Workforce Services Program Manager

This position's primary location is at the DeKalb Workforce Development Office

The Workforce Services Program Manager is responsible for the planning, implementation, and oversight of Adult and Dislocated Worker programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) across Kane, Kendall, and DeKalb Counties.

This position integrates strategic program leadership with day-to-day operational management, ensuring high-quality service delivery, regulatory compliance, fiscal integrity, and achievement of performance outcomes.

Reporting to the Assistant Director, the Workforce Services Program Manager supervises assigned frontline staff and program leads, manages workforce service operations, and works collaboratively with internal team, partners, and stakeholders to align services with regional labor market demand.

• Assist in developing and implementing operational plans for assigned programs, aligning services with regional labor market demand and sector strategies.
• Collaborate with One-Stop Operator, community colleges, training providers, employers, and industry partnerships.
• Analyze data and trends and use observations to identify program gaps, risks, and continuous improvement opportunities.
• Lead special initiatives, pilots, and workforce innovation strategies.
• Oversee all workforce service delivery and case files for assigned area, ensuring data integrity and adherence to protocol and standards to maintain consistency across locations.
• Supervise Training and Career Advisors and Career Specialists to maintain high-quality customer services and maximize participant outcomes.
• Manage and provide oversight to assigned staff; interview; hire; onboard; train; coach; monitor and manage performance; and recommend discipline when needed.
• Establish metrics tied to enrollment, performance expectations, and outcomes for assigned staff.
• Monitor enrollment targets, training expenditures, and performance outcomes to ensure assigned programs successfully meet performance metrics and objectives.
• Oversee ITA and supportive service budgets and projections.
• Prepare reports for management, fiscal staff, and state and local agencies as needed.
• Work closely with fiscal staff to ensure allowable costs and proper documentation.
• Implement and document internal controls and quality assurance processes to ensure compliance with all applicable program regulations and policies.
• Lead Rapid Response coordination.
• Represent LWIA 5 in regional, state, or local workforce development collaborations and meetings as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned

• Strong organizational and leadership skills with an ability to think strategically and advise senior leadership.
• Ability to formulate goals, objectives, schedules, and priorities.
• Must be able to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally in person and on the phone.
• Comprehensive knowledge of WIOA law, rules, and regulations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to exercise independent judgement.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations and stakeholders.
• Bilingual fluency preferred.

• 5 years' workforce development experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience needed to demonstrate ability to perform the essential tasks of the job.
• Supervisory experience is preferred, ideally in a government setting.