Workforce Development Program Manager
The Department of Development Services (DDS) is seeking a Workforce Development Program Manager who will play a pivotal role in developing and managing workforce programs for DDS and its provider agencies. As a key member of the Learning and Development Unit, the Workforce Development Program Manager will provide coordination, administrative, and logistical support for existing programs such as the Direct Support Professional Certificate collaboration with Massachusetts Community Colleges and Urban Youth Summer Internships Program while also leading the expansion of partnerships with universities and colleges.
In this role, the manager will work closely with DDS leadership to identify opportunities to develop new programs that position DDS as an employer of choice, offering clear career ladders, comprehensive training opportunities, and a supportive working environment.
The Workforce Development Program Manager will work collaboratively with human resources to ensure programs align with the DEIA goals, creating pathways that support and advance staff from all backgrounds. Success in this position will depend on the manager's ability to think strategically, engage stakeholders, and develop initiatives that not only stabilize the workforce but also foster learning and long-term employee commitment and growth.
This dynamic position is perfect for a visionary leader eager to shape the future of workforce development. Working closely with statewide expert groups, regional work groups, state agencies, and provider agencies the position will create, and market innovative programs designed to attract a diverse talent pool, retain exceptional staff, and advance professional development.
The Workforce Development Program Manager will have the opportunity to:
- Lead and expand meaningful workforce programs that directly impact our mission.
- Build partnerships with universities and community colleges to create career pathways.
- Develop innovative initiatives that support retention, diversity, and professional development.
- Collaborate with dedicated DDS teams and statewide networks to make a lasting impact.
Duties and Responsibilities (these are a general summary and not all-inclusive):
- Oversight, including the management, promotion, and expansion, of existing DDS workforce recruitment and retention programs, Direct Support Certificate Program, College Internship Program, Urban Youth Collaborative Program, and Mentoring Program
- Establish new programs Workforce/ Placement Programs / National Job Shadow Day
- Participate in the creation of programmatic documents, and strategic planning and create reports as requested.
- Ensure that collaborative problem-solving and decision-making processes are utilized to maximize the effectiveness of program initiatives.
- Work with senior staff to analyze data to determine annual and long-term operational needs to ensure future staffing needs are planned and met
- Serve as a technical advisor to various departmental and interagency task forces or programs.
- Lead day-to-day communication to coordinate external workforce development programs, such as those concerning programs with community colleges and universities, high schools, Workforce Investment Boards, Internship Programs, Direct Support Certificate Program
- Coordinate and implement programmatic changes to improve existing internal programs such as Urban Youth, Mentoring Program
- Draft RFRs/MOUs and coordinate procurement of new programs for staff
- Development, and deployment of marketing strategies for workforce programs
- Identify, develop, and maintain workforce development partnerships and networks
- Recommend expansion or creation of new programs with community and state colleges
- Design and implementation of new programs
- Recommend best practice initiatives for staff retention and development
If you’re ready to take on a dynamic role where your ideas and leadership will shape the future of workforce development, we invite you to apply. Join us at DDS to make a difference – not just in our workforce, but in the lives of those we serve every day.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ability to understand both written and unwritten workplace rules and behaviors that make for continuous employment and career advancement
- Knowledge of adult training and development theory and practice
- Knowledge of program development processes
- Knowledge of business improvement theory and practice
- Ability to read, understand, and interpret complex rules and regulations
- Ability to listen and understand the positions of others and recognize a range of reasonable views
- Ability to analyze policy and incorporate policy into workforce development programs
- Ability to identify barriers/challenges within the system and implement process improvements
- Ability to facilitate and support team-building activities
- Ability to set priorities and identify and implement strategies
- Ability to anticipate problem situations and take appropriate actions
- Ability to work with state and local officials and interested parties
- Ability to properly assess the impact of outside forces
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within and outside the agency
- Ability to communicate effectively in both writing and oral presentation
- Skilled in problem-solving, consensus building, conflict resolution, and team building
About the Department of Developmental Services:
The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 41,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages over $3.2 billion in public funds and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.
For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dds