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Workforce Development Manager Jobs in Washington, DC

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Workforce Development Manager information

See Washington, DC salary details

$12.5K

$91.3K

$178.4K

How much do workforce development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for workforce development manager in Washington, DC is $91,337.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,200.00 and $118,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Workforce Development jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Workforce Development jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Workforce Development Manager jobs in Washington, DC? For Workforce Development Manager jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Workforce Development Manager jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Workforce Development Manager jobs in Washington, DC are:
Workforce Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Workforce Development Manager job openings in Washington, DC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 34% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,337 per year, or $43.9 per hour.
Managing Director, Workforce Programs

Managing Director, Workforce Programs

Bizzell Group

New Carrollton, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

The Managing Director, Workforce Programs provides national, enterprise-level leadership and oversight for all workforce development programs within the organization's portfolio, including federally funded, state-funded, and locally administered workforce initiatives such as Job Corps, WIOA-funded programs, youth and adult workforce initiatives, apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, sector-based training programs, and other public workforce development efforts.
This role is accountable for program compliance, participant outcomes, operational and financial performance, risk management, workforce partnerships, and alignment with U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), state workforce agencies, local workforce development boards, and other public-sector stakeholders.
As the senior executive responsible for Workforce Programs, the Managing Director serves as the primary corporate authority for strategic and operational oversight, acting as a key liaison between corporate leadership, program directors, federal officials, state and local agencies, workforce boards, education partners, and employers. The role blends strategic leadership with hands-on operational execution to ensure programs operate at peak performance while advancing innovation, scalability, and mission impact across multiple funding streams and jurisdictions.
The Managing Director is a strategic partner in the growth and diversification of the organization's workforce portfolio, supporting federal, state, and local procurements, contract rebids, program expansions, new start-ups, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Business Development & Portfolio Growth Key Responsibilities
Strategic & Executive Leadership
  • Provide national leadership and executive oversight of workforce development programs across federal, state, and local funding environments, ensuring compliance, performance excellence, safety, and mission alignment.
  • Establish and drive a cohesive workforce strategy that integrates Job Corps, WIOA, state workforce initiatives, local workforce board programs, and employer-driven training models.
  • Advise the SVP, Workforce Innovations and executive leadership on workforce trends, public-sector opportunities, performance risks, and growth strategies across multiple jurisdictions.

Program Performance & Compliance
  • Drive participant outcome performance across all workforce programs, including enrollment, retention, credential attainment, work-based learning, apprenticeships, and job placement.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable federal regulations (DOL, Job Corps PRH), state workforce agency requirements, local workforce board policies, and grant or contract-specific performance standards.
  • Lead corrective action plans, technical assistance, and performance improvement initiatives across underperforming federal, state, or local programs.
  • Prepare for and respond to audits, monitoring visits, investigations, and high-visibility inquiries from federal agencies, state oversight bodies, and local funders.

Operational & Financial Oversight
  • Oversee operational, financial, and risk management functions across workforce programs, ensuring responsible stewardship of federal, state, and local public funds.
  • Collaborate with Finance to manage multi-source funding models, cost allocations, budgets, and reporting requirements.
  • Ensure effective internal controls, performance tracking systems, and risk mitigation strategies across all workforce programs.

Leadership & Talent Management
  • Lead, coach, and hold Program Directors, Center Directors, regional leaders, and corporate workforce staff accountable for outcomes and compliance.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, professionalism, and continuous improvement across diverse workforce delivery models.
  • Support leadership development, succession planning, and training initiatives aligned with evolving federal, state, and local workforce priorities.
  • Promote behaviors aligned with the organization's Core Values and Code of Conduct.

Stakeholder, Government & Community Relations
  • Serve as the primary corporate liaison to federal officials, state workforce agencies, local workforce development boards, education partners, elected officials, and employer partners.
  • Build and sustain strategic partnerships with employers, industry associations, community-based organizations, and educational institutions to strengthen workforce pipelines.
  • Represent the organization at federal briefings, state workforce convenings, local board meetings, legislative engagements, and national conferences.
  • Support and lead workforce-related business development efforts, including federal, state, and local procurements, grants, cooperative agreements, and public-private partnerships.
  • Contribute to proposal development, transition planning, and post-award implementation for new workforce programs. Support diversification of the workforce portfolio into emerging areas such as apprenticeships, sector partnerships, youth workforce programs, justice-involved populations, and re-entry initiatives.
  • Collaborate with corporate teams to support growth initiatives for both the company and affiliated foundation.

Reporting, Training & Continuous Improvement
  • Provide executive-level briefings, dashboards, and reports to senior leadership and governing bodies.
  • Ensure required staff training, technical assistance, and professional development is delivered in alignment with federal, state, and local requirements.
  • Conduct site visits and program reviews to assess compliance, performance, and operational effectiveness.
  • Lead the development of national and regional training conferences and performance improvement initiatives.

Core Competencies
  • Executive Communication
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Professionalism & Integrity
  • People & Performance Leadership

Requirements
Qualifications
Required
  • 3-7 years of progressive leadership experience in workforce development, education, or public-sector programs across federal, state, or local environments.
  • Demonstrated experience managing multiple programs or sites with varied funding sources and performance requirements.
  • Strong knowledge of workforce systems, including Job Corps, WIOA, state workforce initiatives, and local workforce board operations.
  • Proven success improving participant outcomes, compliance, and operational efficiency.
  • Experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets and complex stakeholder environments.
  • Exceptional leadership, communication, and government relations skills.

Preferred
  • Prior experience as a Center Director, Regional Director, State Program Lead, or Corporate Workforce Executive.
  • Experience leading turnaround efforts or scaling workforce programs.
  • Established relationships with state workforce agencies, local workforce boards, and employer partners.
  • Experience supporting competitive procurements at the federal, state, and local levels.
  • Strong analytical and data-driven performance management skills.

Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Education, Workforce Development, Business, or a related field.
  • Advanced degree preferred.

Work Environment & Travel
  • Corporate-based role in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment.
  • Frequent engagement with senior leadership and public-sector stakeholders.
  • Travel required approximately 30-40%, including visits to workforce centers, state agencies, and local partners.

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