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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 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 Massachusetts? The most popular types of Workforce Development jobs in Massachusetts are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Workforce Development jobs in Massachusetts? For Director Workforce Development jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Workforce Development jobs in Massachusetts look for? The top searched job categories for Director Workforce Development jobs in Massachusetts are:
What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Director Workforce Development jobs? Cities in Massachusetts with the most Director Workforce Development job openings:
Director Workforce Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Workforce Development job openings in Massachusetts as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.
Workforce Pathways Specialist

Workforce Pathways Specialist

Commonwealth Corporation

Boston, MA

$65K - $70K/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Who
Workforce Pathways Specialist
Department: Skill Up
Report to: Director of Skill Up Initiative
Classification: Full Time, Exempt
Work hours: 40 hours per week – Hybrid (Boston, MA)
Annual Salary: ($65,000-$70,000) plus, Employer contributes 13.2% of gross salary to a 401(a)-employee retirement plan. (Vested 100% on day 1 of hire)
Who We Are: Commonwealth Corporation is a quasi-public workforce development agency that strengthens the skills of Massachusetts youth and adults by investing in innovative partnerships with industry, education and workforce organizations.
Commonwealth Corporation works with hundreds of Massachusetts companies, thousands of new and experienced workers, and thousands of youths and young adults each year.
Skill Up Overview:
The Skill Up: Career, Technical and Workforce Training, and Employment Services Initiative (Skill Up) is a program developed by the Department of Youth Services (DYS) and managed by Commonwealth Corporation to deliver high-quality career development, technical training and workforce programming and services that are aligned with local labor market needs within or across the five DYS geographic regions in Massachusetts. The initiative aims to reduce recidivism for DYS youth through the provision of high-quality services leading to employment with benefits at family sustaining wages. Additionally, the initiative seeks to reduce employment barriers and provide career, technical and workforce training that improves opportunities and reduces access and engagement barriers for youth as they transition back to the community from their residential treatment programs. A key component of this effort is the ability to increase career, technical and workforce training and employment opportunities for DYS youth.
Position Overview:
The Workforce Pathways Specialist team is responsible for connecting DYS youth to meaningful career, vocational, training, and employment opportunities, meeting youth where they are at and include everything from early job exploration to apprenticeships and credential-bearing programs. These roles integrate employer engagement, subsidized employment coordination, and development of awareness of training providers and other opportunities Statewide. The Specialists collaborate closely with DYS Central Office Leadership, DYS Regional amp; field staff, Career Navigators, Single Service Providers, training providers, MassHire partners, and employers to support youth in building skills, earning credentials, and accessing sustainable career pathways.
Key Duties amp; Responsibilities
Job Opportunity Research amp; Communication
  • Research and distribute regional Hot Jobs postings and employment opportunities sourced from online job boards such as JobQuest and Indeed
  • Connect with MassHire offices statewide and use job blast distribution lists to share opportunities with DYS teams
  • Create and maintain job boards and flyers for training and employment opportunities across district offices on a rotating basis
Employer amp; Training Provider Engagement; Certifications amp; Credentials
  • Build and expand networks of employers and training providers aligned with labor market demand and youth career interests
  • Collaborate with MassHire programs, DTA, CommCorp’s CTI team, and other partners to connect youth to training and upskilling opportunities
  • Support the growth, development amp; maintenance of subsidized employment sites statewide
  • Compile a list of existing industry recognized certifications and credential bearing training programs. Develop and implement a communication strategy to support DYS staff and youth in understanding of application requirements and pathway
  • Coordinate with Career Navigators and DYS staff to identify youth interested in vocational/technical training and bridge them to relevant programs
Trades amp; Apprenticeships Exposure
  • Develop relationships with pre‑apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs and prerequisites/requirements to share information with the youth
  • Support connections to programs that offer job shadowing, industry tours, internships, and hands on career exposure, especially in trade and technical fields
  • Advise youth and staff on opportunities based on skill requirements, and advancement potential
  • Compile a list of existing Trade and Apprenticeship programs. Develop and implement a communication strategy to support DYS staff and youth in understanding of application requirements and pathway
Youth Engagement amp; Direct Support
  • Available for consults with team and DYS leadership
  • Support Youth Voice initiatives as needed
  • Engage directly with youth amp; team to assist in application and enrollment process with MassHire trainings, CTI programs, and other partner supported opportunities
  • Provide warm hand off, introductions and problem solving (where applicable)
  • Targeted outreach to CVES and Senior Program Managers of Career Navigation to identify youth for opportunities
  • Facilitate in person workshops for youth and staff as requested
Meetings, Administrative Support amp; Data Entry
  • Attend regional meetings, emerging adult convenings, and other Statewide meetings as requested.
  • Work as part of a team to ensure local visibility
  • Take and share notes from meetings and support follow-up actions
  • Cover duties and provide cross-team support as needed
  • Document all work with youth in JJEMS case notes
  • Document all work with Employers and Training Providers
  • Enter all data into shared Excel Tracker for DYS dashboards
  • Support and Gain Understanding of Single Service Provider Trackers
  • Regular communication and liaising with DYS central Office Skill Up leadership team
Each Workforce Pathways Specialist will be assigned a focus area as described above. These are preliminary assignments; focus areas may change over time based on programmatic need
Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies:
  • Experience working with workforce, vocational, or apprenticeship systems
  • Knowledge of labor market information analysis
  • Experience working with system involved youth
  • Familiarity with state workforce development programs
  • Background in youth development, coaching, or case management
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Sound judgment and problem-solving ability
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • Cultural competence and ability to work effectively with diverse populations
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
  • Ability to travel statewide with 24 hours notice
  • Ability to complete mandatory 2.5‑week basic training in person in Grafton MA
  • Strong communication and relationship‑building skills with youth and partners
  • Knowledge of workforce development, training systems, and/or youth services
  • Program and project management experience, particularly in the area of youth development and supplemental education or workforce development programming
  • Ability to effectively manage multiple project activities, to structure and plan own work.
Commitment to Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belongings
As a leader in workforce development, Commonwealth Corporation is committed to having Diversity, Equity and Inclusion embedded into the programs and services we offer, reflected in the people we impact and our workplace culture.
Commonwealth Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Equal Employment Opportunity: Commonwealth Corporation is committed to building a culturally diverse workforce. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Research suggests that qualified women and Black amp; Indigenous POC may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive at CommCorp to apply for this role.
The successful candidate is required to complete CORI background checks.

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