Director of Workforce Industry Partnership in Construction

Description

Job Summary

The Director of Workforce-Industry Partnerships will be responsible for managing industry-focused workforce development activities, particularly within the construction industry, helping companies grow while creating career pathways for un- and underemployed Central New Yorkers. This role includes leading the Syracuse Build initiative and its replication in three counties while overseeing workforce development strategies and employer engagement in advanced manufacturing and other high-tech industries.

The Director will manage relationships with union leadership, ensure alignment with diversity initiatives, and foster collaborative partnerships. They will maintain and expand the Construction and CDL Industry Partnership frameworks, while managing regional sub grants, providing technical assistance, and ensuring quality assurance with Build partners.

This position requires a skilled listener, problem solver, and consensus builder capable of navigating complex relationships, aligning stakeholders, and advocating for employer needs.

Essential Job Duties And Responsibilities

Employer Engagement & Relationship Management (50%)

• Build and maintain strong relationships with employers, serving as the primary point of contact between the Workforce Innovation team and employer partners.
• Identify, cultivate, and develop new partnerships with industry employers aligned with mission and objectives.
• Lead employer engagement efforts in workforce training programs, including interviews, classroom visits, employer tours, and hiring. Oversee employer adherence to program requirements.
• Facilitate employer-led strategies to improve job quality, workforce retention, and advancement with a focus on diverse talent pools.
• Meet regularly with employers to understand workforce needs, identify opportunities for partnership, and share program feedback with the Workforce Innovation team.
• Advocate for employer input in strategy and program development to ensure alignment.
  
  

Industry Partnership Management & Coordination (40%)

• Lead the Syracuse Build initiative and oversee its replication in three counties, managing grants to Oswego and Mohawk Valley regions.
• Maintain and expand the Construction Industry Partnership framework while developing a CDL Industry Partnership framework.
• Manage regional subgrants, providing technical assistance and ensuring quality assurance with regional Build partners.
• Oversee the structure and utilization of Breezy with regional partners.
• Support and manage graduates of Instructor Bootcamp in transitioning to Pathways programs.
• Convene and facilitate strategic discussions with industry partnership groups to address workforce challenges, develop training standards, and align employer needs with training providers and community organizations.
  
  

Communications & Outreach (10%)

• Manage partnerships and outreach efforts for the FRWIC and CNY Build initiatives, including career exploration programs.
• Ensure effective communication with regional partners and stakeholders to drive awareness and participation in workforce programs.
• Collaborate with the Strategy Policy and Planning Team to produce labor market data reports and validate strategies.
• Develop agreements with partner companies for collecting regular employment demand projections to inform programming.
  
  

Additional Duties

• Track and analyze partnership performance and prepare regular reports for senior management.
• Create and develop RFPs, contracts, grants, and funding proposals.
• Stay current on best practices and industry trends.
  
  

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• A deep understanding of the construction industry, including union leadership and workforce challenges, with the ability to build credibility with union representatives.
• Familiarity with workforce/industry partnership frameworks and experience working directly with employers.
• A commitment to diversity and inclusion, with a focus on engaging diverse talent pools.
• Excellent interpersonal and consensus-building skills.
• Exceptional communication and public speaking abilities.
• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and facilitation skills.
• Comfort with ambiguity and building new programs within evolving conditions.
  
  

Education And Experience

• 7–10 years of experience in workforce development, community development, construction, or a related field.
• Direct experience working with unions, workforce programs, or industry partnerships is preferred.
  
  

Physical And Mental Requirements

Close mental and visual attention required for computer use, verbal communication, and extensive reading. General office equipment is used.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a professional office environment, with occasional travel to client/member/prospect locations.

Disclaimer

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. The company reserves the right to add to or revise an employee's job duties at any time at its sole discretion. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship. CenterState CEO is an Equal Opportunity Employer.