ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Workforce Development Jobs in Cambridge, MA (NOW HIRING)

Russell Tobin

Workforce Manager

Burlington, MA · On-site

$63 - $70/hr

Workforce Management & Time & Attendance Specialist Location: Burlington, MA (Hybrid - 3 Days Onsite) Duration: 6 months (06/05/2026 - 12/05/2026) * FTE conversion possibility Pay Range: $63-$70/hr ...

City of Boston

Apprentice Navigator

Boston, MA · On-site

$69K - $100K/yr

The Navigator will split their time between the Office of Workforce Development (OWD) and Madison Park Technical Vocational High School, working closely with students, families, school staff, BPS ...

City of Boston

Apprentice Navigator

Boston, MA · On-site

The Navigator will split their time between the Office of Workforce Development (OWD) and Madison Park Technical Vocational High School, working closely with students, families, school staff, BPS ...

JOHNLEONARD

T-DH Career Navigator

Boston, MA · On-site

$46K - $51K/yr

Overview A mission-driven organization within the nonprofit workforce development industry is seeking a T-DH Career Navigator to support individuals pursuing careers in healthcare training programs

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsWorkforce Development JobsWorkforce Development Jobs in Cambridge, MA

Workforce Development information

See Cambridge, MA salary details

$31.5K

$71.7K

$141.9K

How much do workforce development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for workforce development in Cambridge, MA is $71,747.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,200.00 and $92,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Workforce Development jobs in Cambridge, MA? The most popular types of Workforce Development jobs in Cambridge, MA are:
What job categories do people searching Workforce Development jobs in Cambridge, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Workforce Development jobs in Cambridge, MA are:
What cities near Cambridge, MA are hiring for Workforce Development jobs? Cities near Cambridge, MA with the most Workforce Development job openings:
Workforce Development jobs near you
Workforce Pathways Specialist

