Regional Workforce Development Manager

Job Summary 

The Regional Lead Employment Specialist (RL) serves as a leader of leaders, providing strategic oversight, guidance, and accountability for multiple regional HVRP offices. The RL ensures compliance with VRSI policies, Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (DOL-VETS) regulations, best practices, and grant requirements—ensuring that all critical performance measures are consistently met across the region. 

While this is a leadership role, the RL remains, first and foremost, an Employment Specialist—dedicated to serving veterans and helping them achieve sustainable employment. Rather than managing daily operations directly, the RL verifies success through oversight systems, data validation, and structured communication cadences. The role emphasizes developing strong local leaders, promoting operational consistency, ensuring audit readiness, and aligning regional performance with VRSI’s organizational goals. 

In alignment with VRSI’s small-company culture, the Regional Lead Employment Specialist is expected to contribute wherever needed to ensure company and program success. Effective leaders model adaptability, teamwork, and a hands-on approach—demonstrating that every member of VRSI plays a vital role in achieving our mission to empower veterans toward sustainable employment. 

The right individual is someone who goes above and beyond—willing to step outside their formal duties when necessary to ensure success for the company, the team, and, most importantly, the veterans we serve. 

Leadership Philosophy 

Regional Leads are leaders of leaders. Their effectiveness is measured not by the volume of their direct actions but by the strength, consistency, and compliance of the offices they oversee. They guide performance through verification, accountability systems, coaching, and proactive leadership—ensuring that each Lead Employment Specialist demonstrates excellence in management, data accuracy, and veteran outcomes. 

Even in the most senior roles at VRSI, leaders never lose sight of their foundational purpose: to connect veterans with meaningful employment opportunities. 

Key Responsibilities 

1. Compliance and Oversight 

• Through oversight and documentation review, verify that each Lead Employment Specialist maintains full adherence to VRSI policies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and DOL-VETS regulations.
• Ensure that regional offices maintain accurate documentation, veteran eligibility verification, and case management practices that meet audit standards.
• Identify potential compliance risks and guide Leads in developing corrective actions in coordination with the RLO and leadership team.
• Maintain ongoing readiness for DOL-VETS reviews through proactive oversight, system checks, and data validation.

2. Grant and Performance Management 

• Hold Lead Employment Specialists accountable for meeting grant performance benchmarks, including enrollments, placements, training completions, and employment retention.
• Review and interpret data trends to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and consistency across the region.
• Coach Leads to use data and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for informed decision-making, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with the RLO and other Regional Leads to evaluate trends, identify best practices, and strengthen performance organization-wide.

3. Policy Alignment and Continuous Improvement 

• Ensure regional operations align with company and DOL-VETS policies, guidance letters, and 2 CFR requirements through routine verification and feedback loops.
• Contribute to the development, review, and implementation of SOPs and policy updates to enhance efficiency and compliance.
• Recommend and support procedural improvements that streamline operations while maintaining regulatory integrity.

4. Leadership Development and Coaching 

• Mentor and guide Lead Employment Specialists to strengthen leadership capacity, decision-making, and accountability practices.
• Conduct regular check-ins and regional team meetings to align goals, share updates, and reinforce consistency.
• Support Leads in effectively managing their office teams by providing coaching, guidance, and direction on addressing performance gaps and building engagement.
• Recognize leadership growth, model professional conduct, and foster a culture of ownership, integrity, and excellence.

5. Coordination and Collaboration 

• Collaborate with other Regional Leads to ensure national consistency in operations, compliance, and program delivery.
• Communicate effectively between regional offices and executive leadership, ensuring transparency, timely reporting, and proactive issue escalation.
• Contribute to company-wide projects, policy committees, and cross-regional initiatives by representing regional insights and performance data.

6. Operational Verification 

• Verify that Leads are properly overseeing administrative functions—including time-sheets, attendance, purchasing, and reconciliations—in compliance with company policy.
• Review and approve regional-level actions such as time-off requests, hiring recommendations, and purchase approvals to ensure alignment with organizational standards.
• Ensure that regional reports (monthly, quarterly, and annual) are accurate, complete, and submitted on schedule through verification and data validation.
• Participate in internal audits and reviews to confirm ongoing compliance and data accuracy.

7. Training, Onboarding, and Support 

• Verify that Leads conduct comprehensive on boarding for new staff and maintain training compliance within their offices.
• Coordinate regional or cross-office training sessions to reinforce standards, enhance professional development, and ensure consistent program delivery.
• Partner with the RLO and HR team to maintain effective staffing and support retention within the region through proactive communication and mentorship.

Additional Responsibilities 

• Represent VRSI in meetings, trainings, and external events as a regional leader and veteran employment advocate.
• Assist in strategic planning and national initiatives to enhance organizational consistency and program quality.
• Undertake additional responsibilities as assigned by the Program Manager or RLO as needed.

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, workforce development, social services, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of leadership experience in workforce development, veterans’ services, or compliance-driven program management.
• Proven ability to lead through influence, develop leaders, and manage performance across multiple sites.
• Demonstrated skill in data interpretation, performance metrics, and corrective action planning.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data management systems (e.g., case management or performance reporting platforms).

Key Competencies 

1. Veteran-Focused Leadership and Service
2. Leadership Development and Coaching
3. Compliance and Accountability Management
4. Data-Driven Performance Management
5. Strategic Oversight and Decision-Making
6. Collaboration and Communication
7. Policy Alignment and Continuous Improvement

Compensation and Benefits: 

• Hourly Rate: $29-$32 based on experience
• Paid Company Holidays 
• Sick Time
• Paid Time Off
• Healthcare
• 401k