Workforce Development Manager - Division - Workforce Development, Long Beach, CA, US

Workforce Development Manager ·   · About Goodwill SOLAC: · Goodwill, Southern Los Angeles County (SOLAC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that transforms donated goods into job training, education, and placement services for individuals with barriers to employment. Goodwill ...

Job description

Workforce Development Manager

 

About Goodwill SOLAC:

Goodwill, Southern Los Angeles County (SOLAC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that transforms donated goods into job training, education, and placement services for individuals with barriers to employment. Goodwill SOLAC serves 22 cities and communities throughout Southern Los Angeles County.

Our skills training, education, job preparation, and placement programs build lives, families, and communities—one job at a time. Placing individuals in productive and competitive employment fills them with the value, joy, and dignity of a paycheck. We believe putting people to work benefits the individual and the community's economic vitality through taxes, spending power, real estate values, quality of life, and relief from social services and welfare systems. 

Goodwill SOLAC is one of 154 independent Goodwill's with membership in Goodwill Industries International. Goodwill SOLAC's campus in Long Beach houses its administrative offices, Goodwill Interpreting Services, various training programs, career center, retail store, processing operations, transportation, and e-commerce operations. 

We are proud, equal opportunity employers. We are committed to fair hiring practices and creating a welcoming environment for all team members. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, familial status, or veteran status.

Summary Description:

The Workforce Development Manager reports directly to the Vice President of Workforce Development and is responsible for the day-to-day operational oversight of Goodwill's Digital Skills training programs, Career Center operations, job fairs, employer engagement activities, and assigned special initiatives, including staff supervision and cross-functional coordination. In collaboration with the Vice President of Workforce Development, the Workforce Development Program Manager supports the development and management of partner relationships with employers, training providers, and community organizations, and identifies opportunities for program growth, innovation, and special projects. The role leads ongoing evaluation efforts to ensure program quality, effectiveness, and compliance with funder and CARF requirements, and may provide direct operational support or serve as a substitute Career Advisor as needed to maintain continuity of services. This position requires periodic travel to Career Centers, community partner locations, employer sites, and other Goodwill facilities.

Exemplary Duties / Responsibilities:

Planning and Development Functions

• Works with the Vice President of Workforce Development to assess current and future workforce development needs related to Digital Skills training, Career Center services, job fairs, and special initiatives.
• Supports the design, refinement, and expansion of Digital Skills curricula, career readiness programming, and employment service models aligned with labor market demand.
• Plans and implements job fairs and hiring events in coordination with employers, workforce partners, and internal teams.
• Develops and maintains strong relationships with employers, training providers, workforce boards, and community-based organizations to support participant placement and retention outcomes.
• Supports special projects that advance workforce innovation, pilot programs, cross-department initiatives, or new service models.
• As assigned, participates in grant writing, proposals, and reporting related to workforce development programs.
• Ensures timely and accurate completion of all required program reports and outcome documentation.

Training and Coordination Functions

• Coordinates, facilitates, and evaluates training for staff supporting Digital Skills programs, Career Centers, and job fairs.
• Provides coaching, technical assistance, and performance feedback to assigned staff to support consistent service delivery and professional growth.
• Ensures staff compliance with documentation, data entry, and reporting requirements in accordance with funding source guidelines, division policies, and CARF standards.
• Oversees staff use of Goodwill data and case management systems to ensure accurate participant tracking, outcome reporting, and audit readiness.

Quality Assurance Functions

• Supports the Vice President in developing and maintaining standards, tools, and monitoring processes to assess program quality and effectiveness.
• Conducts periodic reviews of Digital Skills programs, Career Center operations, job fairs, and special projects to evaluate performance and outcomes.
• Analyzes program data and prepares summary reports with recommendations for improvement.
• Implements participant and employer feedback tools, including satisfaction surveys, and uses findings to strengthen services.
• Conducts regular chart audits of participant files and prepares audit summaries for internal review and external monitoring as required.

Supervisor Functions

• Provides day-to-day supervision of assigned workforce development staff, which may include Digital Skills instructors, Career Advisors, Career Coaches, and staff supporting Career Centers or job fairs.
• Coordinates staff schedules, assignments, and operational priorities to ensure effective coverage and service delivery.
• Participates in staff performance evaluations in collaboration with the Vice President of Workforce Development.
• Supports and facilitates ongoing staff meetings, trainings, and in-service activities.
• Provides coverage or direct service support as needed to ensure continuity of operations.
• Performs other duties and special assignments as directed by the Director of Human Resources   

Minimum Qualifications:

Education/Experience:

Any combination of education or experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would qualify. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:

• Bachelor's degree in education, workforce development, social sciences, or a related field, plus five years of experience in workforce development, education, or social services, including at least two years in a supervisory capacity. 
• Experience working with individuals facing barriers to employment is strongly preferred.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Self-directed and accountable
• Collaborative and adaptable
• Confident decision-maker
• Proactive and solution-oriented
• Strong commitment to learning and continuous improvement
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and individuals with barriers to employment
• Experience supervising and supporting diverse teams
•  Knowledge of workforce development programs, career centers, and employer engagement
• Working knowledge of CARF and applicable workforce regulations
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to analyze data and prepare clear, concise reports and proposals
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including group presentations
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and workforce data systems
• Ability to collaborate across teams to achieve placement, retention, and service goal

License/Certifications:

• Valid California Driver's License must be willing to use their personal vehicle in the course of employment. 

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing workforce development programs that include Career Centers, Digital Skills training, and employer engagement
• Experience planning and executing job fairs or hiring events with employers and workforce partners
• Strong ability to build and maintain relationships with employers, community-based organizations, and public-sector partners
• Experience supervising staff and supporting consistent, high-quality service delivery
• Working knowledge of CARF standards, data tracking, and performance reporting

Core Competencies: 

To perform the job successfully an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Leadership & Accountability – Provides clear direction, follows through on commitments, and holds self and others accountable for results
• Operational Execution – Manages day-to-day operations across multiple programs while keeping services consistent and on track
• Partnership Management – Builds and maintains productive relationships with employers, community partners, and workforce agencies
• Data & Quality Focus – Uses data to monitor performance, ensure compliance, and drive continuous improvement
• Problem Solving – Identifies issues early, thinks critically, and implements practical solutions
• Communication – Communicates clearly and professionally with staff, partners, and leadership
• Adaptability – Adjusts quickly to changing priorities, funding requirements, and program needs
• Equity & Inclusion – Demonstrates respect for diverse communities and supports inclusive service delivery

This job specification should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standard of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required by their supervisor.