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Workforce Development Manager Jobs in Boston, MA

Service Manager

Norton, MA · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

The primary focus is driving operational efficiency, training and workforce development, safety ... Project & Resource Management: * Allocate field resources efficiently to meet project demands.

General Manager

Boston, MA · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

... workforce development, and community impact". About Haley House: For nearly sixty years, Haley ... The Opportunity The General Manager will oversee the successful relaunch and ongoing operations of ...

The Senior Manager will play a key role in achieving our 80% job attainment goal per cohort while strengthening Per Scholas' influence in workforce development. Key Responsibilities: Employer ...

Manager of Training

Boston, MA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

... in youth workforce development across multiple platforms. The role manages the training ... facilitation team, ensures operational excellence and administrative compliance, and drives data ...

Strong knowledge of the Greater Boston and Massachusetts philanthropic, corporate, and workforce development landscape. * Exceptional relationship management and influencing skills, with the ability ...

Strong knowledge of the Greater Boston and Massachusetts philanthropic, corporate, and workforce development landscape. * Exceptional relationship management and influencing skills, with the ability ...

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Showing results 1-20

Workforce Development Manager information

See Boston, MA salary details

$11.9K

$87.3K

$170.6K

How much do workforce development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for workforce development manager in Boston, MA is $87,341.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $113,700.00 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 Boston, MA? The most popular types of Workforce Development jobs in Boston, MA are:
What are popular job titles related to Workforce Development Manager jobs in Boston, MA? For Workforce Development Manager jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Workforce Development Manager jobs? Cities near Boston, MA with the most Workforce Development Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Workforce Development Manager job openings in Boston, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,341 per year, or $42 per hour.
Workforce Pathways Specialist

Workforce Pathways Specialist

Commonwealth Corporation

Boston, MA • On-site

$65K - $70K/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Who
Workforce Pathways Specialist
Department: Skill Up
Report to: Director of Skill Up Initiative
Classification: Full Time, Exempt
Work hours: 40 hours per week – Hybrid (Boston, MA)
Annual Salary: ($65,000-$70,000) plus, Employer contributes 13.2% of gross salary to a 401(a)-employee retirement plan. (Vested 100% on day 1 of hire)
Who We Are: Commonwealth Corporation is a quasi-public workforce development agency that strengthens the skills of Massachusetts youth and adults by investing in innovative partnerships with industry, education and workforce organizations.
Commonwealth Corporation works with hundreds of Massachusetts companies, thousands of new and experienced workers, and thousands of youths and young adults each year.
Skill Up Overview:
The Skill Up: Career, Technical and Workforce Training, and Employment Services Initiative (Skill Up) is a program developed by the Department of Youth Services (DYS) and managed by Commonwealth Corporation to deliver high-quality career development, technical training and workforce programming and services that are aligned with local labor market needs within or across the five DYS geographic regions in Massachusetts. The initiative aims to reduce recidivism for DYS youth through the provision of high-quality services leading to employment with benefits at family sustaining wages. Additionally, the initiative seeks to reduce employment barriers and provide career, technical and workforce training that improves opportunities and reduces access and engagement barriers for youth as they transition back to the community from their residential treatment programs. A key component of this effort is the ability to increase career, technical and workforce training and employment opportunities for DYS youth.
Position Overview:
The Workforce Pathways Specialist team is responsible for connecting DYS youth to meaningful career, vocational, training, and employment opportunities, meeting youth where they are at and include everything from early job exploration to apprenticeships and credential-bearing programs. These roles integrate employer engagement, subsidized employment coordination, and development of awareness of training providers and other opportunities Statewide. The Specialists collaborate closely with DYS Central Office Leadership, DYS Regional amp; field staff, Career Navigators, Single Service Providers, training providers, MassHire partners, and employers to support youth in building skills, earning credentials, and accessing sustainable career pathways.
Key Duties amp; Responsibilities
Job Opportunity Research amp; Communication
  • Research and distribute regional Hot Jobs postings and employment opportunities sourced from online job boards such as JobQuest and Indeed
  • Connect with MassHire offices statewide and use job blast distribution lists to share opportunities with DYS teams
  • Create and maintain job boards and flyers for training and employment opportunities across district offices on a rotating basis
Employer amp; Training Provider Engagement; Certifications amp; Credentials
  • Build and expand networks of employers and training providers aligned with labor market demand and youth career interests
  • Collaborate with MassHire programs, DTA, CommCorp’s CTI team, and other partners to connect youth to training and upskilling opportunities
  • Support the growth, development amp; maintenance of subsidized employment sites statewide
  • Compile a list of existing industry recognized certifications and credential bearing training programs. Develop and implement a communication strategy to support DYS staff and youth in understanding of application requirements and pathway
  • Coordinate with Career Navigators and DYS staff to identify youth interested in vocational/technical training and bridge them to relevant programs
Trades amp; Apprenticeships Exposure
  • Develop relationships with pre‑apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs and prerequisites/requirements to share information with the youth
  • Support connections to programs that offer job shadowing, industry tours, internships, and hands on career exposure, especially in trade and technical fields
  • Advise youth and staff on opportunities based on skill requirements, and advancement potential
  • Compile a list of existing Trade and Apprenticeship programs. Develop and implement a communication strategy to support DYS staff and youth in understanding of application requirements and pathway
Youth Engagement amp; Direct Support
  • Available for consults with team and DYS leadership
  • Support Youth Voice initiatives as needed
  • Engage directly with youth amp; team to assist in application and enrollment process with MassHire trainings, CTI programs, and other partner supported opportunities
  • Provide warm hand off, introductions and problem solving (where applicable)
  • Targeted outreach to CVES and Senior Program Managers of Career Navigation to identify youth for opportunities
  • Facilitate in person workshops for youth and staff as requested
Meetings, Administrative Support amp; Data Entry
  • Attend regional meetings, emerging adult convenings, and other Statewide meetings as requested.
  • Work as part of a team to ensure local visibility
  • Take and share notes from meetings and support follow-up actions
  • Cover duties and provide cross-team support as needed
  • Document all work with youth in JJEMS case notes
  • Document all work with Employers and Training Providers
  • Enter all data into shared Excel Tracker for DYS dashboards
  • Support and Gain Understanding of Single Service Provider Trackers
  • Regular communication and liaising with DYS central Office Skill Up leadership team
Each Workforce Pathways Specialist will be assigned a focus area as described above. These are preliminary assignments; focus areas may change over time based on programmatic need
Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies:
  • Experience working with workforce, vocational, or apprenticeship systems
  • Knowledge of labor market information analysis
  • Experience working with system involved youth
  • Familiarity with state workforce development programs
  • Background in youth development, coaching, or case management
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Sound judgment and problem-solving ability
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • Cultural competence and ability to work effectively with diverse populations
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
  • Ability to travel statewide with 24 hours notice
  • Ability to complete mandatory 2.5‑week basic training in person in Grafton MA
  • Strong communication and relationship‑building skills with youth and partners
  • Knowledge of workforce development, training systems, and/or youth services
  • Program and project management experience, particularly in the area of youth development and supplemental education or workforce development programming
  • Ability to effectively manage multiple project activities, to structure and plan own work.
Commitment to Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belongings
As a leader in workforce development, Commonwealth Corporation is committed to having Diversity, Equity and Inclusion embedded into the programs and services we offer, reflected in the people we impact and our workplace culture.
Commonwealth Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Equal Employment Opportunity: Commonwealth Corporation is committed to building a culturally diverse workforce. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Research suggests that qualified women and Black amp; Indigenous POC may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive at CommCorp to apply for this role.
The successful candidate is required to complete CORI background checks.