Workforce Development Manager

BioCT is the life sciences trade organization for the state of Connecticut. Its mission is to catalyze and accelerate growth in the life sciences with the goal of improving human health, by fostering a rich, innovative ecosystem and promoting Connecticut as a preferred destination for life science exploration and innovation.

BioCT is a not for profit with approximately 300 member organizations including biopharma, med device, health tech, AI, Quantum, digital health, academia and all related industries. BioCT is the recipient of a state awarded Innovation Cluster Grant.

Innovation Cluster Grant Description: The Innovation Cluster Grant will lead to the expansion of the thriving New Haven life sciences community that is anchored by a robust ecosystem of cutting-edge research, highly educated workforce, and innovative companies. BioCT is poised to stimulate this growth through its industry knowledge, workforce development programs and events;

• New Haven Cluster activation programming to convene civic, academic, and business partners across the state; 
• Community-building initiatives that strengthen the life sciences ecosystem and promote cross-sector collaboration; 
• Support services and events that enhance visibility, engagement, and connectivity within the cluster.

Position Summary: The Workforce Development Manager will be responsible for BioCT’s life sciences workforce development strategy & operations and serve as the primary convener of industry, education, and community partners focused on life sciences talent pipelines. This role is both strategic and hands-on, responsible for building coordinated workforce initiatives, developing unified messaging around life sciences careers, securing and managing grant funding, and expanding resources and opportunities for career advancement and placement. The ideal candidate is collaborative with strong project management skills, comfortable working with diverse stakeholders, and experience in workforce development, economic development, or related public-sector ecosystems.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the following satisfactorily; other duties may be assigned.

Workforce Strategy & Sector Partnership Leadership

• Lead BioCT’s workforce development agenda, training and coursework development and implementation, and serve as the main coordinator of the life sciences sector regional partnership.
• Identify workforce needs across the State and skill gaps in alignment with the Innovation Cluster Grant as well as emerging trends in the life sciences talent market.
• Convene employers, educators, training providers, and state agencies to align priorities and co-develop solutions.
• Participate on relevant committees, coalitions, advisory groups, and statewide workforce initiatives; and convene a board level workforce subcommittee.

Program Development & Coordination

• Design, execute and manage workforce advancement programs, career pathway initiatives, mentorship and internship programs. Lead BioCT’s participation in job and career fairs with academic and state partners.
• Facilitate data-sharing and coordination across multiple training providers and academic partners.
• Ensure programs reflect industry needs, quality standards, and equitable access.
• Assume primary responsibility of BioCT career portal and associated assets.
• Participate in BioCT’s existing signature programs and lead development of new programming which supports human capital and workforce development.

Outreach, Engagement & Unified Messaging

• Develop a cohesive messaging framework that promotes life sciences career pathways and development opportunities.
• Oversee multi-channel outreach strategies to employers and employees, academic institution, startups and early founders, career changers, and jobseekers.
• Create and manage outreach materials which include employer stories, employee and participant experiences, mentorship feedback and testimonials.
• Partner with employers to amplify workforce success stories and talent needs.

Grant Development, Management & Reporting

• Identify and pursue workforce development grants at the federal, state, corporate and foundation levels, including writing and submission of grant proposals/applications.
• Manage all grant deliverables, budgets, contracts, data collection, compliance and audit requirements.
• Prepare progress reports and impact summaries for funders, partners, and BioCT board.
• Ensure all funded activities are completed on time and meet required reporting standards.

Data, Metrics & Continuous Improvement

• Develop dashboards and KPIs to track program performance, engagement, and outcomes.
• Use data and feedback to guide decision-making, optimize outreach strategies, and strengthen program impact.

Relationship & Partnership Management

• Maintain strong relationships with member companies, training institutions, academic partners, community organizations, and state workforce entities.
• Support members by connecting them to opportunities, resources, and relevant workforce programs.

Competencies:

• Synthesize complex or diverse information; collect and research data; use intuition and experience to complement data; design work flows and procedures. 
• Pursue and win support for ideas; ability to influence key decision-makers; achieve win-win outcomes; use authority appropriately to accomplish goals; address divergent opinions. 
• Exhibit confidence in self and others; effectively influence actions; accept feedback from others; give appropriate recognition to others. 
• Express ideas and thoughts with conviction; possess superior listening skills, writing and communications skills; keep others adequately informed.
• Develop project plans; communicate changes and progress in a timely manner; complete projects on time and budget.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, 5 years related experience in workforce development. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Experience in the life sciences sector preferred.
• Computer Skills: Microsoft Office, Canva, Adobe, CRM database

Note:

• This is a hybrid, New Haven based role; in office 2-3 days per week.
• Must be able to travel and represent BioCT at statewide events, including occasional evening events.
• Driver’s license and personal transportation required.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.

Please submit cover letter with resume.