Workforce Operations Director Job Listing at Eckerd Connects in San Luis Obispo, CA (Job ID 8915)

Description

Working with us takes a certain kind of person; we want someone who identifies with our values and is willing to challenge themselves both personally and professionally. We seek employees who are passionate about serving and making a difference in the lives of others.

Make more than a Living, Make a Difference

Our Benefits:

• Low-Cost Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 19 days of Paid Time Off the first year
• 11 paid holidays
• Retirement savings plan with employer match up to 5%
• Flexible spending accounts
• Paid short-term and voluntary long-term disability
• Group Term Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary term life insurance

Salary: $100,000 to $115,000

Position Concept

This position plays a crucial role in achieving the goals and success of Eckerd Connects Workforce (WIOA Adult, Dislocated Worker, Youth, One-Stop Operator) and affiliated programs by ensuring the development and implementation of quality improvement systems, effective data management, and programs designed to enhance client and organizational performance. The Workforce Operations Director collaborates closely with organizational staff across all functional units to optimize the quality and effectiveness of strategic solutions and programming while providing career and training programs for job seekers and employers.  Programs have been operating in San Luis Obispo (SLO) County since 2016 with Eckerd Connects as the primary provider of public workforce services for SLO County.  Workforce, or career and training services, are provided through multiple federally funded contracts with the County.  Eckerd Connects also manages various State and Federally funded grants, holding contracts with San Luis Obispo County, Ventura County, and directly with State/Federal funding entities such as the CA Workforce Development Board and the State Department of Rehabilitation. 

The Director works closely with organizational staff across all functional units to enhance the quality and impact of strategic solutions and programming. This position also involves fostering partnerships with local community organizations to support workforce development efforts. Responsibilities include overseeing staff, conducting site visits, delivering training and presentations, and supporting procurement and negotiation of workforce contracts. Additionally, the Director manages contract performance and data tracking, reviews and processes contract actions, and monitors program processes to ensure alignment with community needs and organizational objectives.  

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Coaches, mentors, and develops direct reports to ensure the region has the leadership capacity to forecast and respond to current and future business opportunities and challenges. Develops, implements, and trains program staff on best practices supported by program policies and procedures. 
• Deliver expert technical support and guidance for the development, implementation, and maintenance of quality assurance and improvement systems. Partner with Eckerd Connects Department Spokes, regional, and local program staff to enhance productivity, resolve issues, and achieve performance goals objective, and outcomes, ensuring alignment with Eckerd Connects' mission, vision, and values. 
• Manage contract duties including oversight of contract performance, compliance, and amendments, ensuring that all contractual obligations are met effectively and contribute to overall program success. 
• Conduct regular meetings with staff in the assigned region to provide comprehensive guidance, support, and motivation. Focus on enhancing excellence in employee relations, delivering impactful training and development, managing performance effectively, and ensuring adherence to contractual compliance standards. Aim to foster a collaborative environment that drives continuous improvement and aligns with organizational goals.
• Oversee and manage payment-related tasks and monitor program expenditures to ensure costs are appropriate, allowable, and compliant with contractual agreements. Verify that expenditures align with contract goals and financial benchmarks. Facilitate the preparation and processing of budget amendments, ensuring timely and accurate adjustments to uphold fiscal responsibility and adherence to program requirements.
• Conduct regular reviews of costs, operations, and forecast data to assess the progress and performance of individual programs in assigned states. Analyze financial reports, operational metrics, and future projections to identify trends, address potential issues, and ensure that programs are meeting their objectives and budgetary targets. Use these insights to provide strategic recommendations for program improvements and align with overall organizational goals.
• Develop, implement, and monitor program improvement plans, corrective action plans, and other measures derived from external and internal audits, with a particular focus on enhancing workforce programs. Ensure that all initiatives are effectively executed to address identified issues and drive continuous improvement.

• Partner in the development and monitoring of Quality Improvement (QI) initiatives aimed at advancing and sustaining program goals. Employ a human-centered design approach to assess program staff capacity, measure program effectiveness, and evaluate client outcomes, ensuring that initiatives are tailored to meet the needs of both staff and clients.

