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Workforce Development Manager Jobs in Elmhurst, IL

Analyze talent and development data to inform workforce, leadership, and succession decisions ... Manage day to day learning and talent development operations, including scheduling, communications ...

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Workforce Development Manager information

See Elmhurst, IL salary details

$11K

$80.3K

$156.9K

How much do workforce development manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for workforce development manager in Elmhurst, IL is $80,320.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,800.00 and $104,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

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 popular job titles related to Workforce Development Manager jobs in Elmhurst, IL? For Workforce Development Manager jobs in Elmhurst, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Elmhurst, IL are hiring for Workforce Development Manager jobs? Cities near Elmhurst, IL with the most Workforce Development Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Workforce Development Manager job openings in Elmhurst, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 46% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,320 per year, or $38.6 per hour.
Training & Development Specialist

Training & Development Specialist

Growing Home, Inc.

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$45K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
The Training and Development Specialist is responsible for planning, designing, and
facilitating job readiness and workforce development training. Develop programs to
improve individual job skills. Analyze training needs and evaluate training effectiveness.
Reports to the Director of Employment Training.
ABOUT GROWING HOME
Growing Home is a non-profit urban farm and social enterprise in the Englewood
neighborhood of Chicago. We serve our communities through local, healthy food
access and robust workforce development that has pathways to sustainable careers.
Our 12-week person-centered paid employment training program includes real work
experience with transferable skills, a robust classroom curriculum, and holistic case
management and support - all in-house. Our training program operates four cohorts
over a calendar year.
RESPONSIBILITIES
โ€ข Facilitate classroom training. Present information with a variety of instructional
techniques or formats, such and group discussions, videos, team exercises, hands-on
examples, lectures, and other formats.
โ€ข Offer specific training programs to help participants improve and obtain job skills.
โ€ข Evaluate training materials such as self-guided instructional manual, online applications,
outlines, text, and handouts.
โ€ข Develop training materials. Obtain, organize or develop training procedure manuals,
guides, or course materials, such as handouts or visual materials.
โ€ข Monitor and evaluate training activities for program effectiveness. Evaluate modes of
training delivery, such as in-person or virtual, to optimize training effectiveness.
โ€ข Assess training needs and outcomes through surveys, focus groups, or consultation with
the manager and other trainers.
โ€ข Perform day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and
processing paperwork, scheduling classes, setting up systems and equipment, and
coordinating enrollment.
โ€ข Inspect equipment and materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or
defects.
โ€ข Select and schedule outside instructors to conduct training. Schedule classes based on
the availability of classrooms and instructors.
โ€ข Identify the developmental needs of participants, coaching, mentoring, and help to
improve their knowledge and skills.
โ€ข Collaborate with other community partner organizations and businesses i.e., CARA
Connect, Amazon, Accenture, colleges, universities, etc.
โ€ข Assist with referring trainees to employment and or training locations offering job
placement assistance and/or training programs, Assist with job search and placement.
โ€ข Keep up with developments in your area of expertise. Attend meetings or seminars to
obtain information for use in training programs.
โ€ข Assist with various special projects and other duties as assigned
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
โ€ข Commitment to Growing Home's mission and core values
โ€ข Experience in classroom facilitation, skills training, and/or curriculum
development
โ€ข Familiarity with workforce preparation strategies, job search placement services, career,
and vocational education, adult learning principles, and multiple population groups.
โ€ข Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong organizational and
time management skills, ability to lead projects, and problem-solve
โ€ข Experience working directly with marginalized populations
โ€ข Strong computer skills, including using Microsoft Office (excel) and Google Docs
โ€ข Ability to work some evenings and weekends
โ€ข Some travel for meetings will be required. Must have an aptitude and willingness to
navigate public transportation throughout the greater Chicago-area, or a valid driver's
license
โ€ข The ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment
โ€ข Must be able to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment
EDUCATION
โ€ข Bachelor's degree in Business, Adult and Continuing Education, or a related field
preferred. 2-4 years exp.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Growing Home is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal
opportunity employer. Growing Home does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran
status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all
backgrounds to apply. If you are a qualified candidate with a disability, please email us at
jobs@growinghomeinc.org.