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Workforce Development Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

San Diego State University Research Foundation

$6.0K - $6.6K/mo

The Workforce Development Specialist (CWDS Curriculum) works closely with CWDS staff and county and state partners to engage in needs assessments to ensure curricula development meets partner needs.

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Workforce Development Specialist information

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$130.5K

How much do workforce development specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for workforce development specialist in the United States is $65,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,500.00 and $85,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Workforce Development Specialist vs Career Counselor?

AspectWorkforce Development SpecialistCareer Counselor
Primary FocusDeveloping workforce programs, training, and employment initiativesProviding career guidance, counseling, and job search assistance
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, workforce boards, training centersEducational institutions, private counseling firms, career centers
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in human services, social work, or related fieldUsually a bachelor's or master's degree in counseling, psychology, or related field
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in public and nonprofit sectors focused on employment servicesCommon in educational and private career services settings

While both roles aim to assist individuals with employment and career development, a Workforce Development Specialist focuses on creating and managing programs to improve workforce skills, whereas a Career Counselor provides personalized guidance to individuals seeking career advice. Understanding these differences helps job seekers and employers find the right support for their needs.

What does a Workforce Development Specialist do?

A Workforce Development Specialist helps individuals improve their skills and find employment by designing, implementing, and managing training and development programs. They often work with job seekers, employers, and community organizations to identify workforce needs, provide career counseling, and connect people to job opportunities. Their work supports economic growth by ensuring that workers have the skills employers need and that communities have access to a strong labor force.

What are some common challenges faced by Workforce Development Specialists when coordinating with multiple community partners?

Workforce Development Specialists often collaborate with various community organizations, educational institutions, and employers to create effective job training and placement programs. A common challenge is aligning the goals and expectations of these diverse partners while maintaining clear communication and managing timelines. Navigating differing priorities and resource limitations can require strong negotiation and organizational skills. Building and maintaining trustful relationships is crucial for ensuring successful program outcomes and sustained partnerships.

What Does a Workforce Development Specialist Do?

The duties of a workforce development specialist are to design and conduct a program to train employees and improve performance. They typically consider the organizational performance of a company as they develop this program, which includes financial performance, market performance, and shareholder return. A workforce development specialist often acts as support during the program. Qualifications to become a workforce development specialist include a bachelor's degree in human resources or a relevant field as well as industry experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Workforce Development Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Workforce Development Specialist, you need a background in human resources, career counseling, or education, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with workforce management systems, labor market analysis tools, and case management software is typically required. Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills help build relationships with clients and stakeholders while effectively coordinating training initiatives. These skills ensure the successful alignment of workforce programs with employer needs and support positive employment outcomes for job seekers.
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Workforce Development Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Workforce Development Specialist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,999 per year, or $31.7 per hour.
Workforce Development Specialist

Workforce Development Specialist

City of Pontiac

Pontiac, MI • On-site

$55K - $96K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description


Workforce Development Specialist

FLSA Status: Full Time, Exempt

Pay Grade: M-10

SUPERVISION

Supervision Received: Reports to the Economic Vitality Manager

Supervision Given: Does not have direct supervision

Under the supervision of the Economic Vitality Manager, the Workforce Development Specialist leads workforce development efforts that connect residents to employment, training, and career advancement opportunities aligned with local economic priorities. This position builds partnerships with employers, training providers, educational institutions, and community organizations; coordinates workforce initiatives and supportive programming; and helps strengthen talent pipelines that support both resident success and broader economic vitality.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Leads workforce development efforts that connect residents to employment, training, and career advancement opportunities aligned with local economic priorities.
  • Builds and maintains partnerships with employers, workforce agencies, training providers, educational institutions, community organizations, and other stakeholders to strengthen local talent pipelines and address workforce needs.
  • Coordinates workforce initiatives, recruitment events, job fairs, training opportunities, and supportive programming designed to expand access to quality jobs and skills development for residents.
  • Assists in identifying workforce gaps, barriers to employment, and emerging opportunities in order to support responsive strategies and program development.
  • Tracks program participation, outcomes, employer engagement, and other relevant data to support reporting, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
  • Collaborates with internal staff and external partners to align workforce programming with business attraction, retention, community development, and economic vitality goals.
  • Provides information and assistance to residents regarding training programs, job readiness resources, career pathways, and available workforce support services.
  • Prepares reports, correspondence, outreach materials, presentations, and updates related to workforce activities, partnerships, and program outcomes.
  • Supports meetings, events, and community engagement efforts related to workforce planning, employer outreach, and resident opportunity development.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned in support of departmental, organizational, and community priorities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in public administration, human services, workforce development, education, business administration, community development, or a related field; supplemented by 5 years of experience in workforce programming, employment services, training coordination, community engagement, program administration, or a related area; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience working with employers, training providers, educational institutions, workforce boards, community organizations, or public sector programs that support employment and career advancement. Familiarity with workforce systems, job readiness programming, career pathway development, employer engagement, and performance tracking is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of workforce development practices, employment barriers, community engagement strategies, and program coordination principles; ability to build partnerships and work effectively with residents, employers, educators, service providers, and community stakeholders; ability to organize initiatives, track outcomes, and manage multiple priorities; skill in research, reporting, presentation development, and written communication; ability to analyze needs and support practical solutions; and proficiency in standard office software, database systems, and program tracking tools.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed in both office and community settings and requires regular interaction with residents, employers, training partners, educational institutions, and the public. The position may require local travel for meetings, events, recruitment activities, site visits, and community engagement efforts, as well as occasional attendance at functions outside of regular business hours.