We’re Hiring: Manager of Strategic Initiatives

Job Description:                  Manager of Strategic Initiatives

 FLSA STATUS:                      Exempt

REPORTS TO:                        WWA Executive Director

SALARY RANGE:                   $75,000 - $95,000

LOCATION:                             Remote; with some travel required

LAST REVISION:                    12/12/2023

CLOSING DATE:                     01/14/2024

 

Summary/Objective 

The Manager of Strategic Initiatives will play a critical role, managing strategic initiatives for Washington Workforce Association (WWA). This dynamic full‐time position interfaces directly with the Executive Director of WWA and will partner closely with state and local programmatic leadership. Primary responsibilities will include leading the associations existing Statewide Rapid Response Team initiatives and working closely with WWA’s Executive Director to explore and develop new opportunities to provide technical assistance and bring in new funding streams to support Local Workforce Board (LWDB) efforts to service local employers and job seekers. The ideal candidate for this position will have qualifications and skills that demonstrate their ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with local program leadership and state-level partners.

 

Key Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

1. Manage WWA’s Statewide Rapid Response Team initiatives:

• Provide statewide leadership and coordination for Rapid Response activities;
• Work with partners to support a culture of innovation and collaboration in addressing the Rapid Response needs for businesses and impacted worker;
• Co-lead the Statewide Rapid Response Team (SRRT), along with partners from the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD), and Washington State Labor Council;
• Advocate for LWDBs statewide by elevating regional best practices and promoting a collaborative culture of LWDB-driven leadership and innovation:
• Actively engage with the SRRT to identify successful practices and identify and break down barriers to cross-agency collaboration;
• Provide technical and strategic assistance to the LWDBs for best practices in the delivery of Rapid Response services;
• Identify and recommend program alignment and process improvement opportunities and work with Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDBs) for implementation;
• Coordinate and facilitate ongoing peer-to-peer collaborative learning events;
• Recommend and review workforce system policies affecting Rapid Response and dislocated workers;
• Collaborate with LWDBs and other partners to develop focused training and local strategy development for Business Services and Rapid Response Teams designed to improve the Rapid Response system statewide;
• Collaborate with the LWDBs and SRRT to develop and update Standard Operating Procedures, templates, and referral forms to customize for local use;
• Collaborate with the LWDBs and SRRT to develop a common reporting format including sector, conversion of attendees to customers, and other pertinent data to track and catalogue Rapid Response events across the state; and
• Ensure SRRT funds are utilized for allowable costs that are within approved budget limitations.

 

1. New Fund Development - Work at the direction of WWA’s Executive Director to:

• Research potential grant opportunities and prepare summaries for leadership consideration;
• Coordinate grant funding applications in partnership with LWDB program leadership and state partners;
• Assist in building out policy and process infrastructure needed to affectively be positioned to receive, manage, and award new funds;
• Support administration of new grant funds and related contracting processes;

 

1. Technical Assistance Development – Work at the direction of WWA’s Executive Director to develop additional technical assistance and training opportunities for Local Workforce Board staff and partners to help continually improve coordination and alignment of workforce development system resources and programs.

 

1. Other - Performs other related job duties as assigned.

 

Required Skills/Abilities

• Must be reliable, extremely trustworthy, and respectful of confidential information.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of performance management and risk management principles and best practices.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, and other agency technologies and software.

 

Core Competencies

• Exceptional Interpersonal Skills
• Communication
• Contract Management and Implementation
• Relationship Building
• Planning and Organizing

 

Work Environment

Work is typically performed sitting at a computer desk. Workdays and hours are subject to need and availability to ensure operational coverage throughout the work week. However, daily demands may require occasional early arrivals, late departures, extended hours, as well as weekend or holiday work.

 

Regular travel within Washington state and minimal out-of-state travel to attend meetings and conferences in-person will be required.

 

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. As necessary, a physical abilities assessment may be conducted to determine the capabilities of the employee.

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• At certain events, must be able to stand for long periods of time.
• Lift up to 20 pounds.

 

Travel Required

Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-area and overnight travel will be expected.

Personal transportation and valid Washington State Driver’s License and current automobile insurance required.

 

Included in the Benefits Package

Employees are covered by medical, dental, vision and life and long-term disability insurance with additional family coverage options available. As a contract through PacMtn, participation in the PERS Retirement System is available.

Employees will receive 11 paid holidays, a floating holiday and starting 12 hours of accrued paid time off for each completed month of service.

 

EEO Statement 

WWA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

 

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Statement

WWA is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the organization and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives. WWA strives to demonstrate and expects their employees to demonstrate commitment to understand, communicate with and effectively interact with people across a variety of cultures and backgrounds. WWA commits to continual learning about vulnerable populations and racial disparities in the communities they serve to successfully deliver culturally responsive, service-oriented practices.

 

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

 

To Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter detailing your related experience and interest in the position to [email protected].