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Director Workforce Development Jobs in Hartford, CT

Director of Education

Wolcott, CT · On-site

$68K - $83K/yr

This is an opportunity to play a key leadership role within a growing educational organization committed to student achievement and workforce development. As Director of Education, you will: * Lead ...

... workforce development, and building strong healthcare partnerships. The Program Director provides ... overall leadership, administration, planning, evaluation, and continuous improvement for the PN ...

Influence workforce planning and operational efficiency * Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development * Support a culture of inclusion, belonging, and excellence What You'll ...

Support workforce planning efforts to ensure effective execution of business development strategies ... Oversight of Director of Specialty Programming and Strategy * Collaborate with facility leadership ...

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Director Workforce Development information

See Hartford, CT salary details

$16.1K

$86K

$130.6K

How much do director workforce development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for director workforce development in Hartford, CT is $85,956.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,100.00 and $110,500.00 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 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 Hartford, CT?

The most popular types of Workforce Development jobs in Hartford, CT are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Workforce Development jobs in Hartford, CT?

For Director Workforce Development jobs in Hartford, CT, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Hartford, CT are hiring for Director Workforce Development jobs?

Cities near Hartford, CT with the most Director Workforce Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Director Workforce Development job openings in Hartford, CT as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Part Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,956 per year, or $41.3 per hour.

Director of Workforce Development

East Hartford, CT • On-site

GOODWIN COLLEGE INC
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 51 - 200 employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

The mission of Goodwin University is to educate a diverse student population in a dynamic environment that aligns education, commerce, and community. Our innovative programs of study prepare students for professional careers while promoting lifelong learning and civic responsibility. As a nurturing university community, we challenge students, faculty, staff, and administration to fully realize their highest academic, professional, and personal potential.
The Director of Workforce Development provides strategic leadership and oversight for workforce development programs, partnership development, enrollment growth initiatives, grant-supported programs, and related operational activities across the University. The Director is responsible for advancing workforce and enrollment objectives through the development of strategic partnerships, cultivation of state and community relationships, implementation of growth initiatives, and oversight of program admissions, case management, and performance outcomes.
Serving as a trusted advisor to the Senior Vice President, the Director translates strategic priorities into actionable plans, leads cross-functional collaboration, and ensures alignment between workforce programs and institutional goals. The Director develops and maintains relationships with state agencies, community partners, and other stakeholders, identifies new opportunities for program and enrollment growth, and promotes a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities:
(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)
Strategic Advisor & Institutional Alignment
  • Oversee daily operations of workforce program admissions, ensuring workflow and tracking of enrollment and case management metrics
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to the Senior Vice President, providing counsel on strategic initiatives, organizational design, and access to critical information
  • Translate the Senior Vice President's vision into actionable steps for staff and provide direct oversight of implementation
  • Constantly assess alignment with strategic goals and intervene when necessary to rebuild commitment and success
  • Responsible for staff supervision and performance management
  • Prioritize and liaise with states to discuss workforce programming, create contracts unique to state offerings with special attention paid to compliance
  • Hold primary relationship with partner states and develop rapport that leads to positive business relationships and incremental contract growth
  • In addition to SNAP Employment & Training responsibilities, explore new grant opportunities with partner states
  • Serve as the primary point of contact relative to administrative relationship with CT DSS for University of Bridgeport SNAP program, if approved
  • Develop new business lines with state agencies and community partners leveraging size and scope of university

Operational Coordination and Effectiveness
  • Create and facilitate communication and workflows between workforce programs and partnering departments
  • Build strong relationships based on trust and transparency toward institutional and departmental goals to drive progress
  • Develop staff to hone and focus their skills to meet individual metrics that support strategic initiatives
  • Create and evolve case management system in partnership with key university departments. Serve as primary liaison with partner states and responsible for communicating case management data to state reporting systems
  • In collaboration with marketing department, develop recruitment strategy and process for workforce programs
  • Collaborate with university Grants Department in the identification and application of new workforce development grant opportunities for the university
  • Monitor goals/enrollment and retention KPIs

Planning
  • Develop and implement strategic plans that support workforce, partnership, and enrollment growth objectives.
  • Monitor emerging market opportunities, policy changes, and workforce trends to inform program development and institutional strategy.
  • Identify risks, barriers, and opportunities and develop proactive solutions that support organizational goals. Balance short-term operational priorities with long-term strategic initiatives to ensure sustainable growth and progress.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Demonstrated commitment to developing and fostering best practices and policies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and build an environment in which all members of the University community are treated with respect and dignity.
  • Demonstrated experience leading initiatives in complex environments involving multiple stakeholders.
  • Experience using performance metrics and outcome data to drive decision-making and organizational success.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
  • Exceptional relationship-management skills, and the ability to influence without authority
  • Proven ability to adapt strategies in response to evolving priorities and changing market conditions while maintaining momentum toward long-term organizational goals.
  • Ability to maintain composure and direction in high-pressure situations
  • Highly organized yet flexible; ability to pivot based on the needs of the day while maintaining focus on long-term priorities.

Education, Training and Experience:
  • Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Business Administration, Public Administration, Organizational Leadership, Education, Workforce Development, or related fields.
  • Seven or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in higher education, workforce development, enrollment management, strategic initiatives, partnership development, business development, or related fields.

Special Requirements:
  • Valid driver license & insured vehicle

Physical and Mental Requirements:
Work Environment None Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3 Outdoor Weather Conditions X Work with fumes or airborne particles X Work near moving mechanical parts X Risk of electrical shock X Vibration X
Physical Activity None Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3 Standing X Walking X Sitting X X Talking & Hearing X Using hands/fingers to handle/feel X Climbing or balancing X Bending, pulling, pushing X Driving X
Lifting Requirements None Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3 Up to 10 pounds X Up to 25 pounds X Up to 50 pounds X Up to 75 pounds X Up to 100 pounds X Over 100 pounds X
Vision requirements:
_X_ Close vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 inches or less)
___ Distance vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 feet or more)
___ Color vision (i.e. ability to identify and distinguish colors)
___ Peripheral vision (i.e. ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or
left and right while the eyes are fixed on a given point)
___ Depth perception (i.e. three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and
spatial relationships)
___ No special vision requirements
Full-Time Employee Benefits:
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Pet Insurance
  • 401k employer match
  • Employee & dependent life insurance
  • Great tuition benefits for employee, spouse & dependents
  • PTO program

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Goodwin University and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the University as the needs of the University and requirements of the job change.)