Program Director

Job Title: Program Director – PacMtn Workforce Program 

Location: Work location rotates between Centralia, Lacey, Aberdeen, and Shelton, WA 
Schedule: Monday–Friday, Full-Time (Day Shift, In-Person)  
Compensation: $90,000 Annual Salary 

Position Overview 

America Works of Washington, Inc., a socially conscious organization dedicated to helping individuals achieve economic self-sufficiency, is seeking an experienced Program Director to lead a regional workforce development program serving Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston counties. 

The Program Director is responsible for the overall success, strategic direction, and operational performance of the program, including service delivery, contract compliance, staff leadership, community partnerships, and achievement of employment outcomes. 

The ideal candidate is an experienced workforce development leader with a strong background in program management, team leadership, community engagement, and performance-based contracts. This individual will be responsible for overseeing operations across multiple offices, ensuring high-quality services for job seekers, developing strong relationships with community partners, and driving the program toward successful employment, retention, and wage progression outcomes. 

The Program Director will regularly travel between program locations to support staff, oversee operations, engage with community partners, and ensure consistent service delivery throughout the region. 

The Program Director reports directly to the America Works CEO and works closely with the Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council (PacMtn) and other workforce and community partners. 

Women, minorities, and bilingual or multilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

Program Leadership & Operations 

Provide strategic leadership and overall direction for the PacMtn workforce development program.  

Oversee program implementation and daily operations across all program offices, ensuring consistent service delivery and alignment with organizational goals.  

Travel regularly between Centralia, Lacey, Aberdeen, and Shelton locations to support staff, address operational needs, and maintain visibility across the program.  

Develop, implement, and continuously improve program strategies to increase participant engagement, employment outcomes, retention, and wage progression.  

Identify operational challenges and implement solutions to improve program effectiveness and participant success.  

Contract Performance & Compliance 

Lead the program with the goal of providing high-quality employment and job placement services while meeting or exceeding contractual goals.  

Monitor program performance metrics, including enrollment, placement, retention, and other contract deliverables.  

Identify areas of improvement, develop action plans, and ensure timely resolution of performance challenges.  

Ensure compliance with funding requirements, contractual obligations, organizational policies, and workforce development standards.  

Maintain regular communication and collaboration with PacMtn Workforce Development Council and other funding agencies.  

Staff Leadership & Development 

Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate program staff across multiple locations.  

Provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to support employee success.  

Establish clear performance expectations and ensure staff meet individual and program goals.  

Address performance concerns, provide feedback, and promote accountability.  

Foster a collaborative, mission-driven team culture focused on achieving positive outcomes for participants.  

Community & Employer Engagement 

Build and maintain strong partnerships with workforce boards, government agencies, employers, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders.  

Represent America Works within the community and serve as a key relationship manager with local partners.  

Develop new partnerships and identify opportunities to expand program impact and improve participant outcomes.  

Engage with employers, community leaders, and workforce partners to strengthen employment opportunities for program participants.  

Seek opportunities for program growth through networking and relationship development.  

Participant Services & Workforce Development 

Ensure participants receive high-quality employment services designed to help them achieve long-term self-sufficiency.  

Maintain an understanding of barriers impacting underserved populations, including individuals experiencing unemployment, poverty, homelessness, justice involvement, disabilities, and other challenges.  

Support effective case management, career coaching, job development, and employment placement strategies.  

Ensure services are participant-centered, outcome-focused, and aligned with workforce development best practices.  

Budget & Administrative Oversight 

Oversee program budget management in coordination with the Finance Department.  

Monitor staffing needs, resources, and expenditures to support responsible financial management.  

Participate in operational planning and decision-making to support program sustainability and success.  

Provide regular updates and reports to the CEO regarding program performance, challenges, and opportunities.  

Qualifications 

Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent combination of education, workforce development experience, and leadership experience will be considered.  

Minimum of 5 years of workforce development, employment services, nonprofit, government-funded, or related program management experience.  

Minimum of 3–5 years of supervisory or management experience overseeing teams.  

Demonstrated experience managing performance-based contracts and achieving measurable outcomes.  

Experience overseeing multi-site programs preferred.  

Experience working with workforce boards, government agencies, employers, and community partners preferred.  

Strong understanding of workforce development systems, case management, job placement strategies, and employment services.  

Experience creating and implementing impactful service plans for participants preferred. 

Experience serving individuals facing barriers to employment, including public assistance recipients, justice-involved individuals, individuals with disabilities, and individuals experiencing homelessness.  

Excellent communication skills, professional demeanor, sound judgment, and strong organizational skills.  

Ability to travel regularly throughout Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston counties.  

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook.  

Familiarity with CRM systems, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and workforce management systems preferred.  

Benefits 

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance  

Generous Paid Time Off Package  

401(k) with Employer Matching After One Year  

Wonderful team environment with strong work-life balance  

Opportunity to support a meaningful mission focused on helping individuals achieve self-sufficiency through employment