Director of Workforce Development

Director of Workforce Development

Baton Rouge, LA | Full-Time

Are you passionate about equipping individuals through workforce development? Do

you believe education, training, and direct employment opportunities are key to breaking

the cycle of poverty? HOPE Ministries seeks a Director of Workforce Development to

lead and expand our workforce initiatives, including SKILLED BR and RISE, while

cultivating strong corporate partnerships to create direct employment pathways for

program participants.

About HOPE Ministries

At HOPE Ministries, our mission is to prevent homelessness and promote

self-sufficiency and dignity by equipping individuals and families with the tools they need

to succeed. We serve the Baton Rouge and New Roads communities through workforce

development, education, and essential support services that create lasting change.

Our core programs/initiatives include:

The Way to Work (TWTW) – A nationally recognized workforce development program

that helps individuals develop essential skills, gain employment, and achieve career

growth through personalized coaching and employer partnerships.

The Client Choice Food Pantry (CCFP) – A dignified, grocery store-style food pantry

that provides fresh, nutritious food to families in crisis while helping them develop

long-term stability plans.

SKILLED BR – A shared online collaborative platform that brings together employers,

service providers, and education providers that breaks down silos in workforce

development. By fostering seamless coordination, SKILLED BR helps fill the skills gap

by connecting individuals facing employment barriers—with the training, education, job

opportunities, and support services they need to achieve sustainable careers.

RISE (Reaching Individual Success through Education) – A workforce initiative

offering online and in-person educational opportunities in high-demand fields such as

plumbing, electrical, HVAC, CDL, and various medical certifications to help individuals

gain industry-recognized credentials and secure well-paying jobs.

About the Role

As the Director of Workforce Development, you will be responsible for developing,

implementing, and expanding HOPE’s workforce initiatives while building strong

partnerships with employers to ensure direct job opportunities for participants. You will

work closely with business leaders, training providers, and community organizations to

create sustainable career pathways, ensuring our workforce programs are aligned with

the needs of employers and industries in the Baton Rouge and New Roads areas. You

will also work closely with clients enrolled in the RISE initiative.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee workforce development initiatives, ensuring alignment with HOPE’s

mission and goals.

• Develop and implement SKILLED BR, connecting individuals to employers and

workforce training programs.

• Manage and expand RISE, ensuring participants have access to high-quality training

programs in high-demand fields that lead to industry-recognized certifications.

• Establish and maintain relationships with Employers of Choice, creating direct hiring

pathways for program participants.

• Build relationships with companies needing coaching and retention services,

connecting them to HOPE’s expertise in workplace retention and leadership

development services.

• Work directly with clients, guiding them through training, employment placement, and

career advancement opportunities.

• Engage with employers and industry leaders, aligning workforce programs with

regional labor market needs.

• Track and evaluate program success, using data to improve outcomes and strengthen

workforce initiatives.

Who You Are

• A mission-driven leader who creates opportunities, fosters access, and promotes

economic advancement.

• A strategic and innovative thinker who can build and scale workforce development

programs.

• A relationship-builder who can engage corporate partners, educators, government

agencies, and community leaders.

• A hands-on leader passionate about coaching and guiding individuals on their career

journeys.

• A data-driven decision-maker who understands workforce trends, employer

engagement, and program evaluation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Workforce Development, Business, or a related field.

• 3 years of experience in workforce development, corporate partnerships, employer

engagement, or nonprofit leadership.

• Experience developing direct hiring partnerships with businesses and industries.

• Knowledge of workforce funding streams and career training programs.

• Experience working with diverse populations, including individuals facing economic

challenges.

• Strong skills in program development, partnership-building, and workforce retention

strategies.

Why Join HOPE Ministries?

• Make a direct impact by helping individuals gain the skills and opportunities to build

self-sufficient lives.

• Join a dedicated, mission-driven team committed to innovative solutions.

• Lead workforce development initiatives with the freedom to create and expand new

programs.

• Build strong corporate relationships that drive meaningful employment opportunities.

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

How to Apply

We want to hear from you if you’re ready to build transformational workforce initiatives

and employer partnerships! Apply today by submitting your resume and a cover letter

detailing your passion for workforce development and your experience in program

leadership to hiring@hopebr.org

Join us in strengthening Baton Rouge’s workforce and breaking the cycle of poverty!