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Workforce Director Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Career Services Manager, Project Manager, or Workforce Director About the Program: Workforce Development (WFD): help families achieve economic and social self-sufficiency. Career Services' goal is to ...

Workforce Talent Advisor

Elgin, IL ยท On-site

$22 - $23/hr

Surge Staffing is seeking a Workforce Talent Advisor with high energy, work ethic, good attitude ... Implement and manage detailed marketing programs for sales calls, direct mail, in-office ...

Workforce Talent Advisor

Elgin, IL ยท On-site

$22 - $23/hr

Surge Staffing is seeking a Workforce Talent Advisor with high energy, work ethic, good attitude ... Implement and manage detailed marketing programs for sales calls, direct mail, in-office ...

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Workforce Director information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$28.2K

$83.8K

$141.1K

How much do workforce director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for workforce director in Chicago, IL is $83,757.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,992.00 and $98,536.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Workforce Director vs Human Resources Manager?

AspectWorkforce DirectorHuman Resources Manager
Primary FocusStrategic workforce planning and talent developmentEmployee relations, recruitment, and HR policies
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree; often advanced degrees in HR, business, or related fieldsBachelor's degree in HR, Business, or related field; HR certifications preferred
Work EnvironmentCorporate, government, or large organizational settingsHR departments across various industries and organizations
Employer UsageUsed in organizations focusing on strategic workforce initiativesCommon in daily HR operations and employee management

The Workforce Director typically oversees strategic workforce planning and talent development, working closely with executive leadership. In contrast, the Human Resources Manager handles daily HR functions like employee relations and recruitment. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and focus, with the Workforce Director emphasizing long-term workforce strategies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a workforce director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Workforce Director, you need expertise in workforce planning, talent management, and organizational development, usually supported by a degree in human resources or business administration. Familiarity with HRIS systems, advanced data analytics tools, and relevant certifications such as SHRM-SCP or SPHR are commonly expected. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and excellent interpersonal skills set outstanding Workforce Directors apart. These skills and qualifications enable effective alignment of workforce strategies with business goals, ensuring optimal staffing and organizational performance.

What is a workforce director?

A Workforce Director is a senior-level professional responsible for overseeing workforce planning, development, and management within an organization. They ensure that the company has the right number of employees with the appropriate skills to meet business objectives. This role often involves strategic planning, talent acquisition, employee retention, and organizational development. Workforce Directors collaborate with HR and business leaders to align workforce strategies with company goals and improve overall productivity.

How does a workforce director typically collaborate with other departments to ensure staffing aligns with organizational goals?

A Workforce Director works closely with department heads, HR, and senior leadership to forecast staffing needs and develop strategic workforce plans. Regular meetings and data sharing are common to align hiring, training, and resource allocation with business objectives. This role often involves analyzing workforce metrics, identifying skill gaps, and recommending solutions to improve productivity and retention across teams. Collaboration is key to ensuring that workforce strategies support both immediate operational demands and long-term organizational growth.
What are the most commonly searched types of Workforce jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Workforce jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Workforce Director jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Workforce Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Workforce Director job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,757 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

Director of Workforce Development

Boys and Girls Clubs of North Central Illinois

South Elgin, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 hours ago

Posted today


Job description

Description

Job Summary:


The Director of Workforce Development leads the strategic planning, project management, and continuous improvement of the BGCNCIL's workforce readiness portfolio, with a primary focus on our high-yield signature initiatives - Industry Clubs and the Up Next program. This role owns the end-to-end execution of these programs, from timeline and budget management to outcomes tracking, ensuring that Club youth are equipped with the skills, credentials, exposure, and networks needed to succeed in today's workforce.ย 

The Director will also cultivate and manage strategic partnerships with industry associations, educational institutions, and community organizations to expand opportunities, resources, and real-world experiences that complement and strengthen the Club's workforce development programming.


Program & Project Management

  • Serve as the lead project manager for Industry Clubs and the Up Next program, overseeing scope, timelines, budgets, staffing, and deliverables from planning through implementation and evaluation.
  • Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and outcome metrics for each program, using data to drive continuous improvement and demonstrate impact to funders and leadership.
  • Using the strategies and methods, operationalize through annual, monthly, weekly, and daily program plans using proven curriculum for the school year and summer programs.
  • Design and implement program plans and initiatives to ensure consistent, high quality workforce development program delivery across all sites.

Partnerships & Collaboration

  • Identify, cultivate, and steward strategic partnerships with local organizations, industry associations, workforce boards, community colleges, trade schools to expand programming and mentorships opportunities.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for community and business partners, building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships that enhance workforce development programs and resource access.
  • Coordinate community engagement activities including but not limited to guest speakers, site visits, and field trips to complement and enhance WFD programming.
  • Represent the Boys & Girls Club at community events, coalitions, and workforce development committees to raise visibility and identify new partnership and funding opportunities.
  • Collaborate with the development team to support grant applications and sponsorships that fund workforce programming, providing partnership data and program outcomes as needed.
  • Ensure partners and collaborators are raving fans of Boys & Girls Clubs.

Collect Data & Analyze Results

  • Work alongside the Senior Director of Continuous Quality Improvement and the entire operations team to ensure proper metrics are in place to collect the data that will demonstrate the results of the Workforce Development program and activities in place.
  • Educate and train the site teams on what data needs to be collected, the methods for collecting the data, and what they need to be doing on a regular basis to support the efforts.
  • Conduct regular check-ins with Club staff to gather information on any obstacles that site teams are encountering and offer helpful solutions through coaching and providing resources that result in them achieving success.
  • Collect, analyze, and create a report that can be presented to the Operations Team, Leadership Team, Board of Directors, and partners.
  • Use the data collected to modify and enhance workforce development programs moving forward.
  • On a monthly basis, collect specific stories, pictures, and mission moments that can be used to market stakeholders the impact the WFD focus is having on particular members

Requirements

Requirements

  • A Bachelor's Degree is preferred with a minimum of 2 years' experience or 5 years' experience in youth development, workforce development, project management or a related field.
  • Valid driver's license and ability to drive a 12-passenger van
  • Demonstrated critical competencies in communication, strategic thinking, collaborating, and program delivery are a must.
  • Ability to translate broad goals into achievable steps. Anticipates and solves problems and takes advantage of opportunities, is a self-starter and team player.
  • As a BGCNCIL leader, this position requires an individual with knowledge of and experience in management and administration.
  • Knowledge in the following areas is required: volunteer and partnership engagement, college and career readiness resources, Microsoft Office, program development and implementation, and youth development.