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Workforce Development information

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$33.8K

$77K

$152.2K

How much do workforce development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for workforce development in San Jose, CA is $76,973.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,600.00 and $99,700.00 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 San Jose, CA?

The most popular types of Workforce Development jobs in San Jose, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Workforce Development jobs in San Jose, CA?

For Workforce Development jobs in San Jose, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Workforce Development jobs in San Jose, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Workforce Development jobs in San Jose, CA are:

What cities near San Jose, CA are hiring for Workforce Development jobs?

Cities near San Jose, CA with the most Workforce Development job openings:

Workforce Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Workforce Development job openings in San Jose, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $76,973 per year, or $37 per hour.

Director of Workforce Development

GLIDE

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

About Glide
GLIDE is a nationally recognized center for social justice, dedicated to fighting systemic injustices, creating pathways out of poverty and crisis, and transforming lives. Through its integrated comprehensive services, advocacy initiatives, and inclusive community, GLIDE empowers individuals, families, and children to achieve stability and to thrive. GLIDE is on the forefront of addressing some of society's most pressing issues, including poverty, housing and homelessness, and racial and social justice. GLIDE's mission is to create a radically inclusive, just, and loving community mobilized to alleviate suffering and break the cycles of poverty and marginalization.

Position Summary
The Director of Workforce Development leads strategy, implementation, and operational oversight for GLIDE's workforce development programs. This role is directly responsible for the successful implementation and oversight of pathway development and community training programs that support recruitment, orientation, participation preparation, job readiness, employment placement, career advancement, and long-term economic mobility for participants experiencing poverty, housing instability, prior judicial system involvement, and other structural barriers.

The Director leads and coordinates workforce initiatives across GLIDE programs, ensuring effective collaboration and alignment with organizational priorities, funder requirements, and participant needs. The role provides leadership across program design, implementation, performance management, and service quality, while working closely with housing, case management, behavioral health, the Center for Social Justice, and other programs across GLIDE's life domains to ensure cohesive and effective support for workforce participants. This Director is also charged with building effective wrap-around services to support program participants. GLIDE seeks a proven, collaborative, equity-centered leader who can supervise staff, manage partnerships, coordinate workforce efforts across all departments, meet deliverables and strengthen employer and training relationships.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned, and responsibilities are subject to change based on program and organizational needs.
  Provide leadership and oversight for GLIDE's workforce initiatives, including planning, implementation, coordination, and continuous improvement aligned with best practices
Lead and support workforce service delivery that may include career navigation, job readiness activities, group workshops, employer engagement, and individualized participant support, ensuring services are trauma-informed, equity-driven, and responsive to the needs of component programs geared specifically toward youth, women, formerly incarcerated persons, and other specific groups as the program develops. 
Build strong ties and integration with community partners, funders, employers, potential employers, training providers, and other nonprofits to expand opportunities for participants and funding opportunities for all GLIDE workforce programs.
  Design, implement, and oversee content, case management procedures, and systems for participant recruitment, enrollment, and progression through workforce pathways, including assessment, goal setting, barrier reduction, service planning, and reporting on progress through coordinated care for economic mobility across GLIDE's 10 life domains, as required by program design and funding requirements.
Supervise, coach, coordinate, and support workforce staff and partners, setting clear expectations, promoting accountability, and ensuring service deliverables.
  Ensure timely, accurate, and compliant documentation, data entry, and reporting in required systems (e.g., ONE System, Salesforce, Carbon, or other funder-mandated databases), as well as compliance with all applicable contractual, regulatory, and ethical standards, including confidentiality, data privacy, and funder requirements.
Monitor program budget, performance, outcomes, and deliverables across funding streams, using data to inform decision-making and continuous quality improvement.
  Represent GLIDE in workforce convenings, collaborative meetings, and community events related to workforce, employment, and economic mobility.
Participate in and coordinate staff meetings, supervision, training, and cross-departmental planning to ensure alignment with organizational priorities and integrated service delivery.
  Engage in ongoing professional development to remain current on workforce development trends, best practices, and equity-centered approaches.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, workforce development, human services, education, or a related field preferred; OR equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience in workforce development or related services. 
Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in workforce development, youth employment, or related human services work, including experience serving Transitional Age Youth (TAY), re-entry and/ or similar populations.
At least 3 years of experience in a leadership or supervisory role, with responsibility for program oversight, staff supervision, or project management.
  Demonstrated experience designing, managing, and coordinating workforce or employment-focused programs, including group facilitation, cohorts, and/or participant support.
Strong understanding of trauma-informed, healing-centered, and equity-based approaches to workforce and youth development best practices.
Must have strong project-management skills, works well in a fast pace organization; has the ability to meet deadlines with minimal direct supervision.
The ability to partner successfully with multiple stakeholders and collaborate across teams whenever needed.
Exceptionally strong interpersonal, networking and strategic thinking skills across diverse constituencies.
Ability to synthesize complex material, reports and meet all contract deliverables. 
Physical Requirements

  Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  
  Ability to work on a computer and see details of objects at a close range.  
  Ability to hear within a normal range, and communicate effectively (in person, telephone or zoom).  
  Finger dexterity and the ability to use all standard office equipment.  
  Sit or stand comfortably; and the ability to navigate throughout office spaces (via elevator or stairs).  

$110,000 - $125,000 a year

This is a full-time (40 hour/week) Exempt position

Work Environment
GLIDE's buildings are located in the Tenderloin neighborhood.GLIDE maintains an "open door" policy to the community and its clients, who frequently enter and leave the building.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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