Reports to: ECIWDB Chair

Work Location: Hybrid within Iowa; primary domicile will be determined at time of hire upon residency. This role requires the ability to travel regularly throughout the East Central Iowa Workforce Region for events, meetings, and provision of services.

Strong preference will be given to candidates who reside within the service area (Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn, and Washington counties).

Position Overview: Under Board supervision, the Executive Director plans, implements, and directs workforce development activities for the East Central Iowa Workforce Development Board. The Executive is responsible for carrying out ECIWDB policies and administering day-to-day activities and programs in accordance with legal responsibilities and Board philosophies and values. The Executive Director represents and advances the Workforce Development Board’s position to key stakeholders and helps develop a workforce that meets the needs of the area’s economy. They are responsible for frequent and regular review of relevant data and literature to keep abreast of current trends and developments in the field of workforce development, and subsequently communicate key findings to appropriate individuals and organizations. Finally, the Executive Director will foster a collaborative and respectful environment consistent with board values and vision to ensure the region’s workforce thrives and meets the needs of all residents and businesses.

Primary responsibilities fall into the following major categories: policy and system building; member support; strategic relations; administration; compliance.
 

Essential Competencies:

Leadership and Strategy	Stakeholder Engagement
Relationship Building	Economic Development
Board Development and Support	Program Development and Management
Compliance and Reporting

 

Key Responsibilities:

Policy and System Building

• Collaborate with the Local Board and CEO Board to set strategic goals and direction for the ECIWDB.
• Ensure the execution of strategic plans and goals established by the ECIWDB and CEO Board.
• Transform workforce metrics into actionable goals: develop labor market studies, surveys, analysis, and reports related to community employment and employer skills development needs.
• Support the development and implementation of an annual operational plan for local American Job Centers (AJC).

Member and System Support

• Organize and lead collaborative efforts to address workforce needs and opportunities within the region.
• Develop and maintain a strong, business-led board with clear roles for members.
• Provide direction and support to the Board Chair, Executive Committee, and other board members.
• Facilitate board involvement in strategic initiatives and ongoing projects.
• Provide thorough training to new board members on Board Policies and Procedures and WIOA Core Partners.
• Support the activities and goals of WIOA Core Partners.

Strategic Relations

• Act as the primary connector among Iowa Workforce Development, local employers, business owners, and service providers.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with the Chief Elected Official and other city/town officials.
• Foster strong relationships with federal, state, and local government officials, local legislators, community leaders, educational institutions, community-based organizations, other local boards and executive directors, and other key stakeholders.
• Raise the visibility of workforce development as a critical component of economic development in the region.
• Produce and distribute public communications materials that identify the purpose, goals, and achievements of the Board through the board website, social media, press releases, and written publications.

Administration

• Organize, manage, and facilitate meetings for the LWDB and CEO Boards and Committees, adhering to Robert’s Rules for Order and all applicable legal regulations.
• Organize and lead collaborative efforts to address workforce needs and opportunities within the region.
• Ensure continuous program evaluation and improvement to meet established goals and expand into new markets.
• Manage the local area budget and maintain high-quality fiscal management and administration.
• Manage procurement process for grants, contracts, and agreements for funding.
• Supervise any board support staff to ensure effective and efficient operations.
• Direct fiscal and reporting processes for grants and oversee compliance with regulations.

Compliance

• Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all applicable legislation and regulations, including WIOA.
• Ensure compliance with all federal and state workforce development programs and regulations, including Sunshine Act and other applicable laws.
• Monitor the development and implementation of workforce programs for youth, adults, and dislocated workers in accordance with Board policy and state and federal regulations.
   

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, human services, business, public administration, or a related field (advanced degree preferred). Significant relevant work experience equivalency considered.
• A minimum of 5 years’ previous work experience in workforce development, economic development, or a related field, is required.
• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and foster a respectful and inclusive environment.
• Candidates must be a resident of Iowa, preferably of the East Central Iowa workforce region (Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn, or Washington counties).

 

Interested applications should submit resume and cover letter via emai by clicking apply now.