ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Workforce Development Manager Jobs in Oak Lawn, IL

TeamSoft

Business Development Manager

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$66K - $83K/yr

Business Development Manager Zing Recruiting, in partnership with a leading staffing and workforce solutions organization in the Downers Grove, IL area, is seeking an experienced Business Development ...

Lewis University

Workforce Project Manager

Romeoville, IL · On-site

$58K/yr

PAF/Position Details Position Details Position Title Workforce Project Manager Position Status Full-Time Budget Summary Base Pay $58,000 Position Summary Information Summary The Workforce Development ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsWorkforce Development JobsWorkforce Development Manager JobsWorkforce Development Manager Jobs in Oak Lawn, IL

Workforce Development Manager information

See Oak Lawn, IL salary details

$11.1K

$81.6K

$159.4K

How much do workforce development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for workforce development manager in Oak Lawn, IL is $81,599.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,600.00 and $106,200.00 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?

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 popular job titles related to Workforce Development Manager jobs in Oak Lawn, IL? For Workforce Development Manager jobs in Oak Lawn, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Oak Lawn, IL are hiring for Workforce Development Manager jobs? Cities near Oak Lawn, IL with the most Workforce Development Manager job openings:
Workforce Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Workforce Development Manager job openings in Oak Lawn, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,599 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Resource Employee - Workforce Development Support

Chicago Botanic Garden

Chicago, IL • On-site

$20.50 - $24.09/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Title: Resource Employee - Workforce Development Support

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Department: Windy City Harvest

Reports to: Manager, Workforce Development

Anticipated to start in August for approximately 2 months, scheduled as needed.

Resource employees of the Chicago Botanic Garden are eligible for the following Benefits:

  • Wellness initiative benefit, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Retirement plan
  • Garden membership - free to employees at Household Plus level
  • Discounts to Garden Shop, Café, Garden-sponsored educational classes
  • Employee events such as Orchid show, Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns, Lightscape employee & friends preview night

Compensation Philosophy:

At the Chicago Botanic Garden, our compensation philosophy is rooted in our core values: Growth, Understanding, Resilience, and Trust through Transparency. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and appreciated.

The starting salary for new staff members is determined by considering the salary range assigned to the position and by reviewing the candidate’s qualifications for the job as compared with job responsibilities. Prior work experience should be considered in determining the salary offer, provided that it is relevant to the job. Additional factors such as secondary language proficiency or advanced degrees that enhance performance may also be considered. A candidate’s salary may exceed the minimum amount based on factors such as experience, additional skills (e.g., secondary language proficiency), or pertinent degrees that enhance the individual’s contribution to the role but are not required. Opportunities for increased compensation are provided through referral bonuses, shift differentials, Thank You Pay, promotions, and periodic pay increases based on the Garden's overall performance and financial budgets.

Our total compensation and benefits package is people centric. We prioritize employee wellness across three pillars: physical, mental, and financial. Our goal is to offer innovative total rewards that support continuous professional growth, personal development, and provide the flexibility needed to balance personal and professional commitments.

Position Overview: 

The Chicago Botanic Garden’s Windy City Harvest is looking for a Corps Program Assistant to work with our transitional jobs and workforce development program. The Corps Program Assistant will be part of a collaborative team, working closely with all members of the Windy City Harvest team.

The Windy City Harvest Corps program employs 30 to 40 justice-involved individuals and veterans across two 14-week cohorts each year in closely mentored, full-time, paid transitional jobs. Our goal is to support graduates in finding full-time, long-term employment. The Program Assistant will support participant onboarding, intake, and individual employment plans. They will also work with the Workforce Development Manager to develop and facilitate job readiness curriculum and activities in group and 1-on-1 settings.

The ideal candidate has workforce development experience and is skilled at building relationships with individuals facing barriers to employment. They communicate proactively and transparently with program staff and participants. Lived or professional experience with the justice system or justice impacted communities is preferred.

For more information on the Corps program, please visit: chicagobotanic.org/urbanagriculture/programs/corps

Responsibilities

In this role you will be responsible for the following:

  • Grant & Compliance Support: Support the Workforce Development Manager in meeting Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) grant criteria, performance goals, and compliance documentation.
  • Participant Support & Coaching:
    • Build consistent relationships across all crews, maintaining active awareness of participant progress and challenges. o Serve as a connection point during intake, onboarding, IEP (Individual Employment Plan), and job placement. o Surface participant concerns and emerging issues to the Workforce Development Manager in a timely and transparent manner.
  • Instruction & Facilitation:
    • Teach job readiness classes and co-facilitate Friday job club activities, workshops, and employability programming.
    • Assist participants with writing resumes and cover letters, completing job applications, and preparing for interviews.
    • Reinforce program standards and foster a culture of accountability and mutual respect.
  • Resource Coordination: Connect participants to community partners for housing, legal aid, childcare, mental health services, and transportation through warm referrals.
  • Job Placement & Support: Assist participants in securing full-time employment and provide supportive follow-up services post-placement.

Qualifications 

Our ideal candidate will have the following: 

  • Lived experience with the justice system or direct professional experience supporting justice involved individuals is strongly preferred.
  • One year of experience in social work, workforce development, job readiness programming, or adult education.
  • 1 year of experience working with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace.
  • Experience making warm referrals or navigating social service systems with participants or clients.
  • Understanding of and commitment to the transitional jobs model.
  • Strong relationship-building skills with team members, program participants, and employment partners.
  • Excellent communication skills across email, phone, and in-person settings.
  • Commitment to being a supportive resource for program participants, community residents, and project partners.

Physical Demands:  

Must be comfortable working indoors or outdoors for a minimum of two hours in various temperatures and weather conditions and kinds of terrain (paved, gravel, lawn, and other garden surfaces); ability to stand and walk for up to six hours at a time; able to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 30 pounds. Staff is expected to work in multiple locations.  

Why Apply?

Come work in a setting that is like no other as you support our mission: We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life. Take the first step toward being one of the employees who make the Garden one of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Apply today. Please note that applicants who do not meet the required qualifications will not be considered.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, or basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, the Chicago Botanic Garden does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs or activities, including in employment or admissions. Please call (847) 835-8264 to contact our Title IX coordinator should you have questions or concerns. Please do not call this number to inquire about job postings or the status of your application, or with solicitations from companies or third-party recruiters.

Apply