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Director Of Workforce Development Jobs in Chicago, IL

Director of Workforce Development Classification: Exempt Status: Full-time, Hybrid Employee Type: W-2 Salary: $75,000 - $85,000 Who We Are: HIRE360 is an industry-led, workforce development nonprofit ...

Minimum Qualifications At least two (2) years of professional experience in workforce development ... career services, employment placement, job readiness, workforce training coordination, or a closely ...

New

Assistant Program Director Department: Workforce Development Work Location: Chicago Reports to ... Demonstrated knowledge of workforce development and/or knowledge of implementing programs and ...

... workforce development program for corporate partners to engage, support, and recruit civic-minded young leaders. The Director of Corporate Partnerships will be responsible for raising approximately ...

... workforce development program for corporate partners to engage, support, and recruit civic-minded young leaders. The Director of Corporate Partnerships willbe responsible forraising approximately $1 ...

Showing results 21-40

Director Of Workforce Development information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$16.5K

$87.8K

$133.4K

How much do director of workforce development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of workforce development in Chicago, IL is $87,782.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,400.00 and $112,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a director of workforce development?

A director of workforce development manages the workforce development programs within an organization. Your responsibilities and duties in this career can drastically differ based upon the needs of the specific company. Typically, your responsibilities are to develop and implement plans for workforce training, supervise the employees within the workforce development department, coordinate with other managers to determine areas that need attention, and administer new training plans and practices for the organization. As director of workforce development, you must stay up to date on current training practices and trends in the labor markets. Additionally, you may be responsible for providing reports on the efficiency of the company’s staff.

What are some typical challenges faced by a director of workforce development, and how can they be addressed?

A Director of Workforce Development often encounters challenges such as aligning workforce training initiatives with rapidly changing industry needs and ensuring equitable access to programs across diverse communities. Addressing these challenges requires close collaboration with employers, educational institutions, and community organizations to stay informed about skill gaps and employment trends. Building flexible, data-driven programs and fostering relationships with stakeholders are key strategies for overcoming these obstacles and driving successful workforce outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of workforce development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director Of Workforce Development, you need expertise in workforce planning, program management, and a background in human resources or a related field, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with labor market analysis tools, learning management systems (LMS), and compliance with employment regulations is typically required. Strong leadership, collaboration, and strategic communication skills help build partnerships and drive organizational initiatives. These skills are crucial for designing effective workforce strategies that address organizational needs and foster talent development.

What is the difference between Director Of Workforce Development vs Workforce Development Coordinator?

AspectDirector Of Workforce DevelopmentWorkforce Development Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree; often advanced degrees in HR, public administration, or related fieldsAssociate's or Bachelor's degree; relevant certifications may include HR or training certifications
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles in organizations, overseeing programs and teamsSupport roles, assisting in program implementation and coordination
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, large nonprofits, educational institutionsCommunity organizations, government offices, educational institutions
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding senior roles and responsibilities in workforce programsEntry to mid-level roles focusing on program support and coordination

The main difference between a Director Of Workforce Development and a Workforce Development Coordinator lies in their level of responsibility and scope. The director oversees strategic planning and manages teams, while the coordinator handles day-to-day program support. Both roles are vital in workforce development initiatives but differ in seniority and focus.

What are popular job titles related to Director Of Workforce Development jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Director Of Workforce Development jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Of Workforce Development jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Of Workforce Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Director Of Workforce Development jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Director Of Workforce Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Director Of Workforce Development job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,782 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Manager of Industry Partnerships

HIRE360

Chicago, IL • On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead, coach, and manage the Industry Representative team to achieve industry engagement, opportunity development, sponsorships, and placement outcomes.

  • Develop and manage a pipeline of apprenticeship sponsorship and employment opportunities by building and maintaining relationships with industry partners.

  • Represent HIRE360 at industry events and coordinate with workforce development staff to align candidate readiness with industry opportunities.


