Director, Workforce Programs & Apprenticeship

JOB OVERVIEW

The Director, Workforce Programs & Apprenticeship serves as ABC National's operational leader responsible for workforce education systems, apprenticeship administration, program delivery and workforce analytics. This position is responsible for expanding the construction workforce pipeline by strengthening chapter workforce initiatives, cultivating strategic partnerships, influencing workforce policy and advancing industry collaboration. Success in this role directly impacts chapter engagement, workforce recruitment, industry relationships and the Association's national workforce development strategy.

DESCRIPTION OF KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Workforce Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership for ABC National's workforce development initiatives, ensuring alignment with the Association's Strategic Plan and workforce priorities.
• Develop and implement national workforce strategies that strengthen the talent pipeline, support member needs, and advance the merit shop construction industry.
• Establish departmental goals, objectives, performance measures, and key initiatives to drive continuous improvement and organizational success.
• Champion ABC National's mission, strategic priorities, and merit shop philosophy through workforce development initiatives.

Chapter Engagement & Workforce Development

• Serve as ABC National's primary workforce development advisor to chapters by providing strategic consultation, best practices, technical assistance, and implementation resources.
• Evaluate chapter workforce initiatives and identify opportunities to improve program effectiveness, member engagement, and workforce outcomes.
• Build collaborative relationships with chapters to strengthen workforce capacity and support successful implementation of national initiatives.
• Apprenticeship & Workforce Education
• Provide strategic leadership for ABC National's apprenticeship programs, including the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of national apprenticeship standards.
• Ensure apprenticeship standards and workforce education programs comply with applicable federal and state regulations.
• Lead the development and continuous improvement of workforce education curricula, instructional resources, learning pathways, and educational tools.
• Serve as ABC National's primary liaison with NCCER and other educational partners to align curriculum, credentials, and workforce education initiatives.
• Provide consultation and implementation guidance to chapters and education affiliates to strengthen apprenticeship and workforce education programs.

Workforce Innovation & Talent Pipeline

• Develop national strategies that increase awareness of construction careers and strengthen the pipeline of future craft professionals and construction managers.
• Expand partnerships with educational institutions, workforce organizations, industry partners, and government agencies to support workforce recruitment and career pathways.
• Lead innovative workforce initiatives focused on veteran recruitment, second-chance employment, and other underrepresented talent pipelines.
• Develop webinars, educational programs, and workforce resources that promote workforce best practices and professional development.

Program Operations & Performance

• Direct the planning, implementation, administration, and evaluation of workforce development, education, and apprenticeship programs.
• Establish workforce performance measures, monitor program outcomes, and leverage data to support strategic decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Ensure workforce initiatives are effectively integrated across ABC National and aligned with organizational goals.

Leadership & Organizational Collaboration

• Lead national committees, advisory groups, and cross-functional teams that advance ABC National's workforce priorities.
• Build collaborative relationships across ABC National departments, chapters, industry partners, educational institutions, and government agencies.
• Represent ABC National before workforce organizations, industry groups, government agencies, and strategic partners.

Financial & Administrative Management

• Develop, administer, and monitor the departmental budget while ensuring responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
• Identify, secure, and manage sponsorships, grants, and partnership funding that support workforce development initiatives.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management for assigned staff, contractors, consultants, and interns.
• Allocate resources, establish performance expectations, and support employee development to achieve departmental goals.

Decision-Making Authority

• Recommend workforce priorities, policies, partnerships, strategic investments, and program enhancements that advance ABC National's workforce objectives.
• Approve workforce development initiatives and chapter engagement strategies within delegated authority.
• Exercise independent judgment in managing workforce programs, partnerships, and organizational resources consistent with ABC National policies.

Perform other duties as assigned to support the strategic priorities of the Association.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Workforce Development, Education, Business Administration, Public Administration or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience in workforce development, education, association management or related field.
• Experience developing strategic partnerships and collaborating with external stakeholders.
• Experience managing complex projects and multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Experience coordinating complex projects, meetings and organizational events preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 50% domestically including both ground and air travel, as required.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends or extended hours, as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree.
• Experience working for a national trade association, nonprofit organization or member-based association.
• Knowledge of construction workforce development, apprenticeship systems and career and technical education.
• Experience developing strategic partnerships with industry, government agencies, educational institutions or workforce organizations.
• Experience securing grants, sponsorships or other external funding sources.

Work Location & Compensation

ABC’s headquarters are located in Washington, DC; however, the position may be performed remotely from anywhere within the continental United States. Preference may be given to candidates who reside in the DMV area.

The hiring salary range for this position is determined based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience and alignment with the position requirements. The posted salary range reflects compensation based on the Washington, DC metropolitan area and may be adjusted depending on the finalist’s geographic location.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE

Review of applications will begin immediately. Preference may be given to qualified internal applicants. For full consideration, interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter by July 27, 2026.

POSITION EXPECTATIONS

At ABC, we believe great work starts with great people. To help us achieve our strategic priorities, we seek energetic, positive, and team-driven individuals who bring the following strengths:

• Organized and Self-Motivated: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines. Self-starter who takes ownership with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Effective Communicator: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging across diverse audiences. Trusted communicator who earns respect at all levels.
• Collaborative and Professional: Team player with a positive attitude, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
• Strategic and Solutions-Oriented: Capable of developing and executing strategic goals, with awareness of organizational dynamics and a resourceful approach to problem-solving. Technically Proficient: Skilled in Microsoft Office tools, including Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, and PowerPoint; leverages tools effectively for efficiency.
• High Ethical Standards: Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and the highest level of personal and ethical conduct.

Important Employment Information