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Director Workforce Development Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

HIRE360

Manager of Industry Partnerships

Chicago, IL

$75K - $85K/yr

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 ...

City Year

Director of Corporate Partnerships

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K/yr

... 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 ...

Cityyear

Director of Corporate Partnerships

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K/yr

... 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 ...

The Exeter Group

Executive Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for the overall leadership, strategy, and operational ... Lead organizational operations by supporting leadership performance, workforce development, and a ...

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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 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 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 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.

Is workforce development a good career?

A career in workforce development, including roles like Workforce Development Director, involves coordinating training programs and employment initiatives to improve workforce skills. It offers opportunities in public and private sectors, often requiring strong communication, project management, and knowledge of labor market trends. The field can be rewarding for those interested in community development and economic growth.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Manager of Industry Partnerships

Chicago, IL

HIRE360
See more jobs at HIRE360external

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 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.

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