Workforce Development Manager

Network Support Center
5508 NW 88th St
Johnston, IA 50131, USA

Network Support Center
5508 NW 88th St
Johnston, IA 50131, USA

The Workforce Development Manager is responsible for executing workforce development strategies that build sustainable talent pipelines and partnerships and strengthen the organization’s employer brand across the broader education and community ecosystems. In alignment with Wesley Life’s Vision 2030 and the Uniting Generations strategies, this role operationalizes intergenerational programming within talent development efforts strengthening a multigenerational workforce and creating meaningful opportunities for connections across generations.

This role works in partnership with internal leaders and external organizations to implement workforce programs, support talent pipeline growth, and contribute to an age-inclusive workplace culture.

• Support the implementation of workforce development strategies aligned with current and future hiring needs
• Build and manage scalable talent pipelines, including internships, apprenticeships, early career programs, and reskilling initiatives
• Partner with People and Culture and business leaders to identify skill gaps and translate them into targeted pipeline programs
• Align workforce strategies with intergenerational workforce goals, ensuring representation and engagement across age groups
• Manage day-to-day execution of workforce programs, ensuring timelines,
  deliverables, and outcomes are achieved

• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with high schools, community colleges, universities, and workforce development organizations
• Collaborate with educators to co-develop curriculum alignment, career pathways, and experiential learning opportunities
• Represent the organization in workforce boards, economic development groups, and community coalitions. May include attending job fairs.
• Align partnerships to support both workforce pipeline development and intentional engagement opportunities between students, team members, and the communities served that extend beyond hiring and career paths to engagement and connection.
• Identify and develop partnerships that expand access across generations, including youth, career changers, and older adults seeking workforce participation
• Leverage external partnerships to showcase Wesley Life’s diverse career pathways and strengthen its reputation as an employer of choice
• Design programs that support entry, progression, and retention of early and nontraditional talent
• Ensure programs are inclusive, accessible, and aligned with diversity, equity, and inclusion goals

• Enhance the organization’s visibility and reputation as an employer of choice within targeted talent markets
• Coordinate and participate in outreach initiatives including career fairs, campus events, speaking engagements, and community forums
• Position the organization as a leader in workforce innovation and age-inclusive employment practices and partnership creativity

• Key point of contact for external workforce and education partners
• Build strong, long-term relationships that drive mutual value and measurable outcomes
• Partner across departments to align workforce, programming, and culture efforts into a unified system

• Support integration of intergenerational programming into workforce practices and employee experience
• Support development of mentorship, reverse mentorship, and cross-generational team initiatives that enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing

• Embed intergenerational experiences into internships, mentorships, and career pathways as structured and repeatable components, not one-time activities
• Support development of signature workforce experiences (e.g., mentorship programs, reverse mentorship, team-based engagement) that support Wesley Life commitment to fostering meaningful connections across generations

• Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) and program…