Workforce Development Manager

Job:
Workforce Development Manager

Department:
Workforce Development

Reports To:

Chief Program Officer

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Salary Range: $65,000.00 - $70,000.00

In an atmosphere of dignity and respect, Inspiration Corporation connects people and creates opportunity through access to social services, job training, housing, and food. Each year, the organization works with hundreds of resilient Chicagoans who face systemic disparities and inequities, such as homelessness, hunger, and social isolation. The organization provides dedicated support coupled with housing, job training, scholarships, meals, and engagement services, meeting people where they are in life to help them access the support they need and achieve their personal goals.

Core values include Integrity, Growth, Equity, Resilience, and Hospitality.

The Workforce Development Manager oversees recruitment, intake, food service, career development training, case management, job placement and retention components of the organization’s workforce development programs to support participant employment and economic security goals. The manager supervises a 5-6 member staff team and serves on the Senior Leadership Team and Leadership Team, reporting to the Chief Program Officer.

• Demonstrate the organization’s Core Values.
• Exhibit professionalism and high standards in all performance aspects.
• Ensure efficient, effective delivery of services with dignity and respect in accordance with the agency mission.
• Work with all departments to address participant needs.
• Attend department, cross-department, agency, Senior Leadership Team, Leadership Team, Board of Director meetings and present in board committee meetings as requested.
• Manage workforce development staff to ensure high-quality services: hire, supervise, conduct regular check-ins, provide staff development and conduct required trainings, performance review and evaluation.
• Oversee implementation of all workforce development programming: participant recruitment, intake, assessment, enrollment and referral partner relationships; participant training and job readiness skill development; technology literacy; job placement and retention services; wrap‑around service provision; employer engagement strategy and recruitment; graduation ceremonies and recognition events; and peer support and graduate engagement.
• Provide leadership for collaboration of workforce development and social enterprise activities, including restaurant and catering operations, training and support, transitional jobs, unsubsidized employment goals and career advancement.
• Ensure delivery of quality services for all program participants.
• Meet or exceed goals for workforce development programs and social enterprise.
• With the Chief Program Officer, establish agency policy and protocol for workforce development.
• Develop new or modify existing workforce services to meet participant needs, agency goals and funder requirements.
• Maintain excellence in data quality: record-keeping, data collection and reporting; prepare and oversee program audits.
• Support Finance in preparing and monitoring the program budget; manage discretionary costs and ensure accuracy of records.
• Support marketing and communications by collaborating with Development, Restaurant and Catering Operations, and Executive Teams.
• Lead or contribute to preparation of government contract applications and private funding in conjunction with the Executive Team, Finance and Development Departments.
• Utilize latest data and current thinking within the workforce development field to inform program development; attend external workshops and seminars; partner with other programs such as Housing and Homeless Engagement Services.
• Stay abreast of and research potential funding opportunities to support the program.
• Develop and maintain relationships with other nonprofit organizations to support recruitment efforts and locate and coordinate support services for clients.
• Responsible for the Lori & Ron Jericho Memorial Education Fund program: recruitment, enrollment, submission of financial support, data recording and reporting, and ensuring participant…