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Director Workforce Development Jobs in Hickory, NC

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Director Workforce Development information

See Hickory, NC salary details

$14.3K

$76.3K

$115.9K

How much do director workforce development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for director workforce development in Hickory, NC is $76,294.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,900.00 and $98,000.00 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 job categories do people searching Director Workforce Development jobs in Hickory, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Director Workforce Development jobs in Hickory, NC are:
What cities near Hickory, NC are hiring for Director Workforce Development jobs? Cities near Hickory, NC with the most Director Workforce Development job openings:
Director Workforce Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Workforce Development job openings in Hickory, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,294 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Economic Development Coordinator

Alexander County, NC

Taylorsville, NC • On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Position Description An employee in this class is responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing projects and activities in support of the County's economic development plan and other economic development initiatives. Special emphasis is given to marketing, research, and business retention. Work includes collaborating with local officials, businesses, and community leaders.

This position works under the general supervision of the Director of Economic Development and is evaluated based on job performance, communication with stakeholders, and overall effectiveness of the duties performed. Responsibilities Collects, manages, and reports data for economic development initiatives while utilizing a variety of resources including but not limited to the NCESC, US Census Bureau, FRED, and the NC Bureau of Labor Statistics. Assists with responding to formal requests for information (RFI) by prospective, relating, or expanding companies or site consultants.

Responses include completing site information, county and state demographics, and mapping. Compiles daily research and information requests including specific economic development industries, changes within specific industries or companies; county real estate transactions, utility information, and employment demographics. Maintains databases for the department and is responsible for the County's Sites and Buildings database.

Uploads database information to the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, NC Commerce and EDC. Creates maps for the public, site consultants, website use, and marketing materials by working with GIS personnel to develop and interpret maps with ArcGIS. Provides routine updates to the Industrial Directory by collaborating with local companies, municipalities, and partners.

Researches and updates information for the quarterly Economic Indicators newsletter. Provides assistance to the Director and EDC by preparing and distributing agendas, recording minutes, and other legal requirements. Works closely with the County Planning Department to create monthly community investment reports.

Prepares marketing materials for existing and future industrial parks; oversees development documents and contracts. Manages information published on the EDC website and all social media outlets for the department. Partners with the Alexander County School System, CVCC, Appalachian State University, and others, in workforce development for new and existing industries.

Performs other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Thorough knowledge of economic development principles, practices, and techniques as it relates to the promotion, retention, and development of industrial and commercial project sites. Considerable knowledge of the organization, functions, and programs of county government.

Ability to analyze current trends in regional and statewide economic development issues. Ability work with a variety of officials at different levels of government, as well as department heads on the County level. Thoroughly understands the concept of workflow and the development of a work plan.

Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups in verbal and written forms. Required Minimum Education / Experience Bachelor degree in public administration, business, planning, marketing or related field and two years of experience in economic development, business administration, real estate, marketing, planning, research, or GIS; or Associate degree in public administration, business, planning, marketing or related field and four years of experience in economic development, business administration, real estate, marketing, planning, research, or GIS: or Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Possess a valid NC Driver's License.

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