ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Director Workforce Development Jobs in Washington

Covista

Director, Segment Communications

Columbia, MD · Hybrid

... workforce development. Colleagues who deliver results and embrace new tools to work smarter are ... Director, Segment Communications. You'll lead communications strategy and execution across two ...

Covista

Director, Segment Communications

Columbia, MD · On-site

... workforce development. Colleagues who deliver results and embrace new tools to work smarter are ... Director, Segment Communications. You'll lead communications strategy and execution across two ...

Covista

Director, Segment Communications

Washington, DC · Hybrid

... workforce development. Colleagues who deliver results and embrace new tools to work smarter are ... Director, Segment Communications. You'll lead communications strategy and execution across two ...

Covista

Director, Segment Communications

Washington, DC · On-site

... workforce development. Colleagues who deliver results and embrace new tools to work smarter are ... Director, Segment Communications. You'll lead communications strategy and execution across two ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsWorkforce Development JobsDirector Workforce Development JobsDirector Workforce Development Jobs in Washington

Director Workforce Development information

Is workforce development the same as HR?

Workforce development and human resources (HR) are related but distinct fields. Workforce development focuses on training, skill-building, and strategic planning to meet future labor needs, often involving community or economic development initiatives. HR primarily manages employee recruitment, benefits, compliance, and day-to-day personnel administration within an organization.

What jobs will no longer exist in 2030?

By 2030, roles such as data entry clerks and certain manual assembly line jobs are expected to decline due to automation and AI technologies. For a Director of Workforce Development, this shift emphasizes the need to focus on skills like digital literacy, change management, and adapting training programs to prepare workers for evolving job markets.

What does a director of workforce development do?

A director of workforce development oversees programs and strategies to improve employment opportunities, skills training, and workforce readiness within an organization or community. They coordinate with educational institutions, government agencies, and employers to align workforce initiatives with economic needs and often manage teams, budgets, and policy implementation.

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.

How much does a workforce development specialist make?

A workforce development specialist typically earns between $45,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and organization size. Salaries can vary based on certifications, skills in program management, and the level of responsibility involved.

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:
Director Workforce Development jobs near you
Senior Director, Federal Programs

Senior Director, Federal Programs

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

George Mason University rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

96th of 536 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Department: Academic Affairs
Classification: Administrative Faculty
Job Category: Administrative or Professional Faculty
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible
Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Restricted: Yes
Criminal Background Check: Yes
Security Clearance Check: Yes
About the Department:
Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) at George Mason University serves as the university's central hub for workforce development, executive education, and applied professional learning. CPE partners with federal agencies, industry, and academic units across Mason to design and deliver high-impact training programs that strengthen the region's talent pipeline.
CPE supports strategic university initiatives by offering flexible, mission-aligned programs-including short courses, certificate programs, customized federal training, and large-scale workforce skilling efforts-that advance organizational performance and address emerging national security, defense, and technology needs. As part of GMU's research and innovation ecosystem, CPE collaborates closely with Mason Defense, academic colleges, and research centers to ensure programs are responsive, experiential, and aligned with federal workforce priorities.
CPE also supports George Mason University's efforts to expand and deliver impactful defense and national security programs through applied research, federal partnerships, workforce development, and strategic initiatives. The unit collaborates closely with academic units, research centers, and federal agencies to advance mission-critical national security objectives.
About the Position:
The Senior Director, Federal Programs provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and business development direction for CPE's involvement in Mason Defense's federal portfolio. This position is responsible for building and managing a sustainable pipeline of federal opportunities, overseeing execution of complex federal programs, and coordinating multi-disciplinary matrixed teams across the university.
The Senior Director ensures that all programs align with university policies, federal regulations, and the strategic priorities of Mason Defense and CPE.
Responsibilities:
Program Leadership and Oversight
  • Leads execution and oversight of federally funded programs within CPE;
  • Establishes program plans, milestones, internal controls, and performance metrics;
  • Manages program risks, resources, deliverables, and reporting requirements; and
  • Ensures high-quality program performance in accordance with federal and university standards.

Federal Business Development and Pipeline Growth
  • Develops and executes a strategic plan to build a pipeline of new opportunities with DoD, Intelligence Community, DHS, and other federal sponsors;
  • Leads capture planning, partner engagement, and proposal development;
  • Maintains relationships with government sponsors, prime contractors, industry partners, and research collaborators; and
  • Identifies emerging federal needs and align opportunities with university expertise.

Matrixed Team Leadership and Cross-Campus Coordination
  • Coordinates multi-disciplinary teams involving faculty, researchers, administrative staff, and technical experts;
  • Facilitates cross-campus collaboration to assemble competitive teams and capabilities; and
  • Ensures effective communication and alignment across colleges, institutes, and centers.

Compliance, Contracts, and Sponsor Engagement
  • Ensures compliance with FAR, DFARS, OMB Uniform Guidance, agency-specific regulations, and GMU policies;
  • Supports audits, sponsor reviews, and contract oversight;
  • Serves as primary point of contact for federal sponsors and external partners; and
  • Provides briefings, reports, and strategic updates to university leadership.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Business Administration, Engineering, Defense Studies, Project/Program Management, or related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
  • Progressively responsible experience (typically 10+ years) in federal program management, defense initiatives, or large-scale sponsored research;
  • Demonstrated experience building and managing a federal business development pipeline;
  • Strong knowledge of federal acquisition processes, FAR/DFARS, and sponsored research compliance;
  • Proven ability to lead and influence matrixed teams across diverse academic and technical disciplines;
  • Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills;
  • U.S. citizenship required; and
  • Active Top Secret (with a preference for SCI) or the ability to maintain a US security clearance is required.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in related field;
  • Experience working with DoD, DHS, IC agencies, or federal R&D organizations;
  • Experience managing multi-million-dollar federal portfolios; and
  • Demonstrated experience in leadership within higher education, federally funded research, or national security initiatives.

Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for Senior Director, Federal Programs at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent with Resume for review.
Posting Open Date: April 8, 2026
For Full Consideration, Apply by: May 15, 2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
Mason Ad Statement
George Mason University is a nationally ranked R1 research university committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous world. With 40,000 enrolled students, George Mason is the largest and most diverse public research university in Virginia, offering degree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional level, along with certificates and credentials.
George Mason fosters an All Together Different environment for students, faculty, and staff, driven by our core beliefs. We believe in inclusivity over exclusivity; we believe in advancing our mission by being willing to take risks, not avoiding them; and we believe our best work is possible when we apply our diversity of origin, identity, circumstance, and thought.
Equity Statement
George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
Campus Safety Information
Mason's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/

What George Mason University employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply