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Workforce Development Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

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Executive Director

Kansas City, KS · On-site

$137K/yr

We are a nearly 30-year-old nonprofit workforce development organization dedicated to preparing individuals from underserved communities for rewarding careers in technology. With a passionate team of ...

MCI Careers

Workforce Management Manager

Wichita, KS · On-site

We are seeking a Workforce Management (WFM) Manager who will lead the development and execution of workforce strategy to ensure optimal staffing, accurate forecasting, and strong service level ...

MCI Careers

Workforce Management Manager

Wichita, KS · On-site

We are seeking a Workforce Management (WFM) Manager who will lead the development and execution of workforce strategy to ensure optimal staffing, accurate forecasting, and strong service level ...

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Workforce Development information

See Kansas salary details

$25.9K

$58.9K

$116.4K

How much do workforce development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for workforce development in Kansas is $58,861.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,900.00 and $76,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is workforce development?

Workforce development refers to a wide range of activities, policies, and programs designed to create, sustain, and retain a skilled workforce that meets the current and future needs of employers. This field focuses on improving workers’ skills, connecting people to employment opportunities, and supporting career advancement. Workforce development can include job training, education, career counseling, apprenticeships, and collaboration between businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies. Its ultimate goal is to strengthen both individuals’ employability and the overall economic health of communities.

How do workforce development professionals typically collaborate with local employers and educational institutions?

Workforce Development professionals often serve as a bridge between local employers, training providers, and educational institutions. They regularly coordinate with businesses to identify current and future hiring needs, then partner with schools and community colleges to develop or enhance training programs that align with those needs. This collaborative approach ensures that job seekers are equipped with relevant skills and that employers have access to a qualified talent pipeline. Effective communication and relationship-building are key parts of the role, making networking and stakeholder management essential daily activities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in workforce development, and why are they important?

To excel in Workforce Development, you need expertise in career counseling, labor market analysis, and program management, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications such as CWDP (Certified Workforce Development Professional). Familiarity with workforce information systems, job-matching platforms, and data analysis tools is typically required. Outstanding communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills help professionals connect with job seekers and employers effectively. These skills ensure successful program outcomes, foster community partnerships, and enable individuals to achieve employment and career growth.

What is the difference between Workforce Development vs Career Counselor?

AspectWorkforce DevelopmentCareer Counselor
CredentialsVaries; often includes certifications in workforce or employment servicesTypically requires a counseling or career development certification or degree
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, community organizations, training centersEducational institutions, private practices, career centers
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by public and nonprofit sectors to improve employment ratesUsed by schools, private firms, and counseling agencies to guide individual careers

While both roles focus on employment and career paths, Workforce Development primarily involves creating programs and policies to improve employment opportunities at a community or organizational level. Career Counselors work directly with individuals to help them identify career goals and develop personal strategies. Understanding these differences helps job seekers and organizations choose the right support for their needs.

Is workforce development a good career?

Workforce development is a growing field focused on improving employment opportunities and skills training. It often involves collaboration with community organizations and government agencies, requiring strong communication and program management skills. The career can offer stability and the chance to make a positive community impact.

What does a workforce development do?

A workforce development professional helps connect individuals with job opportunities, training programs, and skills development to meet labor market needs. They often work with employers, educational institutions, and government agencies to improve employment outcomes and workforce skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Workforce Development jobs in Kansas?

The most popular types of Workforce Development jobs in Kansas are:

What are popular job titles related to Workforce Development jobs in Kansas?

For Workforce Development jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Workforce Development jobs in Kansas look for?

The top searched job categories for Workforce Development jobs in Kansas are:

What cities in Kansas are hiring for Workforce Development jobs?

Cities in Kansas with the most Workforce Development job openings:

Workforce Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Workforce Development job openings in Kansas as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,861 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Director of Workforce Development

Topeka, KS • On-site

Children's Alliance of Kansas
See more jobs at Children's Alliance of Kansasexternal

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Position Summary

The Children’s Alliance of Kansas (CAK) drives systems-level change to strengthen children and families through advocacy, networking, education, and workforce development. A key organizational priority is strengthening the child welfare workforce through coaching, training, leadership and professional development, and other supports that build individual and organizational capacity.

The Director of Workforce Development provides strategic, programmatic, and personnel leadership for CAK’s workforce development portfolio, including KanCoach, Resilience Alliance, the Workforce Academy, and emerging workforce development initiatives. The Director leads the development, implementation, growth, and continuous improvement of workforce strategies that align with organizational priorities, member needs, funding requirements, and evolving child welfare workforce needs. The position offers an opportunity to shape and strengthen CAK’s evolving workforce development strategy, building on established programs while contributing expertise to emerging areas of opportunity.

The Director reports to the Executive Vice President and provides direct supervision and leadership to designated workforce development staff. The role works in close partnership with the EVP and program managers to advance high-quality workforce development and professional coaching initiatives. Specific areas of strategic emphasis may evolve based on organizational priorities, available capacity, emerging opportunities, and the complementary experience, strengths, and expertise of the Director and EVP.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Workforce Development Strategy and Program Leadership

  • Lead the development, implementation, growth, and continuous improvement of CAK’s workforce development portfolio, including KanCoach, Resilience Alliance, the Workforce Academy, and emerging initiatives.
  • Translate organizational priorities, grants, contracts, and partnerships into clear program goals, implementation plans, staffing needs, deliverables, and measurable outcomes.
  • Provide leadership for program outreach, recruitment, enrollment goals, and expansion strategies in partnership with program staff.
  • Identify opportunities to strengthen or expand workforce development services and contribute to funding, proposal development, and sustainability planning.

Staff Leadership and Workforce Capacity

  • Provide direct supervision, leadership, performance management, professional development, and ongoing support to workforce development staff.
  • Manage workforce capacity, including coach assignments, schedules, caseloads, workloads, training coverage, and staffing priorities.
  • Foster a strengths-based, collaborative learning culture that promotes accountability, reflective practice, professional growth, and sustainable workloads.
  • Partner with the EVP to coordinate staffing needs across KanCoach, Resilience Alliance, the Workforce Academy, Professional Coaching Service, Group Coaching, and emerging initiatives.

Program Quality and Professional Development

  • Ensure workforce development programs and coaching services are implemented with quality, consistency, accountability, and attention to measurable outcomes.
  • Use evaluation findings, participant feedback, data, research, and emerging best practices to guide continuous improvement.
  • Partner with the EVP and workforce development team to strengthen professional coaching practice, staff development, reflective learning, and opportunities for credentialing and continued growth.

Member and Stakeholder Engagement

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with member agencies, child welfare partners, funders, and other workforce stakeholders.
  • Engage child welfare leaders and professionals in identifying workforce needs and developing responsive strategies and services.
  • Represent CAK workforce development initiatives in meetings, presentations, learning events, and stakeholder discussions, including selected statewide opportunities.
  • Collaborate across CAK and provide leadership with timely information regarding program performance, staffing capacity, funding needs, risks, and opportunities.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Organizational Development, Education, Business, or a related field.
  • Background in child welfare or a closely related human services field.
  • Minimum five years of progressively responsible leadership experience, including experience supervising and developing staff.
  • Experience leading workforce development, professional development, training, coaching, or related programs and initiatives.
  • Experience managing complex priorities, program implementation, grants or contracts, deliverables, and stakeholder relationships.
  • Strong communication, relationship-building, strategic thinking, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in a related field.
  • Significant experience within the Kansas child welfare system.
  • Experience with professional coaching, KanCoach, Resilience Alliance, or other coaching-based workforce development approaches.
  • Familiarity with ICF Core Competencies and professional coaching standards.
  • Advanced leadership, workforce development, or coaching credentials.

Working Conditions

This is a hybrid position requiring regular in-person collaboration, meetings, supervision, and training activities, with regular in-state and occasional domestic travel. Some flexibility in working hours may be required based on program and partner needs.