

As the leader of Pittsburgh/Allegheny County’s public workforce system, Partner4Work (formerly Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board) works to ensure that the current and future needs of businesses and job seekers are met.  Through innovative initiatives and programs spanning every facet of the workforce, Partner4Work bridges the gap between people looking for work and companies in need of talent. To our own workforce, we seek out individuals who exemplify our core values by being:

• Committed to excellence and measurable impact
• Drivers of continuous and purposeful innovation and improvement
• Inclusive of other’s perspectives and talents
• Leaders of utmost integrity
• Passionate and enthusiastic about the systems-level work behind workforce development

About this Position 

The Director of Workforce Programs is a critical position with significant planning and project management responsibilities. This Director will develop strategy and oversee implementation of programs supported by approximately $11.5 million in funds through Title 1 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), and Department of Human Services TANF Youth Development (YDP) funding. The majority of these funds support subrecipient contracts to provide career services or training to adults, dislocated workers and youth within PACareerLink® and community organizations. This position is also responsible for overseeing the management of the One Stop Operator, as well as cultivating productive partnerships within PACareerLink® for the benefit of jobseekers and employers. The position requires someone with demonstrated project experience, a good understanding of workforce issues and local efforts, and ability to effectively partner with a broad range of public and private entities. The distinguishing characteristic between the Director II and Senior Director is the level of decision-making authority and autonomy. Therefore, candidates may be considered for either Director II or Senior
Director management positions depending on level of experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Program Oversight:

• Oversee the planning, development, and implementation of Adult/Dislocated Worker and Youth Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs, including Adult/Youth Trainings, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) youth initiatives, Title I Services, One-Stop Operator (OSO) responsibilities, and other specialized workforce development projects funded through public and private sources.
• Collaborate with the Project Director of Procurement and Operations to assist in drafting, issuing, and manage Requests for Proposals (RFPs). Assist in the evaluation process and establish resulting agreements to ensure high-quality service delivery with training providers, employment services, and other service vendors. Ensure that all agreements comply with regulatory requirements and fiscal guidelines and monitor performance to achieve established goals.
• Prepare and submit detailed project and program reports to P4W leadership, funders, and other stakeholders. Ensure timely, accurate, and transparent communication regarding program progress, outcomes, and challenges. Oversee budget planning and financial management for workforce development programs. Monitor expenditures, ensure compliance with funding guidelines, and manage resources effectively to meet program objectives.

Partnership Development and Field Building:

• Cultivate and sustain positive relationships with contracted service providers, stakeholders, and community partners. Act as the primary liaison to address issues, share feedback, and ensure that providers meet performance expectations and contractual obligations.
• Engage with community organizations, businesses, and local leaders to promote workforce development initiatives.
• Develop and deliver training programs for staff, partners, and providers to build capacity and improve service delivery. Share knowledge and resources to enhance the skills and effectiveness of the workforce development community.

Workforce System Innovation and Improvement:

• Inspire and enforce high quality standards for service delivery and contract performance
• Maintain and apply a working knowledge of federal, state and local guidelines related to the workforce development system
• Maintain a working knowledge of best practices related to the workforce development system and develop plans for implementing such practices to produce a measured impact
• Identify lessons learned from evaluation findings and formulate recommendations based on findings to increase program impact
• Spearhead initiatives for continuous improvement and innovation in workforce development programs.
• Leverage data and trends from various information systems to inform the development and enhancement of workforce development programs. Analyze performance metrics to drive decision-making, improve service delivery, and address gaps in program effectiveness.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure the effective delivery of workforce development services. Stay informed about changes in federal, state, and local workforce development regulations and adjust program strategies accordingly.
• Address and resolve complex issues and conflicts related to program implementation, provider performance
• Participate in agency-wide initiatives, Special Projects and other duties as assigned.

Leadership and Team Management:

• Lead and manage a diverse team of program staff to effectively administer and coordinate workforce development programs. Foster a collaborative and high-performance work environment that supports professional growth and aligns with organizational goals.
• Address and resolve complex issues and conflicts related to program implementation, provider performance, and stakeholder relationships. Develop contingency plans to manage potential challenges and ensure program continuity.
• Advocate for the needs of the jobseekers, program providers in order to meet local workforce demands
• Represent the interests of Partner4Work in various forums and public meetings.

Qualifications

Skills and Abilities 

• Exceptional leadership, management, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Proven ability to effectively navigate political landscapes and foster productive
  relationships.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent project management and multitasking skills.
• Strong computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft products, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and private agency offices, associates and clients.
• Ability to exercise leadership and function as a team member while working collaboratively with others in a complex organizational environment.
• Ability to facilitate meetings and other group activities involving diverse participants.
• Ability to synthesize complex information and provide informed recommendations appropriately.
• Ability to effectively utilize electronic data collection and retrieval systems.
• Ability to travel locally and nationally, as needed.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree in Public Policy, Business Administration,
  or a related field is preferred.
• Specialized knowledge in structuring, administering, evaluating or strengthening programs that provide workforce development activities and services required.
• Knowledge of workforce program design OR knowledge and understanding of the local workforce ecosystem required

Experience 

• Minimum of 6 years of applicable strategic project management or policy work experience is preferred.
• Experience managing staff or large scale projects required
• Experience with administering WIOA/TANF funds or other government funded programs required
• Experience with establishing systems of accountability within a compliance oriented environment a plus
• Experience with working in an EOS environment or strong understanding of the EOS framework and its implementation a plus

ADA Requirements 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be used to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to write  and/or type; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and bend. The employee may occasionally lift and /or move up to 10 pounds. The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters in an office environment. This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only job duties to be
performed by the employee(s) in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.