• Organize and lead meetings with funders, subcontractors, and board members, including contract negotiations, bidder's conferences, and other procurement-related events. Prepare and deliver presentations as needed. Focus on workforce programming to ensure that discussions are productive, and outcomes are achieved effectively in these critical areas.
• Assist in identifying and evaluating proposal and grant writing opportunities to support the expansion and sustainability of programs. This includes contributing to the development and submission of compelling proposals and grant applications to secure financial support and resources.
• Cultivate and sustain strong relationships with current stakeholders while proactively identifying and establishing new connections to support expansion of Eckerd Connects Workforce division. Leverage a human-centered design approach to ensure that these relationships are built on mutual understanding and collaboration. Additionally, foster and maintain a team culture that aligns with the organization's mission, vision, and values, promoting a cohesive and supportive environment.

Other Duties Include, But Not Limited To

• Participate in training and development activities as required.
• Report any acts, incidents, or conditions that reflect the possibility of inappropriate participant-to-participant or staff-to-participant/family relationships, and/or liable situations.
• Report any use of physical force and all unusual incidents per Eckerd policy and state guidelines.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Position Specifications

Education: Bachelor's degree required. Equivalent work experience or relevant workforce credentials (e.g., Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP), or similar) may be considered in lieu of formal education. 

Experience: A minimum of five years of relevant experience required, with a preference for candidates who have direct workforce-related experience managing grant portfolios with various funding streams, contract management, staff development/personnel management and relationship building with relevant stakeholders.  A detailed understanding of both non-profit and for-profit businesses is desirable. Proven experience in program operations and contract management oversight is required. While workforce experience is preferred, it is not mandatory; equivalent transferrable skills or relevant credentials may be considered. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  Demonstrate strong leadership and management abilities, overseeing all aspects of workforce programs, including financial management, customer service, and business development. This role requires advanced skills in budget construction, contract negotiation, and performance monitoring, with an understanding of federal and state and federal specific regulations impacting workforce operations. The ideal candidate should possess excellent program management skills, including budgeting, cost estimation, proposal writing, and business development. Proficiency in relevant computer applications, coupled with exceptional communication, diagnostic, and problem-solving skills, is essential. Additionally, the candidate must have exceptional organizational abilities and attention to detail, with a demonstrated sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic needs of the service population.

Other:  Must successfully pass a background screening process, including, but not limited to, state, local, and funder criminal background check requirements. Required to pass a drug screen in compliance with our Substance Abuse and Drug-Free Workplace policy. Eckerd Connects adheres to California law CA A.B. 2188 regarding employer drug screening, for California residents.

Travel:  Must be able to meet requirements for Eckerd's Auto Insurance and be able to drive for business purposes.  Must have appropriate and valid state driver's license.

Physical Demands:  Requires sitting for approximately 2/3 of each day with periodic lifting of up to 25 pounds.  Ability to communicate via telephone; Ability to travel regularly to accomplish goals.  Must be free of communicable diseases as defined by state and to the extent that knowledge is attainable under the law as defined by the appropriate state and to the extent that knowledge is attainable under federal law.

*This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties that may be performed by a person so classified.

About Our Workforce Programs:

Eckerd Connects provides Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) services through contracts with the U.S. Department of Labor and local workforce boards, partnerships, and strategies to provide and create a career pathway for youth, adults, and dislocated workers.  Training services include occupational skills training, customized training, on-the-job training, incumbent worker training, and transitional employment opportunities.  We provide youth with development, academic instruction, career & technical education, and access to the 14 WIOA Youth Elements. We establish and develop relationships and networks with large and small employers and their intermediaries as well as develop, convene, or implement industry or sector partnerships.

Our Program Location:

Eckerd Connects | Workforce Development

3450 Broad St. Suite 103

San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Connect with Us Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0Qtn-KpLpc&t=2s 

Copy & paste the link into your browser for more program information: https://eckerd.org/jobs-training/workforce-development/

Copy & paste the link into your browser for more program information:   https://eckerd.org/jobs-training/one-stop-centers/

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the employer will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.    Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.  Relay Services Dial 711. Submit Request: https://eckerd.org/about-us/contact-us/     

Know Your Rights:  Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

Copy & paste the link into your browser: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters

Copy & paste the link into your browser:   https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/self-id-forms    

Eckerd Youth Alternatives, Inc. ("Eckerd Connects") is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, age, disability, or status as a protected veteran. 

Eckerd Connects is a drug-free workplace and utilizes E-verify to confirm employment eligibility.