*Applicants MUST submit a cover letter with resume to be considered. *This position will require in-office presence. Hybrid work schedules may be possible based on specific job duties and consistent with ESD policy.BASIC FUNCTION: Lead the Office of Strategic Workforce Development (OSWD) development. Strategic planning and strategy development and deployment for statewide workforce development efforts aligned with Empire State Development's (ESD) priority industry sectors. Oversee OSWD's workforce development grant programs and develop new programs as required to continue to meet the needs of New York employers and job seekers. Work collaboratively with fellow NYS agencies on data collection and reporting for workforce development programs. Provide direct supervision of key functions and staff to market, award, and administer grant funds, creating a robust pipeline of industry-driven workforce development programs to fulfill the job needs in high-growth, high-skilled target industry sectors. WORK PERFORMED:
- Provide visionary and hands-on leadership to direct ESD's strategy on workforce development.
- Represent ESD and NYS with employers and industry leaders across the state and regularly engage business and workforce development stakeholders in discussions on regional skills and occupation needs.
- Deploy OSWD grant funding aligned with strategic priorities and goals.
- Develop and deploy marketing and communication strategies to share OSWD opportunities to workforce development stakeholders across the state.
- Lead and manage the development and marketing of program materials and information to business, industry, not-for-profit organizations, and other stakeholders.
- Oversee the evaluation, monitoring and reporting of data for OSWD programs, and for the NYS agencies required to report to OSWD.
- Lead the development of an annual report on OSWD programs, and state agency workforce program outcomes.
- Work closely with the Regional Economic Development Councils (REDCs), regional and statewide economic and workforce development partners, and other NYS agencies to develop and deploy employer-driven workforce development models.
- Scale best practices in workforce development across NYS, including but not limited to, those in training and education, deployment of wraparound services, and employer engagement.
- Lead implementation of the One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships (ON-RAMP) centers across Upstate New York with ESD and program staff.
- Coordinate with the Governor's Office of Semiconductor Expansion Management and Implementation (GO-SEMI) on workforce strategies for the semiconductor industry across NYS.
- Build, maintain and strengthen relationships, alliances and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders including businesses, organizations that provide wraparound services, training and education providers, workforce investment boards, local governments, economic development entities, labor unions and industry associations, and philanthropic organizations. Have a solid understanding of ESD policies, procedures and programs and initiatives offered not only by ESD but other state agencies and connect constituents with relevant programs and services.
- Work closely with the press office, web team and colleagues to ensure information is publicized and clearly communicated on the website and handle coordination of cross-promotion where applicable.
- Managing OSWD budget, and identifying additional hiring needs as they arise.
- Maintain a working knowledge of industry and workforce development trends and make recommendations for continuous improvement.
- Represent the ESD and State of New York as the head of its collaborative workforce development strategy.
- Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:Education Level required: Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred and/or equivalent experience in the business/not-for-profit sector.Experience required: 8 years of full-time experience in the area of workforce development, adult and continuing education, training or closely related field. Must have demonstrated understanding and command of workforce issues and policy. Demonstrated experience working with businesses to develop workforce programs; and experience in supervision and team-based management and experience managing a diverse group of projects and staff. Experience preferred: 12 years of full-time experience in the area of workforce development, adult and continuing education, training or closely related field with experience in curriculum development leading and managing workforce development program contracts a plus (e.g., federally funded programs or WIOA program development and management). Experience with developing and implementing marketing and communication plans and material. Prior experience with programs or activities associated with traditionally underrepresented groups. Experience in industry, particularly in a statewide priority industry or growing sector such as advanced manufacturing, technology, renewable energy, biotechnology and life sciences and an ability to translate industry workforce needs into programs. Knowledge required: Demonstrated in-depth and current knowledge of industry workforce challenges and ideas for better aligning economic and workforce development goals, initiatives, and resources. Excellent analytical, organizational, and planning skills with an ability to prioritize drive and complete multiple projects under stringent deadlines, and to respond to changing priorities is essential. Entrepreneurial and creative mindset and a strategic, systematic approach. Excellent interpersonal, influencing, written and oral communication skills essential. Demonstrated ability to build relationships with staff in the community and perform in a broad range of environments including academic and business.