Director, Office of Workforce and Career Development (OWCD)

Overview

The Director of the Office of Workforce and Career Development (OWCD) is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing workforce programs and partnerships that support economic growth and employment opportunities. Reporting to the Department Head of Economic Development, the Director will lead county-wide workforce development initiatives, ensuring alignment with state and federal workforce policies, industry needs, and economic development objectives.This position requires a strategic, innovative, and collaborative leader with a deep understanding of workforce development programs, labor market trends, and employer engagement. The Director will oversee workforce service, foster strong public-private partnerships, and ensure that programs support both job seekers and businesses in developing a skilled workforce.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Workforce Development & Program Leadership• Develop and execute a comprehensive workforce strategy that aligns with Middlesex County’s economic development vision and labor market demands.• Oversee federally and state-funded workforce programs, ensuring compliance with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), WorkFirst NJ (WFNJ), and other workforce regulations.• Lead efforts to expand workforce services, including training programs, apprenticeships, job placement initiatives, and career pathways for diverse populations.• Strengthen career and technical education (CTE) partnerships to create clear pathways for students and adult learners.

Employer & Industry Engagement• Engage with employers to assess workforce needs and create solutions through training, work-based learning, apprenticeships, and hiring programs.• Develop and manage industry sector partnerships, focusing on healthcare, technology, food innovation, logistics, and advanced manufacturing.• Build relationships with businesses, economic development organizations, and chambers of commerce to align workforce initiatives with industry trends.• Promote and support businesses in utilizing workforce resources, including hiring incentives, tax credits, and customized training programs.

Community & Educational Partnerships• Foster relationships with educational institutions, training providers, and community organizations to enhance workforce development efforts.• Coordinate efforts with One-Stop Career Centers, higher education institutions, and local workforce agencies to expand services for job seekers.• Develop strategies to increase workforce accessibility for underrepresented populations, including individuals with disabilities, dislocated workers, and youth.

Policy, Compliance & Fiscal Management• Ensure all workforce programs meet local, state, and federal requirements, including reporting, grant compliance, and fiscal oversight.• Develop and monitor budgets, grant funding, and financial reports, optimizing funding sources to expand workforce services.• Lead data-driven decision-making by analyzing labor market trends, program performance metrics, and regional workforce needs.• Work closely with the NJ Department of Labor (NJDOL) and federal agencies to align local policies with broader workforce development goals.

Organizational Leadership & Team Development• Lead and manage staff members, ensuring professional development, performance management, and a collaborative work culture.• Oversee One-Stop Career Center operations, ensuring customer-centered service delivery for job seekers and businesses.• Drive continuous improvement by implementing innovative solutions to enhance workforce program effectiveness.

Knowledge/Abilities/Skills:• Proven ability in supervising, leading teams, and driving staff development initiatives.• Knowledge of workforce development programs, services, and techniques.• Understanding of career and technical education, employment trends, and transitional workforce issues.• Experience creating talent pipelines and managing talent acquisition strategies.• Highly developed interpersonal communication skills, including negotiation, relationship building, and taking imitative.• Ability to work both collaboratively in a small team and independently on complex tasks.• Strong written communication skills, including drafting levers, emails, reports, and other professional materials with clarity and precision.• Exceptional organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to prioritize competing priorities.• Commitment to working with diverse populations and fostering inclusion in workforce development programs.

Qualifications & Experience:

Required:• Bachelor’s degree in workforce development, public administration, business, economics, education, or a related field.• 5 years of experience in workforce development, economic development, or public policy leadership.• Knowledge of WIOA, WorkFirst NJ, and state/federal workforce regulations.• Demonstrated experience in building industry partnerships, employer engagement, and talent pipeline development.• Experience in budget management, grant administration, and compliance oversight.• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage teams, facilitate collaboration, and drive strategic initiatives.

Preferred:• Master’s degree in a relevant field.• Experience working in government, public workforce agencies, or non-profit workforce organizations.• Knowledge of labor market data tools, economic forecasting, and performance management systems.• Experience implementing digital workforce solutions to expand access to training and employment services

Middlesex County is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.