Director of Workforce Innovation - YWCA Metropolitan Chicago

POSITION TITLE: Director of Workforce Innovation

STATUS: Exempt, FT GRADE: 6 SALARY: $70K - 95K/yr

DEPT/PROGRAM NAME: Economic Empowerment (EEI)

REPORTS TO: Chief Economic Empowerment Officer

SUPERVISES: Team Lead, Program Managers

SUMMARY: The Director of Workforce Innovation is responsible for the administration of all department functions including program development, implementation and evaluation; staff management; resource development; contract compliance and reporting including software data management.

COLLABORATES WITH: YWCA Executive Team; Program Directors; EES staff; Program Funders, Computer Technology staff; Community Relations Specialists; Site Staff; Volunteers; Metro staff; outside Agencies; and Volunteers

Program Expansion: Organize and facilitate the development and implementation of Workforce Programing at multiple sites in the Chicago metropolitan area. Conduct site-specific research; assist with developing a funding plan; hire and support site staff; and implement programming customized to the geographic and demographic area served.

Management & Supervisory Responsibilities: Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees and volunteers; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees, and resolving problems.Develop the Program’s staffing structure and position description, reporting and related administrative relationships, with assistance from the Chief Economic Empowerment Officer.

Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders including funders, program managers, and YWCA peers, leaders and executives. Deliver timely, effective, and accurate communications to build trust and confidence with external stakeholders while resolving issues and addressing concerns.

Leadership Responsibilities: Provide leadership and direction in the areas of policy recommendation and program strategies. Assist in the facilitation of and participation in the Leadership Council; a quarterly meeting of all employees that supervises others to discuss leadership and improvement and development.

Client Database Management: Assist with the management of client data capture and database management. Monitor the clients’ comprehensive interview process regarding all agency services and potential forms of participation. Ensure the delivery of relevant and accurate information and referral to supportive services for related needs. (e.g., childcare, health care, drug abuse, violence intervention, counseling, literacy programs, “soft skills” training of various kinds, GED/ABE classes, educational programs, etc. and referral to basic “literacy” programs in finance and credit, computer skills, and reading and writing proficiency in English)

Networking & Sponsorship: Represent the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago in local and state coalitions working on related issues. Advocate the YWCA's position and activities in this area to the media, and government officials

Budgeting & Business Model Development: Work collaboratively with fund development department to secure continuation of funding. Implement the business model for technology services and / or other business activity. Collect and analyze materials, demographics and information related to women’s economic empowerment for use as a reference venue for the YWCA and other interested organizations.

Professional Development: Participate in trainings and public education for agencies and community groups on low-moderate income community advancements.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED: Other duties outside of the responsibilities of the position may be assigned, whether for a project, special needs task or other assignments.

QUALIFICATIONS: The position’s needs require a minimum of five years of related experience. The Director, Economic Empowerment holds a central role in the organization and must possess intellectual strength, excellent business acumen, creativity, and have a keen understanding of finance, marketing and operations issues. The Director must possess substantial resource development experience, including grant writing experience. The position requires understanding of contract compliance and a well-developed reporting skill set. Prior experience in work force development is required. The Director should have familiarity with south and west side community leadership and agencies, accompanied by experience in working with a broad socio-economic network (with a particular focus on under resourced communities). The role requires excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, with developed skills in public speaking. The Director must be able to effectively present information and respond to questions from directors, staff and the general public. Excellent written and oral communication skills are required. The Director should have well-developed proficiency using computers and software with an emphasis on Excel and other budgeting tools A newly hired Director must complete two hour anti-racism training within first ninety days of employment.

EDUCATION REQUIRED: At minimum, a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business or related field is required. A Master’s degree is preferred.

CERTIFICATION(s) REQUIRED: N/A

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment includes offices. The noise level is usually moderate. Movement requirements include walking, stooping or kneeling. There may be a need to reach or to lift objects, such as packages or supplies. Communication needs include seeing, hearing and speaking. While in the office, there will be periods of sitting, holding a telephone and using computers. Reasonable accommodations will be made for an incumbent to meet the essentials responsibilities of the position. The Director must be able to travel locally and must be knowledgeable about the geographic and neighborhood areas of Chicago.

WORK SCHEDULE: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.This position may require work on some evenings and weekends. Schedule can vary depending on the needs of the agency.