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Director Workforce Development Jobs in Seattle, WA

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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 26, 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 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 Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Workforce Development jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Workforce Development jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Director Workforce Development jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Director Workforce Development job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,975 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

Labor Workforce Development Program Director

McKinstry

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

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


McKinstry rating

9.7

Company rating: 9.7 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Build the future, spark innovation and align your career with purpose.

McKinstry is innovating the waste and climate harm out of the built environment and creating lasting impact. Together, we're building a thriving planet.

Buildings are a leading contributor to the climate crisis, generating nearly 40% of total global energy-related carbon emissions. We're making a lasting impact on our industry and within our communities by addressing the climate, affordability and equity crises through:

  • renewables and energy services
  • engineering and design
  • construction and facility services

To get where we're going, we need big thinkers, problem solvers and collaborative mindsets. Does that sound like you?

The Opportunity with McKinstry

This position plays a critical role in field labor and national labor workforce development and management. This role will oversee labor workforce programs by developing strategic plans, managing budgets, and fostering partnerships with employers and trade resources to meet workforce needs and align with organizational missions. 

Key responsibilities for this position include:

Internal Partnerships and Support Systems:

  • Partner with general and trade superintendents, trade personnel, and operational leaders to reinforce integrated delivery across McKinstry trades.
  • Collaborate with McKinstry management to identify training needs and strengthen workforce capability across trade functions.
  • Support organizational readiness by helping maintain strong trade competency across vertical markets.
  • Coordinate with the Field Leadership Program Manager and Functional Training Cohort to align workforce initiatives and maintain continuity across upskilling efforts.

Project Management:

  • Lead multiple workforce development initiatives with clear timelines, deliverables, budgets, and accountability measures.
  • Coordinate across McKinstry departments and external partners to achieve program objectives and business outcomes.
  • Monitor progress, performance, and resource utilization using McKinstry project management tools and reporting practices.

Workforce Strategy & Policy:

  • Contribute to regional and statewide workforce strategy and economic development initiatives that advance labor availability and workforce readiness.
  • Contribute to analyzing labor market trends and develop strategies to address skills gaps, strengthen worker mobility, and support long-term talent needs.

Program Development & Execution:

  • Leverage internal subject matter experts to design and implement workforce training programs that meet the needs of union affiliates and non-affiliated employees.
  •  Ensure programs align with labor market demand, industry standards, and applicable regulatory requirements (to include JATC training agent Program Standards).
  • Use data, feedback, and stakeholder input to drive program quality, innovation, and continuous improvement (program will be judged primarily by Engagement scores).
  • Develop and maintain talent pipeline strategies to meet current and future labor demand.
  • Develop and drive a multi-year program strategy aligned to business growth, labor demand, and workforce capability needs.
  • Establish program priorities, success measures, and governance routines to evaluate impact and inform strategic decisions.
  • Identify opportunities to scale, refine, or redirect workforce programs based on outcomes, stakeholder feedback, and changing market conditions.

Team Management:

Provide leadership, direction, and support to direct reports to ensure effective program execution, strong collaboration, and ongoing professional development

What You Need to Succeed at McKinstry

  •  Workforce readiness: Manage workforce readiness.
  •  Strategic Thinking: Able to connect labor planning with long-term business expansion.
  • Establishing New Markets: Understands local labor markets, labor customs, and community dynamics in new geographies.
  • Problem Solving: Navigates complex labor environments with a solution-oriented mindset.
  • Adaptability: Works across both union and non-union environments; adjusts to regional differences in workforce ecosystems.
  • influence without authority: Leads cross-functional labor efforts without always having direct control.
  • Engagement: Best in class workforce engagement scores.
  • Must have demonstrated proficiencies for all the responsibilities of a Project Superintendent or a Trade Superintendent or a General Superintendent.
  • 8-10 years of previous supervisory experience, including experience in managing Trade personnel or involvement in a JATC or Welding/Fitting School.
  • 10+ years of experience in labor relations, workforce development, or construction workforce planning.
  • Proven experience working with unionized labor and understanding collective bargaining agreements
  • Experience in the construction or manufacturing industry, preferably in a multi-regional or national company.
  • Bachelor's degree in construction management, Labor Relations, or related field preferred. Relevant experience may substitute education requirements 

PeopleFirst Benefits

When it comes to the basics, we have you covered:

  • Competitive pay
  • 401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing plan
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision with low or zero deductible options and low out of pocket maximums

People come first at McKinstry, and we go beyond the basic benefits with:

  • Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance
  • Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave
  • Transgender inclusive benefits
  • Commuter benefits
  • Pet insurance
  • "Building Good" paid community service time
  • Learning and advancement opportunities via McKinstry University
  • McKinstry Moves onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers

See benefit plan documents for complete details.

If you're driven by our vision to build a thriving planet together, McKinstry is the place to build your career.

The pay range for this position is $165,800 - $252,100 per year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A bonus may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location.

The McKinstry group of companies are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, race, color, creed, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to employment, advancement, assignment, and training. This commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity is made equally as a social responsibility and as an economic and business necessity. 

McKinstry is a drug-free workplace. Employment iscontingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment drug and alcohol test, complying with the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act and a Confidentiality Agreement, in addition to successful outcomes of background and reference checks.

Applicants for this role will only be considered if they possess current US Work Authorization, and do not require employer-sponsored VISA support to begin or remain in this role.

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