Job Description
Executive Director of Workforce Development
Department: Education & Training
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Huntington YMCA
Reporting To: Wendy Zinn
Compensation: $137,000 - $147,000 / year
The Education and Training Branch plans and delivers adult education and workforce development programs in the YMCA of Greater Boston’s service area. This position is the key leadership position for the Branch. This position is a turnaround role for the programs it offers, it requires vision, energy, creativity, internal and external coalition building and an entrepreneurial attitude.
The Executive Director needs to be knowledgeable about program design in order to build programs that will be successful in reaching the outcomes required by funders and sought by students and employers. Expertise in using data to inform continuous quality improvement and experience in leading staff in embedding CQI into program design and practice. The candidate should understand public funders and public funding streams.
Candidates should have knowledge and experience with the YMCA and understand the value that the organization brings to the communities that it serves in order to leverage Branch and internal YMCA opportunities.
The scope of this adult education and workforce development program includes an annual operating budget of $2.7 million across three locations with a staff of 35-40 team members. The Executive Director will drive all program and financial development for the Branch and its stakeholders. This executive is responsible for all branch decision making and for administering the business operations of the Branch in accordance with the policies, by-laws and constitution of the YMCA of Greater Boston. This position reports to the Chief Social Responsibility Officer.
Key Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement a long-term vision and strategic plan for Adult Education and Workforce Development.
- Align programs with regional labor market needs and emerging workforce trends.
- Develop career pathway initiatives that connect participants to credentials, employment, and economic mobility.
- Collaborate with employers, educational institutions, workforce boards, government agencies, and community organizations to expand opportunities and strengthen outcomes.
- Establish strategic goals, timelines, and performance measures to ensure program effectiveness and sustainability.
- Monitor policy, legislative, and funding developments affecting adult education and workforce programs.
- Serve as a key leader within the YMCA's leadership structure, contributing to organizational strategy, operational planning, and enterprise-wide initiatives.
- Collaborate across departments to advance organizational goals, strengthen community impact, and support mission-driven outcomes.
- Lead organizational change initiatives related to workforce trends, funding opportunities, technology adoption, program innovation, and evolving community needs.
Program Leadership & Operations
- Provide leadership and oversight for adult education, English language learning, digital literacy, workforce readiness, occupational skills training, credentialing, and career pathway programs.
- Ensure programs are innovative, participant-centered, outcomes-driven, and responsive to community needs.
- Establish standards for program design, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
- Ensure curriculum and instructional practices are standards-based, culturally responsive, and aligned with adult learner needs.
- Oversee systems that measure program effectiveness and participant success.
- Identify and mitigate operational, financial, compliance, and reputational risks associated with program delivery and partnerships.
- Ensure compliance with YMCA policies and all federal, state, city, and grant requirements.
People Leadership
- Recruit, develop, coach, and retain a high-performing team of directors, managers, instructors, and staff.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
- Conduct performance evaluations and support professional development opportunities.
- Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and anti-bias practices throughout programs.
- Maintain transparent communication and strong staff engagement.
- Develop future leaders through succession planning, mentorship, and leadership development initiatives that strengthen organizational sustainability.
Partnerships, Community Engagement & Fundraising
- Cultivate and strengthen partnerships with employers, workforce boards, educational institutions, government agencies, foundations, and community organizations.
- Expand internships, apprenticeships, work-based learning, and employment opportunities for participants.
- Serve as a visible spokesperson and advocate for workforce development and adult education initiatives.
- Collaborate with Association Office to identify, secure, and steward public and private funding opportunities.
- Build and maintain relationships with funders, donors, elected officials, and community leaders.
- Represent the YMCA in workforce development networks, coalitions, and public forums.
Financial & Grant Management
- Provide fiscal leadership and oversight for an annual operating budget of approximately $3.3 million.
- Develop and manage annual budgets and long-term financial plans.
- Oversee grant administration, compliance, reporting, and performance management.
- Manage funding sources, including federal, state, city, private, and philanthropic grants.
- Ensure timely and accurate submission of financial and programmatic reports.
- Maintain financial sustainability while maximizing program impact and resource utilization.
Performance Measurement & Continuous Improvement
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators, including enrollment, retention, completion, credential attainment, employment placement, and wage advancement outcomes.
- Utilize data to inform decision-making, resource allocation, and program improvements.
- Communicate outcomes and impact to funders, senior leadership, and stakeholders.
- Promote a culture of innovation, learning, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee the effective use of data, reporting, case management, and program management systems to support program quality, compliance, and participant outcomes.
- Monitor and utilize disaggregated data to identify and address disparities in participant access, completion, credential attainment, employment, and wage advancement outcomes.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Required Knowledge. Skills & Abilities:
- Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year accredited college; Master’s Degree in related field
- 5-7 years' experience developing partnerships, strategic planning, community development and overall operations in an educational related field.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
- Good knowledge of trends in workforce programming (i.e., apprenticeships, internships).
- Considerable interpersonal, verbal, presentation and written communications skills with the ability to communicate and interact with all levels of staff, administration, volunteers and stakeholders in a diverse community.
- Considerable skill in working collaboratively and building the team with administrators, staff and stakeholders.
- Considerable skill in developing and managing multiple budgets with different reporting requirements, including specific grant reporting requirements.
- Considerable skill to build external partnerships.
- Considerable skill in grant writing at the state and national level with proven success.
- Demonstrated respect for the teaching, learning, and evaluation process.
- Demonstrated success serving as an advocate for the division and staff in a large organization.
- Appreciation of equity, diversity, inclusion and promotion of multi-cultural awareness.
- Significant, proven leadership in adult education and/or workforce development.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule which includes days/evenings/weekends as needed by the department.
COMPETENCIES/KNOW HOW:
- Must have a thorough understanding of the nature of the YMCA movement, function of the Board of Advisors, volunteers and staff in the accomplishments of the YMCA goals, objectives and mission in the community.
- Mastery of conversations with stakeholders aimed at uncovering the talent and skill needs of employers and government funders.
- Skill in curriculum design and adult learning methods, especially in a workforce development context.
- Possess a concern for detail and accuracy and have the ability to delegate responsibility.
- Must be highly motivated and possess a positive attitude towards the YMCA, character development and mission.
Benefits
Why work at the Y?
The YMCA of Greater Boston is an incredible place to have a fulfilling career or enjoy part-time employment — all while we are supporting and strengthening our communities, because our community is our cause. When you join us in your career here, you can look forward to:
- Developing your leadership skills in a caring, challenging & diverse working environment.
- Exploring a wide range of opportunities as you learn new skills and functions.
- Shaping the future of young children while making a difference each day for our communities and each other.
- Engaging in YMCA career training programs and working alongside those who have the same passion.
- A healthy work/life balance
- Comprehensive benefits including:
- FREE YMCA Membership for you.
- Discount on Specialty Programs like Personal Training and Swimming Lessons.
- Discounted or FREE family membership.
- Robust Retirement Plan up to 10%. (see eligibility requirement)
- Health, Dental, and Vision Benefit Package.
- Vacation and Sick Time (PT receive sick time)
