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Workforce Development Manager Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

... and manages our most important strategic partnerships. As a leading member of our Strategy Team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping Autodesk's workforce development strategy and go-to-market ...

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Workforce Development Manager information

See Michigan salary details

$9.6K

$70.3K

$137.3K

How much do workforce development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for workforce development manager in Michigan is $70,289.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,100.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Workforce Development Manager do?

A Workforce Development Manager is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing programs that help individuals develop the skills needed to succeed in the workforce. They collaborate with employers, educational institutions, and community organizations to identify skill gaps and create training initiatives. Their primary goal is to improve employment outcomes and ensure that the workforce meets the evolving needs of local industries. This role often involves managing budgets, evaluating program effectiveness, and staying updated on labor market trends.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Workforce Development jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Workforce Development jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Workforce Development Manager jobs in Michigan? For Workforce Development Manager jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Workforce Development Manager jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Workforce Development Manager jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Workforce Development Manager jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Workforce Development Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Workforce Development Manager job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 34% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,289 per year, or $33.8 per hour.
Workforce Development Specialist

Workforce Development Specialist

City of Pontiac

Pontiac, MI โ€ข On-site

$55K - $96K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description


Workforce Development Specialist

FLSA Status: Full Time, Exempt

Pay Grade: M-10

SUPERVISION

Supervision Received: Reports to the Economic Vitality Manager

Supervision Given: Does not have direct supervision

Under the supervision of the Economic Vitality Manager, the Workforce Development Specialist leads workforce development efforts that connect residents to employment, training, and career advancement opportunities aligned with local economic priorities. This position builds partnerships with employers, training providers, educational institutions, and community organizations; coordinates workforce initiatives and supportive programming; and helps strengthen talent pipelines that support both resident success and broader economic vitality.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Leads workforce development efforts that connect residents to employment, training, and career advancement opportunities aligned with local economic priorities.
  • Builds and maintains partnerships with employers, workforce agencies, training providers, educational institutions, community organizations, and other stakeholders to strengthen local talent pipelines and address workforce needs.
  • Coordinates workforce initiatives, recruitment events, job fairs, training opportunities, and supportive programming designed to expand access to quality jobs and skills development for residents.
  • Assists in identifying workforce gaps, barriers to employment, and emerging opportunities in order to support responsive strategies and program development.
  • Tracks program participation, outcomes, employer engagement, and other relevant data to support reporting, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
  • Collaborates with internal staff and external partners to align workforce programming with business attraction, retention, community development, and economic vitality goals.
  • Provides information and assistance to residents regarding training programs, job readiness resources, career pathways, and available workforce support services.
  • Prepares reports, correspondence, outreach materials, presentations, and updates related to workforce activities, partnerships, and program outcomes.
  • Supports meetings, events, and community engagement efforts related to workforce planning, employer outreach, and resident opportunity development.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned in support of departmental, organizational, and community priorities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelorโ€™s degree in public administration, human services, workforce development, education, business administration, community development, or a related field; supplemented by 5 years of experience in workforce programming, employment services, training coordination, community engagement, program administration, or a related area; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience working with employers, training providers, educational institutions, workforce boards, community organizations, or public sector programs that support employment and career advancement. Familiarity with workforce systems, job readiness programming, career pathway development, employer engagement, and performance tracking is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of workforce development practices, employment barriers, community engagement strategies, and program coordination principles; ability to build partnerships and work effectively with residents, employers, educators, service providers, and community stakeholders; ability to organize initiatives, track outcomes, and manage multiple priorities; skill in research, reporting, presentation development, and written communication; ability to analyze needs and support practical solutions; and proficiency in standard office software, database systems, and program tracking tools.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed in both office and community settings and requires regular interaction with residents, employers, training partners, educational institutions, and the public. The position may require local travel for meetings, events, recruitment activities, site visits, and community engagement efforts, as well as occasional attendance at functions outside of regular business hours.