Executive Director Job Description
Mission: The Massachusetts Workforce Association (MWA) is dedicated to being the voice for the Commonwealth’s workforce development system, encompassing many partners and stakeholders, including the MassHire Career Centers and Workforce Boards. MWA provides a unified voice for the state’s regionally led workforce development system, ensuring it remains responsive to the dynamic demands of businesses, job seekers, incumbent workers, and youth throughout the Commonwealth.
Public Policy Agenda: MWA advocates for the Commonwealth’s regionally led workforce system, addressing critical issues at the federal, state, and local levels. We engage in activities such as providing testimony, conducting legislative visits, engaging with state agencies, and more. Our staff works relentlessly on behalf of our members at the State House. Central to this work is developing a robust public policy workforce agenda, which informs federal, state, and local workforce policies. MWA actively advocates for policies and resources to support our members in meeting the talent needs of local businesses and connecting job seekers to employment and career pathways.
As the Executive Director of MWA, you will be tasked with leading the organization’s efforts in three key strategic priorities:
- LEAD:
- Actionable leadership in workforce development through research, marketing, and communication.
- Elevate the visibility of the MassHire system’s value proposition to businesses and policymakers.
- Promote innovation and support diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the workforce system.
- ADVOCATE:
- Champion a comprehensive public policy workforce agenda that informs federal, state, and local workforce policies and budgets.
- Position the regional MassHire workforce boards and career centers as valued and essential partners in state and federal policymaking.
- Build partnerships with associations and coalitions that share common goals, especially traditionally marginalized groups.
- Demonstrate the system’s effectiveness in addressing workforce challenges to maintain state and federal investments.
- Analyze and utilize data to advocate for policy and funding priorities
- CONVENE:
- Align advocacy, policy, and shared issues to convenings.
- Practice facilitative leadership for a strategic shared agenda in events, roundtables, meetings, peer learning, and professional development sessions for members and the broader workforce community.
- Catalyze the voice of the MassHire system and its partners.
- Elevate effective practices and innovation within the workforce development field.
- Engage the broader workforce community in learning and networking.
Core Qualifications
- Proven ability to engage with policymakers, government agencies, and the private sector.
- A deep commitment to the mission and values of MWA, including diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Strong leadership experience in a nonprofit, government, or related organization.
- Excellent knowledge of Massachusetts workforce development policies, practices, and systems.
- Exceptional advocacy and communication skills, both oral and written.
- Demonstrated use and analysis of data.
Preferred Qualifications
We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet 100%, of the qualifications)
- Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and execution.
- Strong networking and relationship-building abilities.
- A track record of effective organizational management.
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, Significant relevant workforce development experience can be substituted for a university/college degree
Compensation: $100,000/yr-120,000/yr.
Benefits: Healthcare, dental, retirement, paid time off.
Hybrid work environment with office space in Downtown Boston
Application Process: Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their vision for the role by Friday, November 3, 2023, to info@massworkforce.com. For questions about the role, please email Valerie Sutton, Interim Director, Massachusetts Workforce Association.
MWA is an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We will review applications on a rolling basis and aim to fill this position as soon as possible. Once employed, must be a resident of Massachusetts.