Job description

Job Title: Manager of Industry Partnerships
Department: Workforce Development
Work Location: Chicago
Reports to: Director of Workforce Development
Classification: Exempt
Status: Full-time, Hybrid
Employee Type: W-2
Salary: $75,000 - $85,000
Who We Are:
HIRE360 is an industry-led, workforce development nonprofit investing in the communities that call Illinois home. We bring together the largest construction unions, general contractors, and developers to create opportunities in construction for everyone.
Position Summary:
The Manager of Industry Partnerships plays a critical leadership role at the intersection of industry demand and community opportunity. This position leads a team of Industry Representatives responsible for developing and strengthening relationships with contractors, developers, and trade unions and other industry partners to expand apprenticeship opportunities for HIRE360 candidates.
The Manager provides strategic direction and day-to-day leadership to the Industry Representative team, establishes performance expectations, monitors industry and placement pipelines, and ensure industry relationships translate into measurable opportunities and outcomes.
This is a highly collaborative, outward-facing role for a strategic relationship-builder who understands the construction industry, values data-driven decision-making, and is motivated by creating real economic mobility through union careers.
Responsibilities (Essential Duties and Responsibilities):
  • Lead, coach, and manage the Industry Representative team, establishing clear individual and team expectations for industry engagement, opportunity development, sponsorships, and placement outcomes.
  • Establish and monitor team goals, pipelines, performance metrics, and other measures of success.
  • Regularly review Industry Representative activity and outcomes, provide coaching and feedback, and address performance or operational gaps as needed.
  • Coordinate industry assignments, relationships, projects, and priorities across the Industry Representative team to ensure appropriate coverage and follow-through.
  • Foster a high-performance, mission-driven team culture focused on responsiveness, relationship quality, and results.
  • Develop and manage a pipeline of apprenticeship sponsorship and employment opportunities, ensuring industry relationships translate into measurable candidate placement outcomes
  • Partner closely with Candidate Support Advisors and other Workforce Development staff to align candidate readiness and referrals with apprenticeship, sponsorship, and employment opportunities identified by the Industry Representative team
  • Build and maintain strong partnerships with contractors, developers, unions, and industry stakeholders to expand apprenticeship and employment opportunities.
  • Represent HIRE360 at industry events, public meetings, developer meetings, networking opportunities, and other activities related to current and upcoming construction projects.
  • Coordinate with Workforce Development leadership and staff to address gaps between industry demand and candidate readiness.
  • Monitor industry trends, labor market needs, workforce demand, and upcoming construction projects to inform workforce strategies and candidate pipeline planning.
  • Identify new opportunities for HIRE360 to strengthen relationships with industry partners and expand pathways into union construction careers.
  • Support site tours, hands-on learning experiences, mentorship opportunities, sponsor engagement activities, and other initiatives that connect candidates with industry partners.
  • Track, analyze, and report team performance metrics, ensuring compliance with organizational and grant requirements.
  • Ensure accurate and timely documentation of employer and industry engagement, opportunities, referrals, and placement outcomes in Salesforce and other organizational systems.
  • Use data, staff feedback, and industry partner feedback to identify opportunities to improve employer engagement, referral, sponsorship, and placement processes.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications (Knowledge, skills, and abilities):
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Workforce Development, or related field.
  • Minimum of five years of experience in workforce development, industry relations, employer engagement, talent acquisition or a related field including at least two years in a supervisory or leadership role.
  • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with contractors, unions, developers, employers and other industry partners.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and coach staff and manage toward measurable outcomes.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, relationship building and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, relationship-driven environment.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM systems; experience with Salesforce preferred.
Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities:
  • Experience working directly with construction contractors, unions, or apprenticeship programs.
  • Experience with construction workforce or apprenticeship programs.
  • Case management experience and comfort working with diverse populations.
  • Project management experience and demonstrated ability to improve systems and processes.
  • Demonstrated resourcefulness and ability to improve systems and processes.
  • Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities, proposing new ways of creating efficiencies.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
  • This role is primarily office-based with regular in-person engagement with candidates, employers, partners, and team members.
  • The position requires local travel to construction sites, training centers, employer locations, community meetings, and industry events. Site visits may involve walking outdoors, navigating uneven terrain, or climbing stairs.
  • The role includes periods of sitting, standing, and walking throughout the day.
  • Occasional lifting of materials or supplies (up to 20 pounds) may be required.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
  • This is a full-time position typically scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Occasional flexibility is needed to support program activities, site visits, and industry partner schedules.
  • When work outside the standard schedule is required, including early mornings or occasional weekend events, flex time is available.
Travel
  • Significant travel within the Chicago area, in addition to Joliet, Aurora, Waukegan and Rockford and other locations across Northern Illinois.
HIRE360 is an equal opportunity/ADA employer. All federal, state and local and other fair employment standards including EEO and ADA requirements in race, gender, gender identification, religion, national origin, disability, political affiliation, veteran status, veterans or disabled veterans status as found in 41CFR 60-1.4, 60-250.4 and 60-741.4 are herein incorporated by reference. Reasonable accommodations requested by qualified individuals with disabilities will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. HIRE360 encourages applications from all of the above referenced protected and unprotected status groups.