Workforce Development Manager

Workforce Development Manager

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 Workforce Development Manager 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 Employment) – 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 Workforce Development Manager, 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!