Director, Workforce Development

Director, Workforce Development

At the Port of Seattle, we anticipate making salary offers between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range. Offers will be based on experience similar to the Port job being applied for as well as a review of pay rates for Port employees performing similar work. Salary ranges are under review and subject to change.

As a Workforce Development Director, you will lead an innovative team of Workforce Development professionals that will work collectively to operate innovative Workforce Development and economic development programming for youth and adults in King County that face the greatest barriers to accessing employment in port related industries. The Director will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of all Workforce Development and education programs, engagement with key industry and community stakeholders, and innovative efforts based on market research, as directed by the Senior Director of the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (OEDI).

• You will provide the vision for an effective and equitable Workforce Development (WFD) program at the Port and lead the implementation of strategic investments in Workforce Development that centers equity and inclusion, while ensuring that the elements of the plan respond to industry workforce needs.
• You will coach, mentor and train direct reports and provide continuous performance management and conduct performance evaluations and direct supervision to WFD program managers and staff who execute workplans.
• You will conduct and apply equity-based evaluations and analysis of the Workforce Development program, using both qualitative and quantitative data to community-facing impacts and recommend and support course corrections and ongoing implementation of community impact analysis and implementation.
• You will coordinate the creation of performance dashboards, other performance reports and summarize results and interpretations of findings for a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• You will create annual reports for the commission, as required by the WFD Policy Directive and ensure that all Workforce Development strategies, contracts and practices comply with WA RCW 53.08.245.
• You will develop, manage, and support key relationships with industry leaders in Port related sectors to ensure that open dialogue and feedback loop is maintained with Port partners.
• You will manage and support key relationships with community leaders and advocacy organizations to advance the Port's WFD priorities, and serve as the liaison with the minority, immigrant and refugee communities and Port leaders ensuring timely and relevant exchanges.
• You will ensure that the Port's goals of diversity and inclusion are shared with strategic partners and support the implementation of similar goals in their organizations. Additionally, you will make presentations to industry and other stakeholders about the Port's interest in a skilled and diverse workforce.
• You will provide the Sr. Director, Port executives and Commission with relevant feedback obtained from industry leaders.
• You will provide thought partnership to the OEDI Sr Director on new and innovative WFD strategies and develop recommendations, performance metrics, policies, and processes in support of ongoing development of the department.
• You will exercise strategic vision and recommendations for enhancing Workforce Development department performance and how to align system enhancements with strategies that advance job quality and racial equity.
• You will perform other duties as assigned.

• Experienced – You have nine (9) years of experience managing and supporting workforce training and education programs that serve vulnerable populations with an emphasis on racial equity/structural racism, community development, and capacity building. Additionally, you have nine (9) years of experience with pathways and training programs in Port related industries and a comprehensive understanding of barriers for women and BIPOC populations in these fields.
• Educated – You possess a Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent (at least 7-10 years) experience, in Workforce Development, public or business administration, policy, economics, or other field related to this work.
• Committed to Equity – You will apply equity and exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices in all aspects of the work. At the Port of Seattle, equity is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all Port employees.
• Organizational Leadership – You have direct organizational leadership experience and expertise with Workforce Development strategies that center racial equity with the ability to operationalize those strategies. Additionally, you can skillfully lead and engage the team in multiple high-demand projects of varying timelines simultaneously.
• Collaborator – You have proven ability to work collaboratively and establish positive relationships with staff, colleagues, and external partners. Additionally, you are effective with engaging and inspiring multiple partners from distinct sectors around shared opportunities and interests.
• Strategic – You are a strong strategic and systems thinker with knowledge of the regional, state, and national labor market landscape to advocate for systems change of industry practices and address barriers to equity, with the ability to operationalize Workforce Development strategies that center racial equity.
• Effective Communicator – You have clear communication and ability to effectively present complex information to internal and external audiences.

• Work Schedule – Your normal work schedule will be Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (40 hours per week). Slightly more flexible start and end times are available in this role. You may be required to work any and all assigned shifts, including weekends and holidays. You may be required to work during emergencies.
• Work Environment - This work will take place in a hybrid remote/in-office setting at Management’s discretion.
• Grade Review – The pay range and grade for non-represented positions are under review and subject to change as part of the Port’s work to implement a new pay program. This review is intended to ensure that positions are aligned with the new program that will be implemented in early 2024.
• Washington State Residency Requirement – Employees must establish a residence in Washington state within 30 days of their first day of employment and must maintain a residence in Washington State during their employment with the Port of Seattle. If a position is eligible to telework, work performed while teleworking must be performed in Washington State.
• Security Requirements – As the successful candidate, you must pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check as well as a criminal history background check with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Your employment will be contingent upon obtaining a Port of Seattle ID badge upon clearance.

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  Healthcare – Medical, Dental, and Vision Care with options that work for you and your family.
• Paid Vacation – Just about four weeks per year that increases with tenure to rest and rejuvenate.
• Paid Sick Leave – At least one hour of sick leave for every 40 hours worked.
• Holidays – More than ten days per year to celebrate with family and friends away from work.
• Pension/Retirement Plans – A pension and additional savings plans to prepare for your future after the Port.
• Getting to Work – From subsidized parking and a low-cost public transit card to alternative work arrangements giving you an opportunity to work from home.
• Parental Leave – Six weeks of paid leave to spend with new additions to your immediate family.
• Development – From tuition reimbursement, training, stretch assignments and internal internships, we support a learning culture.
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion – The Port of Seattle values diversity as a source of innovation and strength. We are actively working across the organization to create a culture where all employees – regardless of race, gender, and other identities – succeed and reach their fullest potential.
• Work-Life Balance – We provide the resources to help you create habits to be healthy and balanced.
• Mission Driven – We are focused together in promoting economic opportunities and quality of life in the region by advancing trade, travel, commerce, and job creation in an equitable, accountable, and environmentally responsible manner.