Workforce Development Manager Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

At Advocate Health, we're committed to helping people live well by delivering exceptional care with compassion, innovation, and expertise. We're seeking a collaborative and strategic workforce development leader to help design, implement, and advance programs that support current and future talent needs across our organization.

In this role, you'll partner with internal teams, academic institutions, community organizations, government agencies, and other key stakeholders to build workforce solutions that address talent pipelines, skills gaps, and workforce equity across clinical and non-clinical areas.

This opportunity is ideal for someone who is passionate about developing people, strengthening partnerships, and creating programs that support long-term workforce growth. You'll play an important role in aligning workforce development initiatives with broader HR, Talent Acquisition, and business strategies while helping shape programs that support organizational priorities and community impact.

The ideal candidate will bring strong project management skills, relationship-building ability, and experience leading initiatives in human resources, training and development, organizational development, leadership development, or a related field.

• Lead and manage the assigned team by providing direction, coaching, and professional development to support team success and alignment with organizational strategy.
• Design, implement, and evaluate workforce development strategies and programs that address talent pool needs, skills gaps, and workforce equity across clinical and non-clinical areas.
• Collaborate with internal departments and external partners, including academic institutions, community organizations, and government agencies, to develop and sustain meaningful partnerships.
• Develop and oversee project plans, timelines, and performance metrics to ensure program goals are met and outcomes are effectively measured.
• Manage program budgets responsibly while ensuring data is collected and used for evaluation, reporting, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with HR, Talent Acquisition, and business units to integrate workforce development initiatives into broader talent strategies.
• Drive stakeholder engagement by leading workgroups, advisory councils, and committees that help shape and advance workforce development priorities.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability by engaging cross-functional teams and aligning efforts toward shared workforce goals.
• Support communication, reporting, and presentation of program outcomes to stakeholders and leadership.
• Navigate a fast-paced, evolving environment while adjusting strategies to meet changing workforce and organizational needs.

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a related field.
• Typically requires 5 years of experience in human resources, training and development, leadership, organizational development, HR consultation, workforce development, or a related field.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, timelines, and stakeholders effectively.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships, influence stakeholders, and present complex information clearly.
• Ability to work independently, solve problems, and make well-informed decisions.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and related technology platforms, with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new digital tools.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse teams, communities, and stakeholder groups while fostering inclusion and collaboration.
• Demonstrated adaptability in a fast-paced, changing environment, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and adjust strategies as needed.
• Ability to operate all equipment necessary to perform the job.
• Willingness to travel to market and regional locations across the Advocate Health geographical footprint for relevant meetings and events.
• Ability to travel approximately 25-30%, with potential exposure to weather and road conditions.
• Ability to work in a normal office environment.

• Master's degree preferred; additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a graduate degree.
• Formal training or certification in project management, change management, or leadership development, such as PMP, Prosci, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP.
• Strong leadership presence, with the ability to inspire trust, motivate others, and lead through influence.
• Experience building or sustaining partnerships with academic institutions, community organizations, government agencies, or workforce development partners.
• Experience leading workforce development, talent pipeline, training, or organizational development initiatives in a complex, matrixed organization.