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Director Workforce Development Jobs in Washington

Reporting to the VP of Workforce and Economic Development, the Program Director oversees all aspects of program administration, staff supervision, compliance, participant outcomes, community ...

The Office of Apprenticeship in the National Office comprises a headquarters activity established to manage and direct all workforce development activity throughout ETA. This position is outside the ...

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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 Washington? The most popular types of Workforce Development jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Workforce Development jobs in Washington? For Director Workforce Development jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Workforce Development jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Director Workforce Development jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Director Workforce Development jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Director Workforce Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Director Workforce Development job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Total public members:26Method of Appointment:Appointed by MayorLength of Appointment:3 yearsResidency: Strong preference for DC residentsPaid board:No (all roles are voluntary)
Description:
The purpose of the WIC is to serve as a public-private partnership empowered to advise the Mayor, the Council and the District government on the development, implementation, and continued improvement of an integrated and effective workforce investment system. The WIC shall serve as the state and local workforce investment board charged with developing consumer-driven systems and programs to support career development and self-sufficiency and to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the District's workforce.
The WIC is charged with assisting the Mayor and District agencies in developing a demand-driven system and programs to meet the skilled workforce needs of business and industry, support career development and self-sufficiency, and enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the District's workforce.
The WIC shall serve as the state workforce development board for the District of Columbia under section 101 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), and, as provided in section 107(c)(4) of the WIOA, shall carry out the functions of the local workforce development board for the District of Columbia under WIOA.
Commission Membership:
The committee is composed of 35 members, including 2 Council members, 7 agency designees, and the following 26 public members:
  1. Two (2) representatives of District labor organizations nominated by District labor federations;
  2. One (1) representative of a labor organization or training director from a joint labor-management registered apprenticeship program;
  3. Four (4) representatives of:
    • a. Community-based organizations that have demonstrated experience and expertise in addressing the employment, training, or education needs of individuals with barriers to employment, including organizations that serve veterans or that provide or support competitive, integrated employment for individuals with disabilities; or
    • b. Organizations that have demonstrated experience and expertise in addressing the employment, training, or education needs of eligible youth, including representatives of organizations that serve out-of-school youth;
  4. Nineteen (19) representatives of businesses in the District, who:
    • a. Are owners of businesses, chief executives or operating officers of businesses, or other business executives or employers with optimum policy-making or hiring authority;
    • b. Represent businesses (including at least one (1) representative of small business), or organizations representing businesses, that provide employment opportunities that, at a minimum, include high-quality, work-related training and development in in-demand industry sectors or occupations in the District;
    • c. Are appointed from among individuals nominated by District business organizations and business trade associations;
    • d. Shall include at least one (1) representative from the following industry sectors:
      • i. Small business;
      • ii. Law;
      • iii. Construction;
      • iv. Information technology;
      • v. Health care;
      • vi. Hospitality;
      • vii. Business organization; and
      • viii. Retail;
    • e. Shall include at least five (5) at-large representatives from either the industry sectors listed in sub-paragraph d of this paragraph or from any other industry sector in the District.

Qualifications for Appointment:
At least fifty-one percent (51%) of the members appointed to the WIC shall be representatives of businesses in the District. At least twenty percent (20%) of the members appointed to the WIC shall be representatives of the workforce within the District.
Time Commitment:
The WIC board convenes at least four (4) times a year. Any member of the WIC who fails to attend three (3) consecutive, official WIC meetings shall be deemed removed from the WIC and a vacancy created.
If you are interested in an appointment to this board, please complete the appointment application. A member of our team will contact you to discuss the opportunity.