Executive Director (Rochester)

Executive Director

Rochester, NY

JK Executive Strategies is proud to partner with RochesterWorks and the Finger Lakes One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships (FLX ON-RAMP) in search of a founding Executive Director.

FLX ON-RAMP is a new regional workforce development initiative designed to connect job seekers, particularly those from historically underrepresented communities, with family-sustaining careers in advanced manufacturing across the nine-county Finger Lakes region. One of four ON-RAMP regional sites statewide, it is supported by New York State Empire State Development and will be housed at Monroe Community College’s FWD Center in downtown Rochester.

Reporting initially to the Chief Executive Officer of RochesterWorks, with additional oversight from an ON-RAMP Advisory Board, the Executive Director will build FLX ON-RAMP from the ground up. This founding leader will recruit staff, develop programs and partnerships, oversee daily operations, lead business development and revenue generation, and serve as the organization’s primary public face. Working with MCC, RochesterWorks, employers, and community partners, the Executive Director will connect participants with training, supportive services, and employment opportunities while guiding the organization’s transition to an independent 501(c)(3).

Responsibilities

Leadership & Organizational Development

• Create and implement strategic and operational plans aligned with the FLX ON-RAMP business plan developed by Finger Lakes regional stakeholders and approved by Empire State Development;
• Manage an annual operating budget of approximately $5.2 million during the first full program year, projected to grow to approximately $8.9 million by year five.
• Implement programs that meet employer demand and provide comprehensive services enabling job seekers to enter advanced manufacturing careers;
• Establish FLX ON-RAMP's organizational infrastructure, including staffing, systems, governance, and operations, in partnership with RochesterWorks and MCC during the incubation period;
• Lead the transition from RochesterWorks-incubated initiative to an independent 501(c)(3), including recruiting and onboarding staff and establishing board governance;
• Build the organization with an enrollment target of at least 200 participants in year one, scaling to 400+ by year five;
• Develop strategies for engaging unemployed, underemployed, and disconnected individuals—including adults without college degrees, people of color, foreign-born residents, and opportunity youth;
• Ensure the organization's mission and vision are aligned with equity principles and that FLX ON-RAMP is a welcoming environment for all.

Community & Industry Engagement

• Serve as FLX ON-RAMP's primary spokesperson in the community, media, and at employer, philanthropic, and public events;
• Build and sustain multi-level relationships within the regional advanced manufacturing industry—from executive-level strategic partners to mid-level hiring managers and supervisors;
• Collaborate with the FWD Center and RochesterWorks to gauge evolving employer demand and ensure training offerings align with current and emerging workforce needs;
• Foster partnerships with educational institutions, community-based organizations, and workforce providers to expand access and strengthen the regional training ecosystem;
• Work closely with industry partners, including the Rochester Technology & Manufacturing Association (RTMA), Greater Rochester Enterprise, and the FWD Center Advanced Manufacturing Advisory Board, to build employer investment in the FLX ON-RAMP model;
• Coordinate with cross-sector economic development initiatives across the Finger Lakes and Upstate New York, including but not limited to the NYS SMART I-Corridor Federal Tech Hub and the NSF-funded STELLAR Laser Engine.

Programs

• Build on planning work completed during the business planning phase to implement a full continuum of services, from general awareness and intake through hard skills training and career success;
• Oversee the delivery of training programs by contracted partners at the FWD Center across focus areas including smart manufacturing, robotics, optics, AI automation, semiconductor manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 credentials;
• Ensure effective coordination of wraparound services—including transportation, childcare, financial coaching, ESL services, and career coaching—through RochesterWorks and community partners;
• Develop, track, and analyze program metrics, including enrollment, graduation, job placement, wages, and participant demographics, in alignment with ESD reporting requirements and statewide ON-RAMP data systems;
• Facilitate, promote, and connect stackable credentials and degree pathways to support long-term career advancement.

Business Development & Revenue Diversification

• Lead strategies to leverage ESD funding and grow diversified revenue across philanthropic, corporate, federal, and earned revenue sources;
• Pursue additional federal and state workforce resources to reduce costs for participants;
• Create earned revenue models, including industry training for hiring managers and supervisors, tuition-sharing arrangements with training partners, and sponsorship structures;
• Cultivate philanthropic investments and corporate partnerships to support scholarships, stipends, and wraparound services for program participants.

Requirements

• 10+ years of leadership experience in workforce development, economic opportunity, nonprofit, education, public sector, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success launching an organization, department, or major initiative and building cross-sector partnerships.
• Deep knowledge of the workforce development ecosystem, including WIOA, community college partnerships, and employer engagement strategies.
• Financial acumen in budgeting, restricted grants, and public funding compliance, along with experience developing diversified revenue.
• Strong data and reporting skills, including tracking participant outcomes and communicating impact to funders and stakeholders.
• Experience with board development, governance, and volunteer leadership; exceptional interpersonal, communication, and public speaking skills.
• An entrepreneurial, collaborative approach and commitment to access, equity, and economic mobility.
• Familiarity with advanced manufacturing, construction, or related technical industries; knowledge of the Finger Lakes or broader Upstate New York region; and bilingual English/Spanish skills are valued.
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience is required.
• Ability to travel regularly throughout the nine-county Finger Lakes region; a valid driver’s license or reliable means of transportation is required.

Salary Range

• $160,000-$180,000

JK Executive Strategies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of JK Executive Strategies to provide equal opportunity in employment and conditions of employment to all individuals regardless of age, race, color, religious beliefs, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, veteran or military status, disability, pregnancy-related condition, predisposing genetic characteristics, genetic information, marital status, familial status, prior arrest, domestic violence victim status, non-job related convictions, participation in lawful activities outside of our workplace, or any other status protected by law.