WDA Director

Are you a leader with demonstrated experience in program management? Join the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) as a Mid-Level Manager and play a critical role in shaping our programs for job seekers and employers.

The Department of Workforce Development, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is hiring one Workforce Development Program Manager in the Fox Valley (WDA 4). DVR maintains 11 Workforce Development Areas (WDAs) across the state where teams of DVR staff work together to assist Wisconsin residents with disabilities with their job search efforts. Current vacancies are in the following locations:

Fox Valley (WDA 4) -The person hired into this position can choose to headquarter in either Oshkosh or Appleton, Wisconsin.

The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) offers interesting and meaningful work with an employee-friendly and inclusive work environment, work-life balance, a casual office environment, flexibility, and many opportunities to grow your skills. Apply now to find out why there's so much to love about working for Wisconsin.

This recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies (permanent, project or Limited Term).

• Program Management & Performance: Oversee the operations, quality, and outcomes of the WDA.
• Strategic Planning & Policy Development: Guide long-term program planning and policy establishment.
• Supervision: Manage VR Supervisors and a multi-disciplinary team.

To learn more, please review the position description.

Starting pay is between $91,728 and $102,960 per year, depending on qualifications, plus an exemplary benefits package:

• Generous paid time off, including at least 3 1/2 weeks of vacation/personal time, nine paid holidays, and ample sick time that rolls over each year with no cap.
• Excellent and affordable health insurance options (2026 rates start at $45/month for single and $111/month for family coverage).
• Other great insurance options (dental, vision, life, and more).
• A top-notch retirement program and optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
• A Well Wisconsin program, offering wellness tools and rewards to employees and spouses.
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their household members tools, resources, and professional consultation services.

Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see an estimate of the total value of our competitive benefits package!

The classification title for this position is Workforce Development Program Manager (schedule 81, range 02). A 2-year Career Executive trial will be required. This position is not represented in a collective bargaining unit and is considered exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Pay will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan in effect at the time of appointment. Starting pay may vary for current state employees.

Travel: These positions travel frequently within their region and occasionally to other areas of the state. Travel rarely involves an overnight stay.

Remote work: This position is eligible for a hybrid remote work schedule. The amount of remote work will be discussed during the interview stage. Employees with approved remote and hybrid-remote work arrangements are generally expected to work within the state of Wisconsin. High-speed internet access is required to meet the needs of remote work. Remote work options are subject to change.

Criminal histories: We also consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Finalists for this position may be required to allow DWD to conduct a background check or other checks to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled.

Eligibility to work in United States: Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the United States (i.e. a US citizen or national or a lawful permanent resident) at the time of appointment. DWD does not sponsor visas and is not an eligible OPT employer for those with F1 visas. This is not a contract position. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant completing the I-9 upon hire.

Qualifications marked with an asterisk (*) below will be evaluated in the first step of the selection process. Additional qualifications may be evaluated in subsequent steps.

You need to have the following experience:

• • Formal leadership role overseeing employees performing administrative support, professional, and/or program related functions (e.g. team/work group/committee lead, project manager, etc.). assigning work, enforcing timelines, monitoring compliance/performance, etc.
• • Managing programs, projects, services, or processes that involved exposure to budgeting, performance monitoring, reporting or planning/coordinating the use of resources (e.g. including managing a caseload, authorizing/overseeing case service funds, reporting performance, etc.).
• Effectively communicating and relating interpersonally with others to maintain effective working relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a team to accomplish program goals through methods such as team building, motivating/influencing others, delegating, decision-making, problem-solving, clear/open communication, etc.
• Working with diverse populations or communities (such as persons with disabilities, persons of color, and/or persons experiencing poverty).

Any of the following experience would be nice to have:

• *Formal supervisory role overseeing** employees in performing administrative support, professional, and/or program related functions (e.g., manager, supervisor, clinical supervisor, intern/LTE supervisor, etc.). **Include responsibilities such as hiring, disciplining, terminating, evaluation/developing performance, etc.
• • Effectively leading the implementation of strategic plans, initiatives, projects, policies, and/or policy change.
• • Representing a program for the purpose of negotiation and/or collaboration with partner agencies or others
• • Working in a vocational rehabilitation (in any role, but particularly in a supervisory role).

Note: If you are viewing this posting on an external site, please visit Wisc.Jobs (search 22463) to complete your application.

To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. That will prompt you to access your existing account or create a new account. You will be asked to attach a resume and a letter of qualifications as part of the application process. It is important that these materials clearly illustrate how your qualifications relate to the qualifications of this job. Please review this additional guidance on developing your resume and letter of qualifications (including a template) as you prepare to apply.

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general Wisc.Jobs user information and technical assistance.

• Technical issues: if you encounter issues submitting your on-line application (e.g. signing in or uploading a resume), please email the Wisc.Jobs Help Desk at wiscjobs@wisconsin.gov or call (608) 267-1012 (Monday - Friday, 7:45am – 4:30pm).
• Position questions: if you have questions about the position or this recruitment (e.g. projected start date, skills needed, etc.), please email Deb in Human Resources at DJTJobs@dwd.wisconsin.gov or call 608-266-1024.

Please note that once you submit your application, you will not be able to update your materials.

What happens next? A panel will review your application materials to determine your eligibility for further consideration in the selection process. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process, which is typically a virtual interview.

DWD values a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA , and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.

Application materials must be submitted by 11:59 PM (central time) on Monday, November 2, 2026.