Director of Workforce Innovation and Solutions

About the job

North Lawndale Employment Network is a comprehensive workforce development agency on Chicago’s West Side dedicated to advancing the economic outcomes of the community’s residents through innovative employment initiatives, including our social enterprises. In August 2021, North Lawndale Employment Network transitioned to a new campus which features a premier community café for residents and stakeholders.

North Lawndale Employment Network seeks a visionary Director of Workforce Innovation and Solutions to lead our dynamic team. This role entails ensuring rigorous compliance in the day-to-day operations of our workforce development programs, while also serving as the key liaison to oversee and direct our programs and services with a commitment to excellence. You will play a crucial role in not only driving innovation and fostering growth but also in cultivating a culture of excellence through effective leadership, coaching for results, and continuous improvement. This position is pivotal in propelling our organization forward, ensuring competitiveness, and adaptability in an ever-evolving workforce landscape.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide visionary leadership, setting ambitious goals and driving innovation in program design, implementation, and evaluation for workforce justice and opportunity initiatives.
• Develop and implement strategic vision followed by active work plans leveraging cutting-edge practices to address systemic inequities and create economic empowerment pathways for marginalized communities.
• Lead innovative workforce development programs, utilizing technology, data analytics, and human-centered design to drive impact and scale.
• Embed equity and inclusion principles into program design and implementation, ensuring responsiveness to diverse community needs.
• Conduct research and evaluation to identify trends, best practices, and opportunities for innovation in workforce development.
• Build staff and partner organizations' capacity in innovation and equity through training and mentorship.
• Oversee program delivery, ensuring high-quality services and comprehensive participant support from entry via Universal Intake Process to exit and beyond.
• Actively collaborate with partners and stakeholders to drive the development and implementation of workforce programs that amplify NLEN's programs and services.
• In collaboration with Development, Finance, and the Data Team, contribute to the full grant life cycle, including application submission, program budgets, and reporting, to ensure complete compliance and financial sustainability.
• Foster a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring accessibility for all community members.
• Maintain strong relationships with community partners, employers, and stakeholders, representing the organization publicly.
• Manage all current and future strategic internal and external workforce initiatives, including The Filmore Center, Residential Community Justice Center, Transitional Job Site Placements, and more, ensuring they are aligned with organizational goals and objectives.
• Develop and oversee exceptional wraparound support programs through our Financial Opportunity Center to exceed client needs and expectations with excellence.
• Provide diligent supervision and unwavering support to program staff, ensuring not only high-quality service delivery but also fostering an environment of continuous learning and improvement.
• Perform other assigned duties.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate has an extensive knowledge of, and a strong commitment to, program implementation. The ideal candidate is an experienced workforce professional with a proven track record of managing local and government contracts. They are a goal-oriented planner who is accustomed to developing strategies and following through on them. Other qualifications include the following:

• Bachelor's degree in workforce development, social work, business administration, or a related field. A master's degree is not required, but highly preferred.
• At least 7-10 years of experience in workforce development, social services, or a related field
• track record of success in program development and management, emphasizing navigating through change and ensuring high-quality service delivery, and experience in managing large teams.
• Demonstrating a commitment to high-quality services.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to use data to make informed decisions.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills, with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, and high emotional intelligence.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
• Expert knowledge of workforce development policies and regulations, including experience with grant writing and reporting.

Benefits:

Comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Medical, vision, and dental plans
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays (many Federal Holidays)
• Hybrid work schedule
• 401K participation, day one of employment
• Life Insurance

North Lawndale Employment Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The salary range for this position is $80,000-$85,000 depending on relevant experience.