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Workforce Development Manager Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

The Manager ensures safe, reliable, compliant, and cost-effective operations in direct support of ... Partner with HR to support hiring, onboarding, training, and workforce development initiatives

What You Bring · Seven to ten or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in program management, operations, workforce development, education, large-scale events, or another ...

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Fall 2026 Matching Grant Intern (UNPAID)

Wichita, KS · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Employment services and workforce development. * Case management documentation and program compliance. * Employer engagement and community partnerships. * Cross-cultural communication and trauma ...

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Workforce Development Manager information

See Kansas salary details

$9.8K

$71.9K

$140.5K

How much do workforce development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for workforce development manager in Kansas is $71,922.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,200.00 and $93,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a workforce development manager do?

A workforce development manager oversees programs that improve employee skills and align workforce capabilities with organizational goals. They analyze labor market trends, coordinate training initiatives, and collaborate with community partners to address skill gaps, often using data and industry certifications to measure success.

How does a Workforce Development Manager typically collaborate with local businesses and training institutions to align workforce initiatives?

A Workforce Development Manager regularly engages with local employers, industry groups, and educational institutions to understand current labor market needs and develop targeted training programs. This collaboration often involves organizing roundtable discussions, conducting needs assessments, and forming partnerships to create internships or apprenticeships. By maintaining open communication channels and building strong relationships, the manager ensures that workforce initiatives are responsive to both employer demands and job seeker skill development, ultimately bridging the gap between training and employment opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Workforce Development Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Workforce Development Manager, you need expertise in program management, workforce planning, and labor market analysis, typically supported by a degree in human resources, business, or a related field. Familiarity with workforce analytics platforms, learning management systems (LMS), and industry certifications like SHRM-CP or CPLP is often expected. Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement, and strategic thinking are critical soft skills that set top performers apart. These skills are essential for designing effective workforce initiatives, aligning talent strategies with organizational goals, and fostering strong partnerships within the community.

What is the difference between Workforce Development Manager vs Career Counselor?

AspectWorkforce Development ManagerCareer Counselor
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in human resources, social sciences, or related field; often certifications in workforce developmentBachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, or related field; certifications in career counseling
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, non-profits, educational institutions, corporate training programsEducational institutions, career centers, private practice, non-profits
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by organizations focusing on workforce training, employment services, and economic developmentCommonly employed by schools, colleges, and private career counseling services

While both roles focus on employment and career development, a Workforce Development Manager oversees programs that improve workforce skills at an organizational or community level, whereas a Career Counselor provides personalized guidance to individuals seeking career advice. The roles often overlap in credentials and work environments but differ in scope and target audience.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A Workforce Development Manager typically does not earn $4,000 weekly without a degree, as this role often requires relevant experience and education. However, high-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree include certain sales positions, real estate brokers, commercial pilots, and skilled trades like electricians or plumbers with experience, especially in self-employment or entrepreneurial settings. These roles often rely on skills, certifications, or licenses rather than formal degrees.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

For a Workforce Development Manager, salaries reaching $300,000 annually are uncommon and typically occur with extensive experience, senior leadership roles, or in large organizations. High-paying roles in related fields may include executive positions such as Chief Human Resources Officer or Director of Organizational Development, which require advanced skills, certifications, and strategic responsibilities.

What jobs will no longer exist in 2030?

By 2030, roles heavily reliant on manual labor or routine tasks, such as data entry clerks and assembly line workers, are expected to decline due to automation and AI advancements. Workforce Development Managers should focus on reskilling employees for technology-driven roles and developing skills in areas like digital literacy, problem-solving, and adaptability to prepare for evolving job markets.
What are the most commonly searched types of Workforce Development jobs in Kansas? The most popular types of Workforce Development jobs in Kansas are:
What cities in Kansas are hiring for Workforce Development Manager jobs? Cities in Kansas with the most Workforce Development Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Workforce Development Manager job openings in Kansas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,922 per year, or $34.6 per hour.
Industry Training Operations Apprentice

Industry Training Operations Apprentice

WSU Tech

Wichita, KS • On-site

$50K/yr

Other

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

WSU Tech's National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) is seeking an exceptional, highly motivated individual to join our Aviation Workforce & Development team as an Industry Training Operations Apprentice. This is not a traditional entry-level position - it is a deliberate, structured leadership development program built around one purpose: preparing the right person to lead.
Successful candidates who complete this apprenticeship will be positioned for advancement into director-level leadership within the Industry Training division. From day one, you will work directly alongside the Industry Training Director - learning the full scope of operations, building real employer relationships, managing financial workflows, and taking on progressively greater responsibility as you prove your readiness.
If you are ambitious, accountable, and ready to invest 18-24 months into accelerated professional growth, this opportunity was built for you. Wage increases are tied to defined performance milestones - the faster you grow, the faster you advance.
  • Department: Aviation Workforce & Development
  • Salary: $50,000
  • Duration: 18-24 months

