What are the responsibilities and job description for the Workforce Development Manager position at City of Hillsboro Oregon?
Introduction
The City of Hillsboro is seeking an innovative Workforce Development Manager to lead initiatives that connect local talent with sustainable, high-impact career opportunities. Located in Washington County—the most diverse county in Oregon—Hillsboro boasts a vibrant advanced manufacturing sector where one in three jobs are in manufacturing. As one of the only cities in the state with a full-time workforce development position, Hillsboro demonstrates its strong commitment to fostering connections between the city, industry, educational partners and the community.
This role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with stakeholders, ensuring a sustainable and diverse talent pathway while empowering community members to access livable wage careers.
About the Economic Development Department
The City of Hillsboro’s Economic Development Department has an opening for a Project Manager focused on Workforce Development. Hillsboro is at the heart of the Silicon Forest and is a major contributor to the economy of the Portland region and the State of Oregon. As a location for international firms such as Intel, Applied Materials, Genentech, Salesforce, Tokyo Electron and ASML, Hillsboro’s economic strengths and Target Industries encompass: computer and electronics; communications, software and IT; biotechnologies and precision and advanced manufacturing.
In this role, you will work with the Economic Development Manager as part of the Business Development Team and other department members serving in a tactical role working with industry, educational institutions from K-12 to Portland Community College and four-year universities in the region to realize the workforce development goals of the Strategic Business Development Plan.
Our team drives Hillsboro’s vibrant economy by delivering exceptional services and programs. Economic Development collaborates with Affordable Housing, Transportation, Planning, and Building Divisions, leveraging decades of expertise to support a dynamic and growing city.
Qualities That Make You The Right Candidate
Are you a motivated, team oriented, problem solver that is energized by interacting with traded sector companies on a regular basis? Then the Hillsboro Economic Development Department seeks you for an opportunity to join our team. You must possess excellent interpersonal skills requiring frequent direct contact with companies, educational institutions and community organizations in Hillsboro to further the goals of workforce development in the City of Hillsboro.
Prior experience in workforce development within an economic development framework is a plus. Willingness to learn and work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment as part of a small dynamic team of subject matter experts is the key to success. The work requires a self-motivated, knowledgeable and resourceful person with excellent business acumen that is an active listener. The ideal candidate must be able to understand the needs of our businesses and develop a plan of action to assist them in achieving success.
Position Overview: What You’ll Be Doing
The principal function of an employee in this class is to focus on project management responsibilities. Incumbents, as assigned, are responsible for development, coordination, and implementation of ongoing projects including report writing and presentation, conducting research; providing citizen service and project management related to City resources and may be responsible for overseeing designated projects, programs and resources.
As the Workforce Development Manager, you will:
Lead Strategic Workforce Initiatives: Align workforce strategies with Hillsboro 2035 and City Council priorities.- Build and Maintain Partnerships: Collaborate with industry, education, and community organizations to meet workforce needs.
- Manage Workforce Programs and Incentives: Oversee key initiatives, including AMTECH, Hillsboro WORKs, Youth Apprenticeship, and contracts with Future Ready Oregon, Centro de Prosperidad and WorkSystems
- Contract and Grant Management: Experience applying for grants and administering contracts is an essential function t of this position.
- Represent the City: Participate in local, regional and state consortia, including AMTECH, the Future Ready Oregon Advanced Manufacturing Consortium, Quick Start, Career Technical Advisory Committees, and the Semiconductor Task Force.
- Promote Workforce Awareness: Develop marketing campaigns to engage underrepresented populations and showcase career pathways in advanced manufacturing.
- Business Development: Work collaboratively with the Business Development team on recruitment and expansion projects in areas that require workforce expertise. Meet with local businesses to understand business’ workforce needs, identify and advise on employment related resources, and introduce available workforce incentive programs.
Current & Upcoming Projects
- Advanced Manufacturing Training and Education Coalition (AM-TECH): Convene monthly meetings to address workforce needs in advanced manufacturing. Create monthly newsletters and prepare monthly meeting agendas including featured speakers and topics of interest to membership.
- Future Ready Oregon Grant: Manage a $500,000 workforce readiness grant, launching in January 2025, to enhance career technical education opportunities for K-12 students.
- Hillsboro WORKs Internship Program: Facilitate hands-on career exploration for students aged 16-24 in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and entrepreneurship.
- Workforce Incentive Programs: Administer on-the-job and customized training initiatives for incumbent workers in partnership with local businesses.
What We’re Looking For
You are a strategic thinker who aligns workforce development strategies with organizational goals and long-term talent needs. You build strong, collaborative relationships with employers, schools, and community organizations.
You excel in creating programs that engage underrepresented populations and support diverse talent pipelines. Your project management expertise allows you to juggle multiple initiatives while ensuring every detail is managed from start to finish. You’re also skilled at evaluating programs and leveraging metrics to drive continuous improvement.
Your knowledge of workforce systems and post-secondary pathways, along with familiarity with Hillsboro School District’s Career and College Pathway programs, makes you a strong candidate for this impactful role.
For the full job classification details, visit: Workforce Development Project Manager
Acceptable Experience and Training
Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Education, Social Sciences, Organizational Development, or a related field, and/or equivalent work experience.
Experience: 4 years’ experience related to area of assignment or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
Licensing / Certifications: Valid driver's license and safe driving record
Additional Information
Work Schedule
This is an in-office position. The selected candidate will work onsite five days a week during a 6-month onboarding process. After this period, flexibility may be considered based on performance and departmental needs. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, with occasional after-hours work. The City of Hillsboro prioritizes work-life balance and minimizes after-hours requirements.
Compensation and Benefits
We offer competitive benefits and provide opportunities for professional development, ensuring that you continue to grow in your career.
Tentative Recruitment Timeline*
Application Period: December 19, 2024 – January 8, 2025- Application Reviews Complete: January 16, 2025
- First Round Interviews (Virtual): January 23 - 24, 2025
- Second Round Interviews (Onsite): February 3 - 7, 2025
- Selection and Offer: February 2025
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Hiring a workforce that reflects the diverse community we serve is essential to delivering exceptional City services and programs. The City of Hillsboro is committed to creating and supporting an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees to thrive. We value, respect, and empower employees as unique individuals with authentic voices and diverse ideas.
City of Hillsboro is proud to offer robust benefit packages to employees. Please check out our Salary and Benefits page for benefit guides for our non-represented full-time employees and part-time employees. Benefits may vary for positions identified in Police, Fire, and Library collective bargaining agreements, which can also be found on the Salary and Benefits page.
Salary : $500,000
