What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Manager position at DC Department of Human Resources?
Job Summary
This position is located in the Department of Employment Services, Workforce Development Bureau, American Job Centers. The Department of Employment Services (DOES) mission is to connect District residents, job seekers, and employers to opportunities and resources that empower fair, safe, effective working communities. This incumbent serves within an American Job Center (AJC) is responsible for the strategic oversight, administration, and continuous improvement of workforce development programs in alignment with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and related federal, state, and local regulations. This role provides leadership while ensuring compliance with WIOA performance indicators, eligibility determinations, service sequencing, documentation standards, and fiscal accountability. The Program Manager oversees policy implementation, monitoring, and reporting, while collaborating with local workforce boards, training providers, employer partners, and community-based organizations to strengthen career pathways, sector strategies, and talent pipelines that respond to regional labor market needs. Additionally, the role is accountable for staff supervision, professional development, and performance management to ensure high-quality service delivery and consistent adherence to workforce development best practices.
Equally critical, the Senior-Level Program Manager is responsible for ensuring an exceptional customer-centered service experience for job seekers and employers engaging with the American Job Center. This includes establishing service standards that prioritize accessibility, equity, responsiveness, and trauma-informed practices, while ensuring that customers receive timely, accurate, and integrated services such as intake, assessment, case management, training referrals, work-based learning opportunities, and job placement support. The incumbent monitors customer flow, resolves complex service issues, and uses data-driven insights to improve outcomes related to employment, retention, and wage progression. By fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement, the Program Manager ensures that the AJC operates as a high-performing, customer-focused workforce system that delivers measurable results for individuals, employers, and the broader community.
Duties And Responsibilities
Plans, organizes, and supervises the operation of a program(s) and its activities in accordance with the mission and goals of an agency; develops new programs to support the strategic direction of the agency; advises and consults with administration/division managers; meets with appropriate staff to identify and resolve problems or conflicts; makes or recommends final decisions regarding policy, operations, and administrative procedures of the program.
Develops, implements, and maintains procedures, administrative monitoring practices and controls in order to obtain smooth and effective operation of a program(s); coordinates work activities of the program to prevent delays in required actions or to improve programs or services; assists in the identification, development, and implementation of departmental goals, objectives, policies, and priorities; assists in the determination of resource allocation and levels of service according to established policies; plans and writes grant applications and manages grant-funded projects.
Analyzes program data and performance measures in relation to agency, local/state, and national objectives for the program area. Tracks industry trends, local and regional program area issues, and District policy to ensure integration of program initiatives.
Qualifications And Education
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.
Degree from a four-year college or university and at least five years of supervisory experience preferred.
Licensures, Certifications, And Other Requirements
None
Work Conditions/Environment
The work is performed in a normal office setting.
Other Significant Facts
Tour of Duty: Monday-Friday 8:30 am- 5:00 pm or Varies
Operating Status: In-Person reporting, flexible and limited telework options available upon position eligibility and operational needs.
Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential
Duration of Appointment: Management Supervisory Service (MSS), At-will. Positions in the Management Supervisory Service serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: MS-0340-13
Salary: $99,513-$139,318; Based on qualifications and funding
Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is not covered by a Collective Bargaining Unit.
Position Designation: This position has been designated as Security sensitive therefore the incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability and as such, incumbents of this position shall be subject to criminal background checks, background investigations, and mandatory drug and alcohol testing, as applicable.
Residency Requirement: Applicants claiming “Residency Preference” will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of seven (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.
EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.
This position is located in the Department of Employment Services, Workforce Development Bureau, American Job Centers. The Department of Employment Services (DOES) mission is to connect District residents, job seekers, and employers to opportunities and resources that empower fair, safe, effective working communities. This incumbent serves within an American Job Center (AJC) is responsible for the strategic oversight, administration, and continuous improvement of workforce development programs in alignment with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and related federal, state, and local regulations. This role provides leadership while ensuring compliance with WIOA performance indicators, eligibility determinations, service sequencing, documentation standards, and fiscal accountability. The Program Manager oversees policy implementation, monitoring, and reporting, while collaborating with local workforce boards, training providers, employer partners, and community-based organizations to strengthen career pathways, sector strategies, and talent pipelines that respond to regional labor market needs. Additionally, the role is accountable for staff supervision, professional development, and performance management to ensure high-quality service delivery and consistent adherence to workforce development best practices.
Equally critical, the Senior-Level Program Manager is responsible for ensuring an exceptional customer-centered service experience for job seekers and employers engaging with the American Job Center. This includes establishing service standards that prioritize accessibility, equity, responsiveness, and trauma-informed practices, while ensuring that customers receive timely, accurate, and integrated services such as intake, assessment, case management, training referrals, work-based learning opportunities, and job placement support. The incumbent monitors customer flow, resolves complex service issues, and uses data-driven insights to improve outcomes related to employment, retention, and wage progression. By fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement, the Program Manager ensures that the AJC operates as a high-performing, customer-focused workforce system that delivers measurable results for individuals, employers, and the broader community.
Duties And Responsibilities
Plans, organizes, and supervises the operation of a program(s) and its activities in accordance with the mission and goals of an agency; develops new programs to support the strategic direction of the agency; advises and consults with administration/division managers; meets with appropriate staff to identify and resolve problems or conflicts; makes or recommends final decisions regarding policy, operations, and administrative procedures of the program.
Develops, implements, and maintains procedures, administrative monitoring practices and controls in order to obtain smooth and effective operation of a program(s); coordinates work activities of the program to prevent delays in required actions or to improve programs or services; assists in the identification, development, and implementation of departmental goals, objectives, policies, and priorities; assists in the determination of resource allocation and levels of service according to established policies; plans and writes grant applications and manages grant-funded projects.
Analyzes program data and performance measures in relation to agency, local/state, and national objectives for the program area. Tracks industry trends, local and regional program area issues, and District policy to ensure integration of program initiatives.
Qualifications And Education
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.
Degree from a four-year college or university and at least five years of supervisory experience preferred.
Licensures, Certifications, And Other Requirements
None
Work Conditions/Environment
The work is performed in a normal office setting.
Other Significant Facts
Tour of Duty: Monday-Friday 8:30 am- 5:00 pm or Varies
Operating Status: In-Person reporting, flexible and limited telework options available upon position eligibility and operational needs.
Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential
Duration of Appointment: Management Supervisory Service (MSS), At-will. Positions in the Management Supervisory Service serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: MS-0340-13
Salary: $99,513-$139,318; Based on qualifications and funding
Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is not covered by a Collective Bargaining Unit.
Position Designation: This position has been designated as Security sensitive therefore the incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability and as such, incumbents of this position shall be subject to criminal background checks, background investigations, and mandatory drug and alcohol testing, as applicable.
Residency Requirement: Applicants claiming “Residency Preference” will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of seven (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.
EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.
Salary : $99,513 - $139,318