ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Workforce Development Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsWorkforce Development JobsWorkforce Development Manager JobsWorkforce Development Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Workforce Development Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11.3K

$83.1K

$162.4K

How much do workforce development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for workforce development manager in Chicago, IL is $83,140.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,700.00 and $108,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a workforce development manager?

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.

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 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Workforce Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Workforce Development Manager jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Workforce Development Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Workforce Development Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Workforce Development Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Workforce Development Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Workforce Development Manager job openings:

Workforce Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Workforce Development Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,140 per year, or $40 per hour.

Director of Workforce Development

Socket.dev

South Elgin, IL • On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Description Job Summary:

The Director of Workforce Development leads the strategic planning, project management, and continuous improvement of the BGCNCIL’s workforce readiness portfolio, with a primary focus on our high-yield signature initiatives — Industry Clubs and the Up Next program. This role owns the end-to-end execution of these programs, from timeline and budget management to outcomes tracking, ensuring that Club youth are equipped with the skills, credentials, exposure, and networks needed to succeed in today's workforce.

The Director will also cultivate and manage strategic partnerships with industry associations, educational institutions, and community organizations to expand opportunities, resources, and real-world experiences that complement and strengthen the Club's workforce development programming.

Program & Project Management
  • Serve as the lead project manager for Industry Clubs and the Up Next program, overseeing scope, timelines, budgets, staffing, and deliverables from planning through implementation and evaluation.
  • Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and outcome metrics for each program, using data to drive continuous improvement and demonstrate impact to funders and leadership.
  • Using the strategies and methods, operationalize through annual, monthly, weekly, and daily program plans using proven curriculum for the school year and summer programs.
  • Design and implement program plans and initiatives to ensure consistent, high quality workforce development program delivery across all sites.
Partnerships & Collaboration
  • Identify, cultivate, and steward strategic partnerships with local organizations, industry associations, workforce boards, community colleges, trade schools to expand programming and mentorships opportunities.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for community and business partners, building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships that enhance workforce development programs and resource access.
  • Coordinate community engagement activities including but not limited to guest speakers, site visits, and field trips to complement and enhance WFD programming.
  • Represent the Boys & Girls Club at community events, coalitions, and workforce development committees to raise visibility and identify new partnership and funding opportunities.
  • Collaborate with the development team to support grant applications and sponsorships that fund workforce programming, providing partnership data and program outcomes as needed.
  • Ensure partners and collaborators are raving fans of Boys & Girls Clubs.
Collect Data & Analyze Results
  • Work alongside the Senior Director of Continuous Quality Improvement and the entire operations team to ensure proper metrics are in place to collect the data that will demonstrate the results of the Workforce Development program and activities in place.
  • Educate and train the site teams on what data needs to be collected, the methods for collecting the data, and what they need to be doing on a regular basis to support the efforts.
  • Conduct regular check-ins with Club staff to gather information on any obstacles that site teams are encountering and offer helpful solutions through coaching and providing resources that result in them achieving success.
  • Collect, analyze, and create a report that can be presented to the Operations Team, Leadership Team, Board of Directors, and partners.
  • Use the data collected to modify and enhance workforce development programs moving forward.
  • On a monthly basis, collect specific stories, pictures, and mission moments that can be used to market stakeholders the impact the WFD focus is having on particular members
Requirements
  • A Bachelor’s Degree is preferred with a minimum of 2 years’ experience or 5 years’ experience in youth development, workforce development, project management or a related field.
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to drive a 12-passenger van
  • Demonstrated critical competencies in communication, strategic thinking, collaborating, and program delivery are a must.
  • Ability to translate broad goals into achievable steps. Anticipates and solves problems and takes advantage of opportunities, is a self-starter and team player.
  • As a BGCNCIL leader, this position requires an individual with knowledge of and experience in management and administration.
  • Knowledge in the following areas is required: volunteer and partnership engagement, college and career readiness resources, Microsoft Office, program development and implementation, and youth development.
#J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply