Managing Director, Workforce Programs

Description

The Managing Director, Workforce Programs provides national, enterprise-level leadership and oversight for all workforce development programs within the organization’s portfolio, including federally funded, state-funded, and locally administered workforce initiatives such as Job Corps, WIOA-funded programs, youth and adult workforce initiatives, apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, sector-based training programs, and other public workforce development efforts.

The role is accountable for program compliance, participant outcomes, operational and financial performance, risk management, workforce partnerships, and alignment with U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), state workforce agencies, local workforce development boards, and other public-sector stakeholders.

As the senior executive responsible for Workforce Programs, the Managing Director serves as the primary corporate authority for strategic and operational oversight, acting as a key liaison between corporate leadership, program directors, federal officials, state and local agencies, workforce boards, education partners, and employers. The role blends strategic leadership with hands-on operational execution to ensure programs operate at peak performance while advancing innovation, scalability, and mission impact across multiple funding streams and jurisdictions.

The Managing Director is a strategic partner in the growth and diversification of the organization’s workforce portfolio, supporting federal, state, and local procurements, contract rebids, program expansions, new start-ups, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Provide national leadership and executive oversight of workforce development programs across federal, state, and local funding environments, ensuring compliance, performance excellence, safety, and mission alignment.
• Establish and drive a cohesive workforce strategy that integrates Job Corps, WIOA, state workforce initiatives, local workforce board programs, and employer-driven training models.
• Advise the SVP, Workforce Innovations and executive leadership on workforce trends, public-sector opportunities, performance risks, and growth strategies across multiple jurisdictions.

• Drive participant outcome performance across all workforce programs, including enrollment, retention, credential attainment, work-based learning, apprenticeships, and job placement.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal regulations (DOL, Job Corps PRH), state workforce agency requirements, local workforce board policies, and grant or contract-specific performance standards.
• Lead corrective action plans, technical assistance, and performance improvement initiatives across underperforming federal, state, or local programs.
• Prepare for and respond to audits, monitoring visits, investigations, and high-visibility inquiries from federal agencies, state oversight bodies, and local funders.

• Oversee operational, financial, and risk management functions across workforce programs, ensuring responsible stewardship of federal, state, and local public funds.
• Collaborate with Finance to manage multi-source funding models, cost allocations, budgets, and reporting requirements.
• Ensure effective internal controls, performance tracking systems, and risk mitigation strategies across all workforce programs.

• Lead, coach, and hold Program Directors, Center Directors, regional leaders, and corporate workforce staff accountable for outcomes and compliance.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, professionalism, and continuous improvement across diverse workforce delivery models.
• Support leadership development, succession planning, and training initiatives aligned with evolving federal, state, and local workforce priorities.
• Promote behaviors aligned with the organization’s Core Values and Code of Conduct.

• Serve as the primary corporate liaison to federal officials, state workforce agencies, local workforce development boards, education partners, elected…