About Us

As the leader of Pittsburgh/Allegheny County's public workforce system, Partner4Work (formerly Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board) works to ensure that the current and future needs of businesses and job seekers are met.  Through innovative initiatives and programs spanning every facet of the workforce, Partner4Work bridges the gap between people looking for work and companies in need of talent. To our own workforce, we seek out individuals who exemplify our core values by being:

Committed to excellence and measurable impact

Drivers of continuous and purposeful innovation and improvement 

Inclusive of other's perspectives and talents

Leaders of utmost integrity 

Passionate and enthusiastic about the systems level work behind workforce development

About this Position

The Director of Workforce Programs is a critical position with significant planning and project management responsibilities. This Director will develop strategy and oversee implementation of programs supported by approximately $11.5 million in funds through Title 1 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), and Department of Human Services TANF Youth Development (YDP) funding. The majority of these funds support subrecipient contracts to provide career services or training to adults, dislocated workers and youth within PACareerLink® and community organizations. This position is also responsible for overseeing the management of the One Stop Operator, as well as cultivating productive partnerships within PACareerLink® for the benefit of jobseekers and employers. The position requires someone with demonstrated project experience, a good understanding of workforce issues and local efforts, and ability to effectively partner with a broad range of public and private entities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Program Oversight: 

Oversee the planning, development, and implementation of Adult/Dislocated Worker & Youth Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs, including Adult/Youth Trainings, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) youth initiatives, Title I Services, One-Stop Operator (OSO) responsibilities, and other specialized workforce development projects funded through public and private sources. 

Collaborate with the Project Director of Procurement and Operations to assist in drafting, issuing, and manage Requests for Proposals (RFPs). Assist in the evaluation process and establish resulting agreements to ensure high-quality service delivery with training providers, employment services, and other service vendors. Ensure that all agreements comply with regulatory requirements and fiscal guidelines and monitor performance to achieve established goals.

Prepare and submit detailed project and program reports to P4W leadership, funders, and other stakeholders. Ensure timely, accurate, and transparent communication regarding program progress, outcomes, and challenges.Oversee budget planning and financial management for workforce development programs. Monitor expenditures, ensure compliance with funding guidelines, and manage resources effectively to meet program objectives.

Partnership Development and Field Building:

Cultivate and sustain positive relationships with contracted service providers, stakeholders, and community partners. Act as the primary liaison to address issues, share feedback, and ensure that providers meet performance expectations and contractual obligations. 

Engage with community organizations, businesses, and local leaders to promote workforce development initiatives. 

Develop and deliver training programs for staff, partners, and providers to build capacity and improve service delivery. Share knowledge and resources to enhance the skills and effectiveness of the workforce development community.

Workforce System Innovation and Improvement:

Inspire and enforce high quality standards for service deli ery and contract performance

Maintain and apply a working knowledge of federal, state and local guidelines related to the workforce development system

Maintain a working knowledge of best practices related to the workforce development system and develop plans for implementing such practices to produce a measured impact

Identify lessons learned from evaluation findings and formulate recommendations based on findings to increase program impact

Spearhead initiatives for continuous improvement and innovation in workforce development programs. 

Leverage data and trends from various information systems to inform the development and enhancement of workforce development programs. Analyze performance metrics to drive decision-making, improve service delivery, and address gaps in program effectiveness. 

Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure the effective delivery of workforce development services. Stay informed about changes in federal, state, and local workforce development regulations and adjust program strategies accordingly. 

Address and resolve complex issues and conflicts related to program implementation, provider performance 

Participate in agency-wide initiatives, Special Projects and other duties as assigned.

Leadership and Team Management: 

Lead and manage a diverse team of program staff to effectively administer and coordinate workforce development programs. Foster a collaborative and high-performance work environment that supports professional growth and aligns with organizational goals. 

Address and resolve complex issues and conflicts related to program implementation, provider performance, and stakeholder relationships. Develop contingency plans to manage potential challenges and ensure program continuity. 

Advocate for the needs of the jobseekers, program providers in order to meet local workforce demands 

Represent the interests of Partner4Work in various forums and public meetings.

Qualifications

Skills and Abilities

Exceptional leadership, management, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Proven ability to effectively navigate political landscapes and foster productive relationships.

Strong communication and presentation skills.

Excellent project management and multitasking skills.

Strong computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft products, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and private agency offices, associates and clients.

Ability to exercise leadership and function as a team member while working collaboratively with others in a complex organizational environment.

Ability to facilitate meetings and other group activities involving diverse participants.

Ability to synthesize complex information and provide informed recommendations appropriately.

Ability to effectively utilize electronic data collection and retrieval systems.

Ability to travel locally and nationally, as needed.

Education

Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree in Public Policy, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.

Specialized knowledge in structuring, administering, evaluating or strengthening programs that prov