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Director Workforce Development Jobs in Chicago, IL

Clinical Director

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$98K - $140K/yr

Clinical Director POSITION SUMMARY The Clinical Director serves as Kenneth Young Center's senior ... CLINICAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT • Lead clinical workforce strategy and talent development ...

Clinical Director POSITION SUMMARY The Clinical Director serves as Kenneth Young Center's senior ... CLINICAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT • Lead clinical workforce strategy and talent development ...

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Showing results 1-20

Director Workforce Development information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$16.5K

$87.8K

$133.4K

How much do director workforce development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for director workforce development in Chicago, IL is $87,782.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,400.00 and $112,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Workforce Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Workforce Development jobs in Chicago, IL? For Director Workforce Development jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Director Workforce Development jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Director Workforce Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Director Workforce Development job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,782 per year, or $42.2 per hour.
Business Services Lead

$47K - $53K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Dynamic Workforce Solutions rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

133rd of 198 rated education and training


Job description

Job Title: Business Services Lead
Department: Business Services
Reports To: Project Director
Location: Chicago Cook County Partnership Workforce Development Area, Location could be based at either Olive Harvey AJC or Daley AJC
Status: Exempt
Position Summary
The Business Services Lead (BSL) is responsible for providing leadership, coordination, and strategic direction for employer engagement and business services activities across the Chicago region. This position oversees outreach efforts, strengthens employer partnerships, and ensures alignment between workforce development initiatives and regional economic needs.
The Business Service Lead works under the Project Director of the Chicago projects to provide ongoing direction, support, and guidance to Business Servies Representatives (BsRs). The position collaborates closely with internal teams, including Employment Services (ES), Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA), and Program Outreach to ensure effective employer engagement, job development, and successful placement outcomes.
This role serves as a key driver of employer strategy, performance outcomes, and continuous improvement in business services delivery.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Lead and coordinate employer outreach strategies across assigned service areas
  • Provide guidance, support, and performance coaching to Business Service Representatives (BSRs)
  • Assist Project Director in setting and tracking individual scorecard goals and performance for Business Service Representatives.
  • Develop and maintain high-level relationships with key employers, industry partners, and stakeholders
  • Identify and prioritize strategic industries and employers aligned with regional labor market demand
  • Oversee the development of job orders, employer partnerships, and workforce service utilization
  • Collaborate with ES, RESEA, and program Outreach teams to ensure effective matching of qualified candidates to employer needs
  • Analyze labor market information and workforce data to guide outreach and engagement strategies
  • Coordinate regional hiring events, job fairs, sector-based recruitment efforts, and employer forums
  • Ensure accurate and consistent documentation of employer engagement activities and outcomes
  • Track team initiatives and outcomes
  • Track and ensure team's documentation quality and timeliness for supporting entries into the Work in Texas system (as appropriate).
  • Monitor outreach performance metrics and recommend strategies for continuous improvement
  • Represent the organization at high-level community, business, and economic development events
  • Ensure compliance with workforce program policies, procedures, and reporting requirements
  • Support the development and implementation of business engagement initiatives and best practices

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in business administration, Public Administration, Marketing, Human Resources, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Minimum of three (3) years of experience in Business Service, workforce development, sales, or related field
  • Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout the service area

Preferred Qualifications
  • Supervisory or team lead experience
  • Experience within a public workforce system or economic development environment
  • Strong understanding of labor market information and regional workforce trends
  • Experience working with large employers, industry groups, or sector partnerships

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Demonstrated leadership and coaching ability
  • Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills
  • Ability to analyze workforce data and apply insights to strategy development
  • Strong organizational and project management skills
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet performance targets
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM/data tracking systems
  • Knowledge of workforce development programs, employer services, and recruitment strategies
  • Ability to work independently and lead collaborative team efforts

Performance Measures
  • Growth in employer partnerships and strategic employer accounts
  • Team performance outcomes (BSR outreach activity and engagement metrics)
  • Job order development and placement success rates
  • Employer retention and repeat engagement levels
  • Completion and effectiveness of hiring events and recruitment initiatives
  • Accuracy and timeliness of employer engagement reporting
  • Alignment of outreach efforts with labor market demand and priority industries

Working Conditions
  • Frequent travel within the Chicago region
  • Occasional evening and weekend work for employer engagement events
  • Combination of office-based and field work environments

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to sit, stand, and travel for extended periods
  • Ability to lift up to 20 pounds as needed

Equal Opportunity Employer

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