ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Director Workforce Development Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Dynamic Workforce Solutions

Project Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Project Director Reports to: Senior Director Position Classification: Exempt Primary Objectives of ... to workforce development business operations. * Establish and maintain positive working ...

Dynamic Workforce Solutions

Project Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Project Director Reports to: Senior Director Position Classification: Exempt Primary Objectives of ... to workforce development business operations. * Establish and maintain positive working ...

FamilyForward

Be Seen First

Development Director

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$40K/yr

Preferred experience in human services, workforce development, or family-focused nonprofits ... Self-directed, highly organized, and able to thrive in a flexible, part-time environment

New

HIRE360

Assistant Program Director

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$75K - $85K/yr

Workforce Development Work Location: Chicago Reports to: CEJA Program Director Classification: Exempt Status: Full-time (Hybrid) Employee Type: W-2 Salary: $75,000 - $85,000 Who We Are: HIRE360 is an ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsWorkforce Development JobsDirector Workforce Development JobsDirector Workforce Development Jobs in Illinois

Director Workforce Development information

What does a Director of Workforce Development do?

A Director of Workforce Development leads efforts to design, implement, and oversee programs that enhance the skills and employability of a community's workforce. This role involves collaborating with businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies to identify workforce needs and create training programs that fill skill gaps. Directors often manage teams, secure funding, and evaluate the effectiveness of workforce initiatives. Their ultimate goal is to ensure that workers are prepared for current and future job opportunities, supporting both individual career growth and broader economic development.

What are some common challenges faced by a Director of Workforce Development in aligning training programs with organizational goals?

A Director of Workforce Development often encounters the challenge of ensuring that training and development initiatives are closely aligned with both the immediate and long-term objectives of the organization. This requires staying updated on industry trends, regularly assessing workforce skill gaps, and collaborating with department leaders to anticipate future talent needs. Balancing budget constraints, rapidly changing technologies, and diverse learning preferences across the workforce can also present difficulties. Successful directors leverage data-driven strategies and maintain strong communication channels with stakeholders to overcome these challenges.

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 program management, workforce planning, and labor market analysis, often backed by a bachelor's or master's degree in human resources, business, or a related field. Familiarity with HR information systems (HRIS), data analytics tools, and workforce development certifications such as CWDP is typically required. Strategic thinking, leadership, stakeholder engagement, and excellent communication are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities are crucial for developing effective workforce strategies, aligning talent initiatives with organizational goals, and fostering partnerships that drive organizational and community success.

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

AspectDirector Workforce DevelopmentWorkforce Development Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor’s degree often required; advanced degrees preferred; experience in workforce programsAssociate or bachelor’s degree; relevant experience in workforce or community programs
Work EnvironmentLeadership role overseeing teams and programs; strategic planningOperational role supporting program implementation; administrative tasks
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, non-profits, educational institutionsCommunity organizations, government offices, training providers

The Director Workforce Development typically holds a higher-level leadership position, focusing on strategic planning and overseeing workforce programs. The Workforce Development Coordinator handles day-to-day program operations and supports implementation. Both roles are essential in workforce development initiatives but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Workforce Development jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Workforce Development jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Workforce Development jobs in Illinois? For Director Workforce Development jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Workforce Development jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Director Workforce Development jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Director Workforce Development jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Director Workforce Development job openings:
Director Workforce Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Workforce Development job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.
Lead Director, Workforce Development

Lead Director, Workforce Development

Urban Initiatives

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Urban Initiatives Overview
Founded in 2003, Urban Initiatives is a nonprofit organization that uses the power of sport and play to empower Chicago's youth to achieve academic success, develop social-emotional skills, and build social capital.
Today, Urban Initiatives reaches more than 100,000 young people annually across more than 80 Chicago schools and community sites. Through youth development, workforce development, adult learning, and community engagement, we help young people build relationships, develop essential life skills, and connect to meaningful opportunities that prepare them for lifelong success.
Urban Initiatives is dedicated to intentionally fostering a climate of purposeful inclusion in our workplace, and candidates of diverse backgrounds and identities are strongly encouraged to apply. Urban Initiatives is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Personnel are chosen based on ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, in accordance with federal and state law.
Position Overview
Urban Initiatives is seeking a Lead Director of Workforce Development to launch and grow our youth workforce development strategy. This role leads the launch of UI Coaches Lab, connecting our existing leadership, coaching, employment, and career exploration programs into one coherent pathway for young people ages 14-24. Year one centers on building and launching the program - recruitment, employer engagement, staff supervision, and direct youth experience - while laying the groundwork to integrate initiatives like Coach for Success, Community Member to Coach, Summer Employment, and Pathways to Purpose into a seamless long-term strategy.
This is a hands-on role requiring both strategic vision and direct execution. The ideal candidate will draw on Urban Initiatives' existing curriculum, data, employer partnerships, and program infrastructure to build a cohesive participant experience, and will be just as comfortable facilitating youth workshops and coaching staff as building employer relationships and managing complex projects end to end.
The position will report to the Chief Innovation and Learning Officer.
Our Culture
Our healing-centered approach to youth development helps young people reach their full potential and puts YOU right in the middle of making an impact that will shape generations of Chicago youth.
We are coaches by trade and bring this expertise into our work environment. You can expect ample learning opportunities, growth mindsets, a culture of feedback and transparency, and fun as a core value.
Are you ready to put passion into action to build a stronger Chicago?
What You Would Do:
Lead the Launch of UI Coaches Lab
  • Serve as the lead responsible for the launch and implementation of UI Coaches Lab.
  • Translate strategic plans into operational work plans, timelines, and implementation systems.
  • Coordinate implementation across multiple work streams including participant recruitment, employer engagement, curriculum delivery, evaluation, communications, operations, and sustainability planning.
  • Monitor progress, identify barriers, and ensure successful execution of program goals and grant deliverables.
  • Build systems that position Coaches Lab for long-term sustainability and growth.

Deliver High-Quality Youth Workforce Experiences
  • Facilitate learning experiences, workshops, coaching sessions, and workforce development activities for youth ages 14-24.
  • Build strong relationships with participants and create engaging, supportive learning environments grounded in positive youth development.
  • Supervise participant experiences across multiple workforce pathways.
  • Support youth in developing communication, teamwork, leadership, critical thinking, problem-solving, and workplace readiness skills.
  • Lead implementation and continuous improvement of Urban Initiatives' current and future employer-based learning partnerships.
  • Oversee technical implementation partners and consultants supporting workforce pathway delivery.
  • Ensure participant experiences reflect Urban Initiatives' commitment to belonging, opportunity, and social-emotional development.

Leverage and Integrate Organizational Assets
  • Partner with the Director of Curriculum and Learning to adapt and implement participant learning experiences.
  • Partner with the Director of Data Infrastructure to build evaluation, reporting, and continuous improvement systems.
  • Partner with the Lead Director of Partnerships to develop employer engagement strategies and expand workforce pathways.
  • Partner with the Operations team to design and manage participant onboarding, stipend payments, compliance, credential tracking, and operational systems that support a high-quality participant experience.
  • Collaborate with leaders across Coach for Success, Community Member to Coach, Summer Employment, and other workforce initiatives to strengthen participant pathways and eliminate duplication.
  • Align external workforce development initiatives with Urban Initiatives' internal talent strategy, ensuring workforce pathways strengthen both participant outcomes and the organization's long-term staffing pipeline.
  • Convene cross-functional teams, align priorities, and leverage organizational expertise to deliver a cohesive work-based learning model.

Build and Strengthen Employer Partnerships
  • Develop relationships with employers, industry partners, higher education institutions, community organizations, and public agencies.
  • Coordinate work-based learning opportunities including job shadows, site visits, mentoring experiences, internships, and career exploration opportunities.
  • Expand employer partnerships across coaching, healthcare, sports business, event operations, and emerging career sectors.
  • Support the development of sustainable employer engagement strategies that create long-term opportunities for young people.
  • Represent Urban Initiatives within workforce development and youth employment networks.

Coordinate Organizational Workforce Development Strategy
  • Provide strategic leadership for Urban Initiatives' evolving work-based learning portfolio.
  • Identify opportunities to strengthen alignment across current and future workforce development partnerships and initiatives.
  • Recommend improvements to Urban Initiatives' workforce development strategy based on implementation experience, participant outcomes, and employer feedback.
  • Partner with executive leadership to shape the long-term vision for work-based learning within Urban Initiatives.

What We Look for in a Candidate
  • Passion for Urban Initiatives' mission and commitment to youth development.
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • Minimum of five years of experience working directly with youth, preferably ages 14-24.
  • Experience leading youth development, workforce development, employment, mentoring, leadership, or career readiness programs.
  • Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with young people and facilitate engaging learning experiences.
  • Experience supervising staff and managing program implementation
  • Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
  • Demonstrated ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and move complex initiatives from planning through implementation.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Commitment to inclusion and positive youth development practices.
  • Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as program activities require.

Nice to Have
  • Experience building partnerships with employers, industry partners, higher education institutions, schools, community organizations, or public agencies.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish fluency preferred.

What We Can Offer You
  • Competitive salary of $80,000 annually.
  • Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
  • Paid time off and a generous holiday schedule.
  • Flexible hybrid work environment, based on program and organizational needs.
  • Opportunities for professional learning and leadership development.
  • The opportunity to build a nationally recognized workforce development model from the ground up.
  • Work alongside an experienced leadership team committed to innovation, continuous learning, and investing in people.
  • A mission-driven team committed to helping Chicago's young people thrive through the power of sport, play, and meaningful career pathways.

Additionally, our values of Teamwork and Inclusion ensure that Urban Initiatives is an environment where you will be supported and welcomed by your coworkers and peers.

Apply