Program Director Workforce Development- Institute for Disability Empowerment and Advocacy

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Benefits: The University offers generous benefits including paid time off (holidays, holy days and vacation), employer matching contributions to the retirement plan, and tuition benefits for employees and their eligible dependents. Learn more and explore benefits at www.duq.edu/benefits

Location: Institute for Disability Empowerment and Advocacy

Position Status: Full-time

Hours: Varied

Position Number: 241295/10-1210

FLSA Status: Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Program Director for Workforce Development leads the Institute for Disability Empowerment and Advocacy's efforts to create meaningful, competitive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This position is responsible for developing and sustaining partnerships with employers, training providers, and community organizations to build inclusive workforce pipelines. The Director designs and implements strategies that connect participants with career pathways, supports their preparation and placement, and ensures alignment with industry demand. Through collaboration, advocacy, and innovation, the Director advances the Institute's mission of empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve economic independence and long-term career success.

This new position is being created to establish a dedicated workforce development function within the Institute for Disability Empowerment and Advocacy (IDEA). As IDEA launches initiatives focused on inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment, a specialized role is needed to connect individuals with disabilities to meaningful employment and advancement opportunities. The Program Director will build relationships with employers, workforce agencies, and community partners to create pathways that align participant strengths with market needs. This position ensures IDEA fulfills its mission of fostering economic independence and workforce inclusion, serving as a catalyst for sustainable partnerships and measurable employment outcomes.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Strategy and Development: Designs, implements, and evaluates workforce development programs that prepare individuals with disabilities for competitive, integrated employment. Develops strategies and initiatives aligned with industry demand, accessibility standards, and the Institute's mission.

Employer and Community Partnership Building: Cultivates and manages relationships with employers, workforce agencies, vocational rehabilitation services, and community organizations. Promotes inclusive hiring practices, identifies job placement opportunities, and collaborates with partners to address workforce barriers.

Participant Support and Placement: Oversees recruitment, assessment, and job placement of participants. Coordinates career readiness training, coaching, and follow-up support to ensure sustainable employment outcomes. Works directly with employers and participants to promote successful matches.

Data Management and Reporting: Collects and analyzes data related to program participation, employment outcomes, and employer engagement. Prepares reports and evaluation summaries for internal and external stakeholders to support continuous improvement and funding efforts.

Collaboration and Outreach: Represents the Institute at regional and national workforce development events, conferences, and employer roundtables. Works with University departments and external partners to integrate IDEA's workforce initiatives with broader institutional and community goals.

Performs other related responsibilities or special projects to advance the mission of the Institute.

Completes other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Guides work of others who perform the same work. May organize, set priorities, schedule and review work, but has no responsibility to hire, terminate, reviewing performance or make pay decisions, e.g., Lead position.