As a key member of the OWD/Worker Empowerment team, the Director will develop and implement workforce development and job training opportunities for adults seeking to secure professional employment with access to a living wage, employment benefits, and opportunities for career advancement. This role includes program expansion, addressing labor market dynamics, workforce shortages, and evolving skill demands, and engaging a diverse workforce, including but not limited to low and moderate-income (LMI) residents, returning citizens, recent immigrants, and youth. Reporting to the Deputy Chief, Worker Empowerment, or as directed by the Chief, Worker Empowerment, this individual will provide leadership, strategic vision, and budget management for programs and special projects focusing on employment, job training, issue guidance and recommendations on policies and programming; provide direction and support for research and evaluation, as well as grants development, submission, and administration. This individual will also collaborate with OWD/WE staff on department initiatives, building, fostering, and supporting Boston communities that are interested in or are implementing economic inclusion strategies through OWD’s community-based partnerships and programs.

The general duties and responsibilities of the position are included in but not limited to the information listed below. 

• Manage, direct, and support ongoing projects and new project development, including strategic planning, engaging with partners and funders, working with contractors and consultants, and ensuring the timely completion of deliverables relating to employment, workforce and employment training, and asset/wealth building initiatives for youth and adults.
• Collaborate with and provide guidance to Worker Empowerment staff to successfully develop and maintain workforce training programs; City Academy, PowerCorpBos, YOU, and GJMBC.
• Manage program evaluation, provision of technical and programmatic support to grantees, and dispersal of funds. 
• Provide expertise and enthusiasm to support program expansion, development of metrics, and data collection and analysis for special projects.
• Gather, analyze, and/or write reports, articles, issue briefs, guides, tools, data, and memoranda on program and policy issues and best practices of relevance for the Chief, Worker Empowerment,  colleagues, City of Boston leaders, and other related partners and policymakers.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key individuals and groups within and outside OWD to support successful program and policy issues.
• Provide recommendations on policy implications and present research findings for the agency. 
• Manage program budget and data analysis for reporting, projections, and policy implementation, working closely with OWD’s fiscal department.
• Supervise staff, consultants, interns, and volunteers working to support special projects.
• May represent WE/OWD at meetings and conferences.
• Perform other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Candidates should have a graduate degree, preferably in public policy or a related field.
• Candidates should also have seven (7) or more years of experience working in areas of workforce development areas of policies and programs, including experience in managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment, willingness to embrace new challenges, and outgoing personality.
• Knowledge and expertise should include strong analytical skills and experience interpreting and re-purposing research and best practices for policymakers in a timely and effective manner.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively in verbal forms, with particular emphasis on the ability to communicate with policy-making audiences.
• Ability and willingness to work independently and collaboratively, including a proactive approach to problem-solving. 
• Knowledge of Boston neighborhoods, workforce development fields, and/or non-profit organizations is strongly preferred.
• Proficient and knowledgeable about MS Office suite, Google Workspace, and web tools.
  
  

Please include a resume and cover letter highlighting your education, experience, and direct transferable skills, as well as a short writing sample.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary/Grade: Non-Union/MM2-11

Hours per week: 35