Position Summary:

The Director of Workforce Development is responsible for overseeing the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of the organization’s workforce development programing. The Workforce Development Director will collaborate with stakeholders to establish an environment that facilitates: 1) Employability of teens 2) career counseling, job readiness and job placement services, and 3) understanding financial responsibilities and independence. The Workforce Development Director makes certain that activities meet workforce development programming standards, goals, and objectives.

Essential Responsibilities:

Leadership

• Recruit young people to participate in the workforce development program, with a special emphasis on “opportunity youth” ages 16-24;
• Retain participants using innovative techniques to address individual needs and interests;
• Identify and build a network of stakeholders and partners who can provide knowledge, skill development, and experiential learning opportunities for participants to help them secure employment opportunities;
• Develop and maintain relationships with local manufacturers, businesses, corporations, and community organizations and have real-time expertise regarding business/industry needs and talent pipeline interests;
• Cultivate partnerships with local and regional community colleges and universities to support participants post-secondary education enrollment and degree attainment;
• Identify local organizations that need skilled employees;
• Develop a partnership with the military to create a talent pipeline;
• Identify and connect participants to internship, job shadowing, and on-the job training opportunities;
• Connect participants to wraparound resources that can address issues, including but not limited to, mental health/counseling needs, homelessness, food insecurity, etc.;
• Ensure productive and effective performance by all workforce development participants;
• Recruit volunteers in various career industries to serve as mentors;
• Identify, plan, implement and support training and development opportunities for workforce development programming, volunteers, and staff;
• Oversee proper record keeping and reporting including activities and events conducted, breakdown of daily participation figures, notable achievements, and any problems/issues;
• Ensure the safety of members and staff through proper maintenance of the building, surrounding grounds, and all equipment utilized by participants and staff;
• In conjunction with site staff make recommendations for expenditures to purchase program supplies and equipment.

Strategic Planning, Program Development, and Implementation

• Develop and implement an annual program planning process, including annual program objectives;
• Solicit and/or manage grant initiatives related to the workforce development programs;
• Set standards and goals to meet grant deliverables and meet reporting deadlines;
• Identify, propose, and plan for changes in the workforce development programming arising from young people’s needs;
• Compile monthly program statistical reports reflecting all activities, attendance, and participation;
• Actively research and stay current on trends in workforce development, non-credit training in general, and certificate career programs in particular, for the purposes of making recommendations for program changes and additions as needed;
• Plan and coordinate opportunities for a variety of guest speakers to attend the Club and share their career pathway experiences, off-site workforce experience and community events (e.g., fairs, job shadow events, workplace tours);
• Develop and maintain measurement and accountability systems to assess programming quality.

Additional Responsibilities:

• May be assigned special projects and other duties periodically by Supervisor
• May participate in special programs and/or events
• May be required to drive Club bus/van if CDL has been obtained
• Review and respond to e‐mails, voicemails and other forms of communication within one business day
• Other duties as assigned
• Oversee special programs and/or events, and/or participate in the implementation of other activities as necessary.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Associate’s degree in related field from an accredited college or university preferred, or equivalent experience
• Minimum of one year experience in youth development
• Knowledge of teen development
• Ability to motivate youth and manage behavior problems
• Ability to deal with the general public
• Ability to organize and supervise members in a safe environment
• Mandatory CPR and First Aid Certifications
• Valid State Driver License

Valued Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field
• Two or more years’ experience
• Previous experience working with workforce development initiatives.

Required Competencies:

• Problem solving – identify and resolve problems in a timely manner, gather and analyze information skillfully and maintain confidentiality
• Interpersonal skills – maintain confidentiality, remain open to others’ ideas and exhibit a willingness to try new things
• Oral communications – speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations and demonstrate group presentation skills
• Written communications – edit work for spelling and grammar, present numerical data effectively and able to read and interpret written information
• Planning/organizing – prioritize and plan work activities and use time efficiently
• Quality control – demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness and monitor own work to ensure quality
• Adaptability – adapt to changes in the work environment, manage competing demands and able to deal with frequent changes, delays or unexpected events
• Dependability – consistently at work and on time, follow instructions, respond to management direction and solicit feedback to improve performance

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $36,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Gulfport, MS 39503: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person