What You Will Do
Operations & Administration
  • Manage daily operations of the Industry Training division, ensuring training programs, schedules, and employer commitments are executed on time and without disruption to contracted services
  • Maintain primary responsibility for office administration, scheduling coordination, and operational workflow within the division
  • Adapt rapidly to shifting priorities, reassigned tasks, and evolving program needs - this role moves at the speed of business and requires composure under pressure
  • Track, manage, and meet hard deadlines tied to employer training contracts and delivery schedules; missed deadlines directly impact employer relationships and program credibility
  • Complete assigned projects and progressively assume increased operational responsibility throughout the apprenticeship period
  • Participate in a minimum of 20 hours of structured professional development activities

Employer Relations & Business Development
  • Build and sustain professional relationships with employers across all scales - from local and regional Wichita-area companies to national OEM partners such as Boeing, Textron, and other aviation industry leaders
  • Represent WSU Tech NCAT in employer meetings, site visits, and industry partnership discussions with professionalism and institutional knowledge
  • Identify workforce training needs and opportunities through active engagement with employer partners and workforce organizations
  • Support contract development, training proposals, and partnership negotiations under the direction of the Industry Training Director

Billing, Finance & Cross-Functional Coordination
  • Process and manage employer invoicing for training services, ensuring accuracy and timely submission in coordination with the WSU Tech Business Office
  • Support budget reconciliation for training contracts, tracking expenditures against contracted amounts and flagging variances
  • Serve as a consistent point of coordination between the Industry Training division and internal stakeholders including Finance, the Business Office, and other college departments
  • Interface regularly with external organizations - employer partners, funding agencies, and industry associations - on financial and contractual matters
  • Maintain compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations and institutional financial policies

Requirements
  • Associate Degree (required at time of hire)
  • Currently pursuing or will complete a Bachelor's Degree in Business, Workforce Development, Education, Human Resources, Organizational Leadership, or a related field during the apprenticeship period
  • Demonstrated ability to manage competing deadlines and shifting priorities without loss of quality or accountability
  • Strong professional communication skills - written, verbal, and interpersonal - across diverse audiences including employers, college administration, and finance personnel
  • Comfort working with financial data, invoicing processes, or budget-related workflows
  • Professional demeanor with the ability to represent the institution credibly in employer-facing environments at all levels

Preferred
  • Experience in workforce development, training coordination, higher education, operations, business development, or industry partnerships
  • Familiarity with contract development, grant documentation, or employer billing processes
  • Experience working across organizational boundaries with finance, operations, or external partners
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and Outlook

Who We Are Looking For
We are looking for someone who is not waiting for permission to lead. The right candidate brings urgency, accountability, and genuine curiosity to everything they do. You build trust with people quickly - whether that's a shop-floor training coordinator, a VP of Human Resources at a major OEM, or a colleague in the Business Office. You do not need to arrive with all the answers. You need the drive to learn fast, the discipline to follow through when it counts, and the professional presence to represent WSU Tech in high-stakes employer environments.
Successful candidates who complete this apprenticeship will be positioned for advancement into director-level leadership within the Industry Training division. This is a rare opportunity to earn your way into a leadership role while building the exact skills that role requires.
What You Will Learn
This apprenticeship is a fully immersive leadership development experience. By the time you complete the program, you will have working mastery of the operational, financial, and relational competencies required to lead a high-performing industry training division.
Workforce & Industry Training Operations
  • How to design, schedule, and deliver customized employer training programs from initial needs assessment through contract execution and post-training evaluation
  • The operational mechanics of running a high-volume, deadline-driven training division - including how to triage competing priorities without losing quality or relationships
  • Compliance requirements and documentation standards for workforce training programs at the federal, state, and institutional level

Business Development & Employer Relations
  • How to build and sustain employer partnerships at every scale - from initial outreach and needs discovery through long-term relationship stewardship with major industry partners
  • Contract negotiation fundamentals, proposal development, and how to structure training agreements that serve both the employer and the institution
  • How workforce development fits into broader economic development strategy and why aviation training is a national priority - giving you context that elevates every employer conversation you have

Financial Management & Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Employer invoicing processes, billing cycle management, and how to coordinate with the WSU Tech Business Office to ensure accurate and timely financial transactions
  • Budget development and reconciliation for training contracts - including how to track program expenditures, identify variances, and communicate financial status to internal stakeholders
  • How to navigate and build credibility across organizational boundaries - working effectively with finance, operations, academic leadership, and external partners simultaneously

Leadership & Strategic Thinking
  • How to lead through ambiguity - making sound decisions quickly when priorities shift, timelines compress, or employer needs evolve unexpectedly
  • Grant documentation strategy, reporting requirements, and the funding landscape that supports workforce training programs
  • The leadership competencies, institutional knowledge, and professional presence required to step into a director-level role with confidence

Benefits
https://wsutech.edu/whyhere/
WSU Tech is committed to inclusive and equitable practices to create an environment and culture where students and employees thrive. We acknowledge that through valuing diverse identities, experiences, talents, and gifts, we excel by fulfilling our mission to create a talent pipeline, establish workforce equity, and improve economic prosperity for our community. WSU Tech is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

WSU Tech logo

About WSU Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Wichita, KS, US

Year founded

1965

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