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Director Workforce Development Jobs in Seattle, WA

Career TEAM

Project Director

Everett, WA

Career Team is a leading workforce development organization on a mission to transform lives. We ... Regional Director LOCATION : Snohomish County, WA EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-Time, Exempt Employee ...

Career Team

Project Director

Everett, WA · On-site

Career Team is a leading workforce development organization on a mission to transform lives. We ... Regional Director LOCATION : Snohomish County, WA EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-Time, Exempt Employee ...

Career Team

Project Director

Everett, WA · On-site

$85K - $89K/yr

Regional Director LOCATION : Snohomish County, WA EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-Time, Exempt Employee ... In this role, the incumbent will practice working knowledge in Workforce Development protocols ...

Goodwill

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Tacoma, WA

Through workforce development, skills training, education, career pathways, and a deep network of ... Strong governance experience working with a Board of Directors in a policy-based governance model.

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All JobsWorkforce Development JobsDirector Workforce Development JobsDirector Workforce Development Jobs in Seattle, WA

Director Workforce Development information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$18.2K

$97K

$147.4K

How much do director workforce development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for director workforce development in Seattle, WA is $96,975.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,300.00 and $124,600.00 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 Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Workforce Development jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What job categories do people searching Director Workforce Development jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Director Workforce Development jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Director Workforce Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Workforce Development job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,975 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

Program Director

America Works of New York Inc

Seattle, WA

$90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Program Director – PacMtn Workforce Program

Location: Work location rotates between Centralia, Lacey, Aberdeen, and Shelton, WA
Schedule: Monday–Friday, Full-Time (Day Shift, In-Person)
Compensation: $90,000 Annual Salary

Position Overview

America Works of Washington, Inc., a socially conscious organization dedicated to helping individuals achieve economic self-sufficiency, is seeking an experienced Program Director to lead a regional workforce development program serving Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston counties.

The Program Director is responsible for the overall success, strategic direction, and operational performance of the program, including service delivery, contract compliance, staff leadership, community partnerships, and achievement of employment outcomes.

The ideal candidate is an experienced workforce development leader with a strong background in program management, team leadership, community engagement, and performance-based contracts. This individual will be responsible for overseeing operations across multiple offices, ensuring high-quality services for job seekers, developing strong relationships with community partners, and driving the program toward successful employment, retention, and wage progression outcomes.

The Program Director will regularly travel between program locations to support staff, oversee operations, engage with community partners, and ensure consistent service delivery throughout the region.

The Program Director reports directly to the America Works CEO and works closely with the Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council (PacMtn) and other workforce and community partners.

Women, minorities, and bilingual or multilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Operations

Provide strategic leadership and overall direction for the PacMtn workforce development program.

Oversee program implementation and daily operations across all program offices, ensuring consistent service delivery and alignment with organizational goals.

Travel regularly between Centralia, Lacey, Aberdeen, and Shelton locations to support staff, address operational needs, and maintain visibility across the program.

Develop, implement, and continuously improve program strategies to increase participant engagement, employment outcomes, retention, and wage progression.

Identify operational challenges and implement solutions to improve program effectiveness and participant success.

Contract Performance & Compliance

Lead the program with the goal of providing high-quality employment and job placement services while meeting or exceeding contractual goals.

Monitor program performance metrics, including enrollment, placement, retention, and other contract deliverables.

Identify areas of improvement, develop action plans, and ensure timely resolution of performance challenges.

Ensure compliance with funding requirements, contractual obligations, organizational policies, and workforce development standards.

Maintain regular communication and collaboration with PacMtn Workforce Development Council and other funding agencies.

Staff Leadership & Development

Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate program staff across multiple locations.

Provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to support employee success.

Establish clear performance expectations and ensure staff meet individual and program goals.

Address performance concerns, provide feedback, and promote accountability.

Foster a collaborative, mission-driven team culture focused on achieving positive outcomes for participants.

Community & Employer Engagement

Build and maintain strong partnerships with workforce boards, government agencies, employers, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders.

Represent America Works within the community and serve as a key relationship manager with local partners.

Develop new partnerships and identify opportunities to expand program impact and improve participant outcomes.

Engage with employers, community leaders, and workforce partners to strengthen employment opportunities for program participants.

Seek opportunities for program growth through networking and relationship development.

Participant Services & Workforce Development

Ensure participants receive high-quality employment services designed to help them achieve long-term self-sufficiency.

Maintain an understanding of barriers impacting underserved populations, including individuals experiencing unemployment, poverty, homelessness, justice involvement, disabilities, and other challenges.

Support effective case management, career coaching, job development, and employment placement strategies.

Ensure services are participant-centered, outcome-focused, and aligned with workforce development best practices.

Budget & Administrative Oversight

Oversee program budget management in coordination with the Finance Department.

Monitor staffing needs, resources, and expenditures to support responsible financial management.

Participate in operational planning and decision-making to support program sustainability and success.

Provide regular updates and reports to the CEO regarding program performance, challenges, and opportunities.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent combination of education, workforce development experience, and leadership experience will be considered.

Minimum of 5 years of workforce development, employment services, nonprofit, government-funded, or related program management experience.

Minimum of 3–5 years of supervisory or management experience overseeing teams.

Demonstrated experience managing performance-based contracts and achieving measurable outcomes.

Experience overseeing multi-site programs preferred.

Experience working with workforce boards, government agencies, employers, and community partners preferred.

Strong understanding of workforce development systems, case management, job placement strategies, and employment services.

Experience creating and implementing impactful service plans for participants preferred.

Experience serving individuals facing barriers to employment, including public assistance recipients, justice-involved individuals, individuals with disabilities, and individuals experiencing homelessness.

Excellent communication skills, professional demeanor, sound judgment, and strong organizational skills.

Ability to travel regularly throughout Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston counties.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook.

Familiarity with CRM systems, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and workforce management systems preferred.

Benefits

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Generous Paid Time Off Package

401(k) with Employer Matching After One Year

Wonderful team environment with strong work-life balance

Opportunity to support a meaningful mission focused on helping individuals achieve self-sufficiency through employment

Apply