Director of Employment Services

Job Description:

Journey’s End is seeking an experienced workforce development professional to fill the position of Director of Employment Services. In this senior leadership role, the Director will spearhead Journey’s End’s Employment Services program, focusing on promoting self-sufficiency among refugee and immigrant communities in Buffalo and Jamestown through the provision of direct job placement, job training, and employment preparation services. Reporting directly to the Chief Program Office, the Director of Employment will play a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the employment landscape, cultivating partnerships, and implementing programs to empower individuals towards sustainable employment opportunities. Along with the Executive team and other directors, the Director will help ensure the agency continues to meet its strategic mission and goals.

The Director of Employment must exemplify Journey’s End’s core values in their work. These values include intercultural responsiveness, integrity, person-centered, empowerment, and exemplary service.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive employment strategy that aligns with JERS’ mission and overarching goals. Provide visionary leadership to identify and capitalize on opportunities for enhancing Employment Services and outcomes.
• Oversee the end-to-end process of designing, implementing, and evaluating employment programs and services catering to the diverse needs of refugee and immigrant communities. Ensure existing programs meet high-quality standards and deliver impactful results.
• Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with employers, community organizations, and job training programs, expanding employment opportunities for clients. Collaborate with key stakeholders to amplify the visibility and effectiveness of Employment initiatives.
• Lead, supervise, and mentor a dedicated team of Employment Specialists, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services. Provide guidance and accountability to staff, ensuring compliance with program requirements, regulations, and funding stipulations.
• Monitor program outcomes and performance metrics, regularly assessing and evaluating program effectiveness.
• Conduct regular program meetings to troubleshoot, review employment opportunities and potential employee matches, provide training, and foster team-building.
• Engage new employers to broaden the base of job opportunities for clients.
• Maintain partnerships with local employers, job training providers, and community stakeholders to facilitate employment opportunities for refugees.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure timely referrals and effective communication systems for staff and clients.
• Oversee and manage program budget, ensure compliance with financial guidelines; communicate regularly with the agency's finance department for timely vouchering. Assist grants team with new funding proposals or funding renewal applications.
• Utilize data-driven insights to assess program effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and inform strategic decision-making. Prepare regular reports for organizational leadership and external stakeholders on the impact and outcomes of Employment programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Leadership Team Responsibilities

• Participate as a member of the Senior Leadership Team to provide a united, visible, and strong leadership presence across the organization.
• Advocate on behalf of refugees in employment-related matters, addressing barriers to employment and promoting inclusive hiring practices.
• Actively problem solve and prioritize overall effectiveness of meeting stakeholders’ needs
• Assist in maintaining culture of wellness, philanthropy, and respect
• Represent Journey’s End at meetings, conferences, and community events to raise awareness of refugee employment issues and promote program initiatives.
• Help to develop, implement, and record/measure outcomes for strategic plan and goals

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, with at least 3 years of management experience and exhibited commitment to life-long learning.
• Workforce development experience preferred.
• Integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed with demonstrated passion for Journey’s End mission and commitment to working collaboratively with a leadership team of senior professionals.
• Unwavering commitment to quality programs and excellence in organizational and program management with the ability to achieve strategic objectives, and manage a budget
• A solid grasp of data analysis and performance metrics.
• Proven judgment and leadership skills.
• A team player, who can interrelate and operate effectively with peers and other associates within a collegial, yet demanding, work environment
• Ability to support a variety of constituencies, manage multiple tasks simultaneously and thrive in a complex environment with multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically in a multi-cultural setting and with limited-English proficiency speakers.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable access to an insured vehicle.

• 10% employer retirement contribution
• Health, vision, dental, & life insurance
• Hybrid work schedule
• Generous paid time off (up to 4 weeks within first year)
• 12 paid holidays
• $1,000 employer HSA contribution