Director, Workforce Partnerships

Position: Workforce Partnerships Director

Classification: Full Time/Exempt

Position Overview

The Director of Workforce Partnerships will play a key role in executing the Alliance’s new employer engagement strategy. Reporting to the Managing Director of Workforce Partnerships, the Director of Workforce Partnerships will strengthen the Alliance’s connections with employers and workforce organizations. The Director will also work cross-functionally within the Alliance, with a particular focus on the Alliance’s work supporting districts with high-quality implementation of workforce partnerships. The Director’s efforts will ensure Linked Learning provides students with the skills necessary for careers in high-wage, high-skill, high-growth sectors—and that employers have the future workforce they need to drive California’s economy.

The Director of Workforce Partnerships will help define excellence in career-connected educational pathways, and facilitate links between K-12 education, higher education, and the workforce. Specifically, the Director will help manage the Alliance’s new employer-led initiatives, grants, and partnerships at the local, regional, and state-level. The director will be instrumental in prospecting future funding opportunities as well as building relationships with leaders and organizations in California to advise on the workforce needs in specific industry sectors. The Director will support high-quality implementation of work-based learning and education-employer partnerships by developing tools and providing technical assistance to local education agencies, employers, intermediary organizations, and others.

Essential Functions

  • Manage the Alliance’s new Employer Advisory Boards & Networks to convene top leaders in business and workforce development across California, with a focus on the four priority sectors in the Golden State Pathways Program: healthcare, computer science, education, and climate-related STEM.
  • Lead the development of strong partnerships with employers and workforce development organizations to advance high-quality college and career pathways in California.
  • Conduct periodic landscape analyses of employer and workforce opportunities and labor-market information across California.
  • Seek out new funding opportunities and play a lead role in proposal development, grant writing and concept papers.
  • Lead the development and creation of tools and resources that facilitate high-quality work-based learning and partnerships between employers and educators.
  • Provide guidance and coaching on work-based learning (and other topics at the intersection of education and workforce) to local education agencies, intermediary organizations, and others.
  • Support strategic communications related to employers, and other workforce stakeholders. A bachelor’s degree in education, public policy, business administration, or other related fields from a four-year college or university, or commensurate years of professional experience and demonstrated success. Master’s degree in the above fields is preferred.

Qualifications

  • A bachelor’s degree in education, public policy, business administration, or other related fields from a four-year college or university, or commensurate years of professional experience and demonstrated success. Master’s degree in the above fields is preferred.
  • Minimum of five years of professional experience in education or business. Experience in workforce development, talent pipeline management, or education is preferred.
  • Exceptional interpersonal, collaboration, networking, relationship-building skills, and client management. Candidates with experience building strong partnerships with both education and employer stakeholders are preferred.
  • Significant practical experience in the domain of education and workforce partnerships, including, but not limited to: Linked Learning, work-based learning, career technical education (CTE), apprenticeships, workforce investment boards, and college and career pathways. Background in one of the Golden State Pathways Program sectors (healthcare, computer science, education, and climate-related STEM) is preferred.
  • Exceptional project management skills and demonstrated ability to leverage technology to facilitate team collaboration.
  • Excellent presentation skills including developing and presenting slide decks for a range of external and internal audiences, meeting facilitation, and providing in-person and virtual technical assistance to partners.
  • Experience researching and writing reports, briefs, external resources and client decks.
  • Ability to organize, analyze, and present quantitative data that can inform decision-making and strategic direction.
  • A deep-rooted belief in the ability of all students to achieve college and career success, and a passion for advancing economic mobility for young people.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, such via hybrid work environments. Solid judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Effective, detail-oriented, versatile, and action-driven.
  • Excellent professional communication skills. This includes writing and editing skills with the ability to communicate clearly and streamline information.
  • Ability to work positively and collaboratively with team members at all levels, and function effectively on diverse teams.
  • Willingness to learn and a genuine interest in the core work of the Alliance.
  • A strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Compensation

Linked Learning Alliance offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits package. Typical salary range for this role: $100,000-125,000.

Location
California. Preference for Los Angeles area.

Status
Exempt

To Apply
If you would like to apply, please send your resume and a cover letter to Sheila Jackson, Managing Director, Workforce Partnerships, via email to sheila@linkedlearning.org. Write “Director of Workforce Partnerships application” in the subject line. In your cover letter, please share how your experience, competencies, skills, and interests are a good match for this position.

Priority deadline: 3/25/24. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications received by 3/25/24 or earlier will be given priority. Applicants may apply after the priority deadline if the position is not yet filled.

For questions, please contact Sheila Jackson, Managing Director, Workforce Partnerships: sheila@linkedlearning.org.

The Linked Learning Alliance is an equal opportunity employer. The Alliance is committed to equity, embraces diversity as an asset, and practices inclusivity. These values strengthen our culture, help us fulfill our mission, and contribute to a better world. We are an equal-opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.