Program Director (Workforce Readiness Center)

Join our dynamic team at our newest club location, the Julie & Mike Connors Workforce Readiness Center located in Dreher Park, West Palm Beach.

The Program Director will lead the design and delivery of workforce readiness programming at the Julie & Mike Connors Workforce Readiness Center (Club). This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing high-quality programs that prepare teens and young adults for post-secondary education and career success through industry-recognized certifications, internships, career exploration, and strategic partnerships with colleges, universities, and workforce development organizations. The Program Director will ensure that programming at the Center aligns with Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County's mission, organizational goals, and youth development best practices. The incumbent will build and sustain relationships with educational institutions, employers, and community partners to create meaningful career pathways and expand opportunities for Club members. This position will provide leadership for day-to-day program operations at the Club, establish performance standards, monitor outcomes, and support staff and partners in delivering impactful workforce readiness experiences that respond to community and employer needs.

Key Roles (Essential Responsibilities)

• Develop and implement a year-round comprehensive Workforce Readiness strategy for 200 teens and young adults across Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County that incorporates mornings, nights and weekends.
• Successfully Identify and coordinate 10-15 different industry-recognized certifications (CNA, Cosmetology, HVAC) that support career exploration and workforce entry.
• Strategically Develop and implement a comprehensive recruitment strategy to engage 400 teens and young adults (in school and out of school populations) annually and ensure strong participation and 90% completion rates in programs offered year-round at the Club.
• Build and maintain 50 partnerships with local high schools, businesses, colleges, universities, trade schools, non-profits and workforce development organizations.
• Develop and manage 100 internships, job shadowing, and career exploration opportunities for Club members.
• Support Executive Club Director (ECD) and Teen Development staff in implementing youth development programs to support all grade levels to transition to college and career program and opportunities offered at the center.
• Coordinate college and career readiness activities every month, quarter and semester including resume development, interview preparation, financial literacy, and job readiness training, college tours with the focus of 50 college or trade school placements annually.
• Be the lead person to partner with education organizations (school District and area colleges) to create more opportunities and post-secondary pathways into the trades for the club youth.
• Monitor, manage, report program outcomes and performance metrics on a weekly basis with a score card to ensure programs successfully meet established goals and objectives related to post-secondary placement, graduation rates, volunteer hours, and completion of certifications.
• Maintain program records and prepare reports related to program participation, certifications, internships, and employment outcomes weekly, monthly and quarterly basis.
• Co Design and organize 6 College, Career and trade fairs, 10-20 guest speaker series, employer site visits, and workforce development workshops.
• Assist with identifying and pursuing 50 funding opportunities, including grants and corporate partnerships, that support workforce readiness initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, grant requirements, and reporting expectations daily.
• Provide weekly coaching, guidance, training and technical assistance to Club staff, partners, and volunteers implementing workforce readiness programming.
  
  

Relationships

• Internal: Maintain close daily contact with ECD’s, Program Managers, Teen Development staff, Program staff, and senior leadership to support program implementation and coordinate workforce readiness initiatives.
• External: Build and maintain relationships with Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Universities, Technical Schools, Employers, Community Partners, Donors, and Workforce Development Organizations to expand opportunities for Club members.
  
  

Skills, Knowledge And Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree in education, workforce development, public administration, human services, or related field.
• Successful track record in developing and managing fast paced workforce readiness, career development, or youth employment programs with a high placement rate. (5 years of experience). Proven track record
• Proven track record in building 25 integrated partnerships with businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations.
• Expanded knowledge of a holistic youth development initiative that has a one stop shop model.
• Deep understanding and successful track record of execution of youth development programs, management and coordination.
• Ability to track outcomes, manage program data, and prepare reports.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and online collaboration tools.
• Must pass a National Criminal History Background Check including drug screen, Level II FBI background check via fingerprints, and National Sex Offender database screening.
• Valid Florida Driver’s License with safe driving record.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with a diverse team.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Cultural competence and ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
  
  

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

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 made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands and fingers; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear
• Occasionally required to sit
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust
  
  

Company Description

Founded in 1971, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County is a not-for profit youth development organization dedicated to promoting the educational, vocational, health leadership and character of boys and girls in a safe, nurturing environment. The Clubs provide more than a safe, fun and constructive alternative to being home alone -they offer a variety of award-winning developmental programs to help youth build skills, self-esteem and values during critical periods of growth. The twenty Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Palm Beach County serve more than 10,000 children ages 6-18. The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County is to inspire and assist all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.