Director of Workforce Solutions: Beyond Literacy

About Beyond Literacy (BeLit)

BeLit is Philadelphia’s leading adult literacy nonprofit. We pride ourselves on high quality service to over 1500 striving adults annually through cost-free educational services including English language learning, GED-prep, digital literacy, family literacy, and career preparation. Come join our staff and help us change lives through literacy!

Job Summary 

The role of the Director of Workforce Solutions (DWS) is to represent, direct, and strategically advance Beyond Literacy’s career-connected program activities. Responsibilities include program system building, sector thought leadership, team member and partnership support, external relations as a primary BeLit workforce development (WD) representative, and administrative compliance. In addition, the DWS will collaborate with senior leadership to establish an environment that facilitates employability of BeLit program graduates while ensuring all WD activities meet organizational standards and objectives. The DWS will report directly to the Chief Program and Impact Officer, will oversee the Workforce Development Manager, and will work closely with organizational leadership to ensure the success of BeLit’s employment pipeline programs and services. Fulltime staff typically work onsite up to 4 days per week and work 1 day remotely depending on program needs.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Planning; Program Development, Implementation and Compliance  

• Develop and implement an annual program planning process, including annual program objectives.

• Research and respond to relevant RFP opportunities. Oversee program evaluations and bimonthly reports.

• Set standards and goals to meet grant deliverables and meet reporting deadlines.

• Identify, propose, and plan WD programming arising from organizational needs or strategic priorities.

• Regularly compile program statistical reports reflecting all activities, attendance, and participation.

• Keep the Chief Program and Impact Officer advised of WD activities and needs.

• Plan or coordinate opportunities for BeLit community members to participate in career pathway experiences and community events (e.g. fairs, job shadow events, workplace tours).

• Identify local organizations that need skilled employees; help develop talent pipelines to benefit both BeLit community members and local employers

Leadership  

• Identify, plan, implement and support training and development opportunities for workforce development programming, volunteers, and staff

• Oversee proper record keeping and reporting including activities and events conducted, breakdown of daily participation figures, notable achievements, and any problems/issues

• Ensure professional, productive and effective performance by all workforce development team members

Finance  

• In conjunction with WD staff, make recommendations for purchase of program supplies and equipment

•Support Finance Manager in tracking grant budget expenditures and invoicing

Partnership Development  

• Develop and nurture collaborative partnerships with corporations, civic groups, and social agencies within the community

• Maintain relations, promote, and stimulate partner engagement in BeLit’s WD programs

• Build a network of stakeholders and partners who can provide knowledge, skills development, and experiential learning opportunities for members to help them secure employment opportunities

Key Relationships  

• Maintain close, collaborative contact with the workforce development manager and team to interpret, support and guide program objectives while implementing continuous quality improvement processes

• Maintains contact with external community groups, employer partners, learners, program graduates and others to assist in resolving problems

• Advise on student recruitment initiatives to increase participation in workforce development programs

Additional Responsibilities  

• Oversee special programs or events, and participate in partnership activities as necessary

• Other related duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

•Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent experience; Master’s preferred.

• 7+ years working in a nonprofit, government agency or similar environment with team supervision responsibilities for at least 5 years

• Ability to lead a team and maintain a responsive, professional and solution-oriented outlook

• Strong interest in supporting our learners’ economic mobility through workforce career pathways; thorough knowledge of PA’s workforce initiatives and priorities

• Ability to deal effectively with program challenges including partnership problems

• Demonstrated ability to work in underrepresented communities

• Ability to work well with diverse populations and develop positive relationships with students, colleagues, and staff at partner agencies

• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability in the recruitment and retention of program participants as well as in the supervision and motivation of staff members

• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written; multilingual preferred

• Excellent data-informed planning and organizational skills; Salesforce experience desirable

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Deep understanding of Pennsylvania’s skilled workforce needs and experience with associated programs including state funded initiatives, workforce partnerships, and pre-apprenticeships
• Strong leadership skills and demonstrated efforts to implement innovative, effective programs or services
• Ability to analyze and communicate data effectively to define and advance strategic and tactical goals and evaluate progress and program effectiveness
• Effective written and oral communication abilities, including speaking comfortably before audiences and engaging in public dialogue
• Ability to build consensus among workforce system stakeholders
• Knowledge and skill applying for and/or overseeing government grant programs and administrative processes
• Commitment to improving employment and economic opportunities for underrepresented communities
• Demonstrated ability to work in underrepresented communities, including returning citizens
• Demonstrated ability in the recruitment, motivation and retention of program participants
• Ability to recruit, train, supervise, and motivate staff
• Ability to deal professionally and effectively with program challenges including partnership problems
• Understanding of and commitment to continuous quality improvement processes
• Ability to work and manage effectively in a dynamic and growing organizational setting
• Ability to work effectively with the public, elected officials, partners, press, consultants and contractors
• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects and priorities with attention to detail
• Ability to work autonomously, organize assignments, follow through in a timely manner, and meet deadlines
• Strong computer literacy including proficiency using MS Office 365 and databases
• Flexibility with working hours required
  

  Benefits

  Read about our exciting and comprehensive staff benefits!

  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) bank
  • Paid Holidays including all days between 12/24-1/1
  • Choice of 3 Independence Blue Cross Health insurance plans (individual base policy monthly cost is 100% employer-paid) as well as optional dental and vision policies (monthly costs are 100% employer-paid for individuals)
  • Flexible Savings Accounts for medical and dependent care expenses
  • Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
  • 80 hours of paid family leave for new parents
  • Employer-paid life, disability and accident insurance; additional voluntary life insurance available, including dependent coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (100% employer-paid for individuals)
  • 401K with quarterly employer contributions (no match required)

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