State of Massachusetts - Boston, MA
posted 16 days ago
About the position
The Department of Development Services (DDS) is seeking a Workforce Development Program Manager who will play a pivotal role in developing and managing workforce programs for DDS and its provider agencies. As a key member of the Learning and Development Unit, the Workforce Development Program Manager will provide coordination, administrative, and logistical support for existing programs such as the Direct Support Professional Certificate collaboration with Massachusetts Community Colleges and Urban Youth Summer Internships Program while also leading the expansion of partnerships with universities and colleges. In this role, the manager will work closely with DDS leadership to identify opportunities to develop new programs that position DDS as an employer of choice, offering clear career ladders, comprehensive training opportunities, and a supportive working environment. The Workforce Development Program Manager will work collaboratively with human resources to ensure programs align with the DEIA goals, creating pathways that support and advance staff from all backgrounds. Success in this position will depend on the manager's ability to think strategically, engage stakeholders, and develop initiatives that not only stabilize the workforce but also foster learning and long-term employee commitment and growth. This dynamic position is perfect for a visionary leader eager to shape the future of workforce development. Working closely with statewide expert groups, regional work groups, state agencies, and provider agencies the position will create, and market innovative programs designed to attract a diverse talent pool, retain exceptional staff, and advance professional development.
Responsibilities
- Oversight, including the management, promotion, and expansion, of existing DDS workforce recruitment and retention programs, Direct Support Certificate Program, College Internship Program, Urban Youth Collaborative Program, and Mentoring Program
- Establish new programs Workforce/ Placement Programs / National Job Shadow Day
- Participate in the creation of programmatic documents, and strategic planning and create reports as requested
- Ensure that collaborative problem-solving and decision-making processes are utilized to maximize the effectiveness of program initiatives
- Work with senior staff to analyze data to determine annual and long-term operational needs to ensure future staffing needs are planned and met
- Serve as a technical advisor to various departmental and interagency task forces or programs
- Lead day-to-day communication to coordinate external workforce development programs, such as those concerning programs with community colleges and universities, high schools, Workforce Investment Boards, Internship Programs, Direct Support Certificate Program
- Coordinate and implement programmatic changes to improve existing internal programs such as Urban Youth, Mentoring Program
- Draft RFRs/MOUs and coordinate procurement of new programs for staff
- Development, and deployment of marketing strategies for workforce programs
- Identify, develop, and maintain workforce development partnerships and networks
- Recommend expansion or creation of new programs with community and state colleges
- Design and implementation of new programs
- Recommend best practice initiatives for staff retention and development
Requirements
- Five (5) years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management
- A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience
- A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience
- A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required experience
- A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required experience
Nice-to-haves
- Ability to understand both written and unwritten workplace rules and behaviors that make for continuous employment and career advancement
- Knowledge of adult training and development theory and practice
- Knowledge of program development processes
- Knowledge of business improvement theory and practice
- Ability to read, understand, and interpret complex rules and regulations
- Ability to listen and understand the positions of others and recognize a range of reasonable views
- Ability to analyze policy and incorporate policy into workforce development programs
- Ability to identify barriers/challenges within the system and implement process improvements
- Ability to facilitate and support team-building activities
- Ability to set priorities and identify and implement strategies
- Ability to anticipate problem situations and take appropriate actions
- Ability to work with state and local officials and interested parties
- Ability to properly assess the impact of outside forces
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within and outside the agency
- Ability to communicate effectively in both writing and oral presentation
- Skilled in problem-solving, consensus building, conflict resolution, and team building
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off
- Opportunities for professional development and training
- Supportive work environment focused on employee well-being
