AVP, Workforce Development, OSWD

Assistant Vice President, Strategic Workforce Development

In close partnership with the VP of Workforce Development, the AVP will assist in leading the design, implementation, and ongoing management of statewide priority workforce development projects and initiatives aligned with Empire State Development's (ESD) priority industry sectors. The AVP is responsible for the direct oversight of OSWD's grant programs, data reporting, staff management and the development of new strategies for industry-driven workforce development. This role ensures the creation of a robust pipeline of industry-driven programs to fulfill the job needs in high-growth, high-skilled target industry sectors, serving as the VP's supporting lead in statewide collaborative efforts.

Work Performed:

• Support the VP in management of the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. Supervise staff and lead operations.
• Co-lead the design, implementation, and ongoing management of high-priority workforce development initiatives to meet the evolving needs of New York employers and job seekers on behalf of the Office. This will include, but is not limited to, the development of program guidelines, direct engagement with grantees and stakeholders, and coordination with other ESD divisions and NYS agencies.
• Co-lead the implementation of the One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships (ON-RAMP) centers.
• Support internal planning and development of new strategies and programs for industry-driven workforce development initiatives.
• Maintain working knowledge of New York State's labor and industry trends and provide the VP with actionable insights within ESD's priority sectors.
• Advance best practices for workforce development programming that supports both job seekers and employers in ESD's priority sectors.
• Oversee the awarding and administration of OSWD grant funds, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and ESD policy.
• Collaborate with Data and Metrics Manager to prepare and develop written reports and presentations on program activity around the state for internal and external audiences.
• Author and/or lead the creation of high-level, public-facing and internal documents such as Requests for Information, Requests for Proposals, Directors Materials, Grant Disbursement Agreements, OSWD Annual Reports, and more as required.
• Represent ESD and the VP in discussions with ESD regional offices, industry leaders, labor unions, and philanthropic organizations regarding regional skills needs.
• Build and strengthen collaborations with state government agencies, Regional Economic Development Councils (REDCs), workforce development training providers, non-profits, and organizations providing wraparound services, and others to support development of opportunities for a skilled and diverse industry workforce across the state.
• Draft a range of internal and external materials as required by the VP and ESD leadership including memos, briefings, press releases, reports, and more.
• Oversee the development of marketing materials and coordinate with the Press Office and Web Team to ensure OSWD opportunities are clearly communicated to the public.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Travel throughout the state is required.

Minimum Requirements:

Education Level required: Bachelor's degree required

Experience required: At least 6 years of full-time experience in the area of workforce development, adult and continuing education, training or closely related field. Must have demonstrated experience in leading and managing workforce development program contracts (e.g., federally funded programs or WIOA program development and management). Experience with developing and implementing marketing and communication plans and material. Experience in supervision and team-based management and experience managing a diverse group of projects and staff.

Experience preferred: At least 8 years of full-time experience in the area of workforce development, adult and continuing education, training or closely related field.

Knowledge required: Knowledge of New York State government processes and issues relevant to economic and workforce development. Strong demonstrated written and oral communications and presentation skills. Ability to work independently and drive projects forward, manage under tight timelines, and work well in teams. Resourceful, organized and results oriented. Pro-active, collaborative and strategic. Comfortable interacting with high-level NYS officials and representing the agency externally.