Workforce Pathways Specialist

Commonwealth Corporation

Boston, MA • On-site

$65K - $70K/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Who
Workforce Pathways Specialist
Department: Skill Up
Report to: Director of Skill Up Initiative
Classification: Full Time, Exempt
Work hours: 40 hours per week – Hybrid (Boston, MA)
Annual Salary: ($65,000-$70,000) plus, Employer contributes 13.2% of gross salary to a 401(a)-employee retirement plan. (Vested 100% on day 1 of hire)
Who We Are: Commonwealth Corporation is a quasi-public workforce development agency that strengthens the skills of Massachusetts youth and adults by investing in innovative partnerships with industry, education and workforce organizations.
Commonwealth Corporation works with hundreds of Massachusetts companies, thousands of new and experienced workers, and thousands of youths and young adults each year.
Skill Up Overview:
The Skill Up: Career, Technical and Workforce Training, and Employment Services Initiative (Skill Up) is a program developed by the Department of Youth Services (DYS) and managed by Commonwealth Corporation to deliver high-quality career development, technical training and workforce programming and services that are aligned with local labor market needs within or across the five DYS geographic regions in Massachusetts. The initiative aims to reduce recidivism for DYS youth through the provision of high-quality services leading to employment with benefits at family sustaining wages. Additionally, the initiative seeks to reduce employment barriers and provide career, technical and workforce training that improves opportunities and reduces access and engagement barriers for youth as they transition back to the community from their residential treatment programs. A key component of this effort is the ability to increase career, technical and workforce training and employment opportunities for DYS youth.
Position Overview:
The Workforce Pathways Specialist team is responsible for connecting DYS youth to meaningful career, vocational, training, and employment opportunities, meeting youth where they are at and include everything from early job exploration to apprenticeships and credential-bearing programs. These roles integrate employer engagement, subsidized employment coordination, and development of awareness of training providers and other opportunities Statewide. The Specialists collaborate closely with DYS Central Office Leadership, DYS Regional amp; field staff, Career Navigators, Single Service Providers, training providers, MassHire partners, and employers to support youth in building skills, earning credentials, and accessing sustainable career pathways.
Key Duties amp; Responsibilities
Job Opportunity Research amp; Communication
  • Research and distribute regional Hot Jobs postings and employment opportunities sourced from online job boards such as JobQuest and Indeed
  • Connect with MassHire offices statewide and use job blast distribution lists to share opportunities with DYS teams
  • Create and maintain job boards and flyers for training and employment opportunities across district offices on a rotating basis
Employer amp; Training Provider Engagement; Certifications amp; Credentials
  • Build and expand networks of employers and training providers aligned with labor market demand and youth career interests
  • Collaborate with MassHire programs, DTA, CommCorp’s CTI team, and other partners to connect youth to training and upskilling opportunities
  • Support the growth, development amp; maintenance of subsidized employment sites statewide
  • Compile a list of existing industry recognized certifications and credential bearing training programs. Develop and implement a communication strategy to support DYS staff and youth in understanding of application requirements and pathway
  • Coordinate with Career Navigators and DYS staff to identify youth interested in vocational/technical training and bridge them to relevant programs
Trades amp; Apprenticeships Exposure
  • Develop relationships with pre‑apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs and prerequisites/requirements to share information with the youth
  • Support connections to programs that offer job shadowing, industry tours, internships, and hands on career exposure, especially in trade and technical fields
  • Advise youth and staff on opportunities based on skill requirements, and advancement potential
  • Compile a list of existing Trade and Apprenticeship programs. Develop and implement a communication strategy to support DYS staff and youth in understanding of application requirements and pathway
Youth Engagement amp; Direct Support
  • Available for consults with team and DYS leadership
  • Support Youth Voice initiatives as needed
  • Engage directly with youth amp; team to assist in application and enrollment process with MassHire trainings, CTI programs, and other partner supported opportunities
  • Provide warm hand off, introductions and problem solving (where applicable)
  • Targeted outreach to CVES and Senior Program Managers of Career Navigation to identify youth for opportunities
  • Facilitate in person workshops for youth and staff as requested
Meetings, Administrative Support amp; Data Entry
  • Attend regional meetings, emerging adult convenings, and other Statewide meetings as requested.
  • Work as part of a team to ensure local visibility
  • Take and share notes from meetings and support follow-up actions
  • Cover duties and provide cross-team support as needed
  • Document all work with youth in JJEMS case notes
  • Document all work with Employers and Training Providers
  • Enter all data into shared Excel Tracker for DYS dashboards
  • Support and Gain Understanding of Single Service Provider Trackers
  • Regular communication and liaising with DYS central Office Skill Up leadership team
Each Workforce Pathways Specialist will be assigned a focus area as described above. These are preliminary assignments; focus areas may change over time based on programmatic need
Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies:
  • Experience working with workforce, vocational, or apprenticeship systems
  • Knowledge of labor market information analysis
  • Experience working with system involved youth
  • Familiarity with state workforce development programs
  • Background in youth development, coaching, or case management
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Sound judgment and problem-solving ability
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • Cultural competence and ability to work effectively with diverse populations
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
  • Ability to travel statewide with 24 hours notice
  • Ability to complete mandatory 2.5‑week basic training in person in Grafton MA
  • Strong communication and relationship‑building skills with youth and partners
  • Knowledge of workforce development, training systems, and/or youth services
  • Program and project management experience, particularly in the area of youth development and supplemental education or workforce development programming
  • Ability to effectively manage multiple project activities, to structure and plan own work.
Commitment to Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belongings
As a leader in workforce development, Commonwealth Corporation is committed to having Diversity, Equity and Inclusion embedded into the programs and services we offer, reflected in the people we impact and our workplace culture.
Commonwealth Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Equal Employment Opportunity: Commonwealth Corporation is committed to building a culturally diverse workforce. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Research suggests that qualified women and Black amp; Indigenous POC may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive at CommCorp to apply for this role.
The successful candidate is required to complete CORI background checks.

Apply