Workforce Development Manager

In addition to a competitive compensation, this position is also eligible for a sign-on bonus! 

SUMMARY:  The Workforce Development Manager will spearhead strategic initiatives for the Center of Excellence (COE), a key component of the Los Angeles County American Job Center of California system. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a comprehensive understanding of labor market trends, and the ability to effectively communicate insights to diverse stakeholders, including industry sector groups, chambers of commerce, and economic development organizations. This role is pivotal in developing robust partnerships with entities that serve businesses and actively participate in various business engagement activities. The Workforce Development Manager will cultivate and sustain positive, long-term relationships with business and industry representatives to address workforce needs and manage talent supply and demand. This position involves strategic planning, program development, and collaboration with multiple stakeholders to ensure the workforce remains skilled, adaptable, and prepared for future challenges. Additionally, this role will have a strong focus on the healthcare sector and the re-entry/justice-involved population.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Lead a positive, proactive, and results-oriented work culture that is innovative and representative of KRA’s values and consistent with continuous quality improvement, as well as manage, direct and coach the COE team on effective strategies to meet performance benchmarks;
• Develop and implement a strategic plan to ensure successful implementation of a comprehensive COE strategy;
• Develop individual KPI performance goals for the COE staff;
• Analyze labor market data, including employment trends, industry demands, skill requirements, and demographic information.
• Utilize various data sources, including government reports, industry publications, and surveys, to compile comprehensive labor market assessments.
• Share insights and recommendations with the local workforce board, businesses, and other stakeholders to support informed decision-making.
• Collaborate with local workforce development partners, businesses, and educational institutions to identify workforce needs and skill gaps.
• Facilitate meetings and workshops to discuss labor market trends, workforce challenges, and potential solutions.
• Oversee the development and evaluation of workforce development programs based on labor market analysis.
• Provide ongoing support to businesses in understanding labor market dynamics and leveraging data for workforce planning.
• Stay current on labor market trends, economic changes, and policy developments that may impact workforce development efforts.
• Recommend improvements to data collection methods and analysis processes to enhance the quality of labor market information provided.
• Represent KRA at conferences, community events, board meetings, podcasts, and social media.
• Orchestrate communications and marketing efforts to optimize the results from public outreach to established partnerships.
• Support public relations activities, including media relations and press releases. Build and maintain relationships with journalists, influencers, and media outlets to secure positive coverage related to LMI and other industry trends.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to carry out each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills required, including strength in persuasive writing, editing, and presentation design
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to effectively prioritize tasks and meet deadlines, benchmarks, and goals.
• Ability to foster a positive work environment, building strong working relationships, and effectively leading a team.
• Entrepreneurial approach, flexible attitude, and ability to handle multiple projects in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment.
• Ability to analyze market/industry data and create clear strategies.
• Ability to cultivate and manage high quality stakeholder relationships and demonstrated ability to work with a diverse workforce.
• Ability to function at a high level of discretion and confidentiality.
• Must be a self-starter and committed to completing tasks timely, which may include working additional hours and/ or over the weekend as needed.
• Local travel 40%, other travel 10% of the time.
• Bilingual; fluency in Spanish preferred.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: 

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, psychology or related field from an accredited college or university. The degree requirement may be substituted for eight (8) years of professional work experience. 
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in a role that required analyzing local and regional economic conditions and workforce development policies.
• At least five (5) years of experience in a mid-senior leadership role.
• Experienced working with adults in the workforce system and those disconnected from services highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of the criminal justice system and the challenges faced by individuals re-entering society.
• Experienced with analyzing labor market trends within the healthcare industry highly preferred.
• Experienced with Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) and other workforce related programs highly preferred. 
• Familiarity with labor market information, business intelligence systems and data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Tableau, GIS software) highly preferred.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Personal computer literacy required, including effective use of the Internet, e-mail, video conferencing (Zoom, Teams) and other Microsoft Office Products (Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook). Experienced with social media platforms (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube) highly preferred.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, sit, talk, and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  

You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits package, which includes standard healthcare benefits, in addition to student loan repayment assistance, professional development funds, lifestyle wellness dollars, and so much more! For more information, please visit the KRA website: KRA Employee Benefits | KRA Corporation