Exec Director, North Philadelphia Workforce Initiative

Posted by Temple University on April 23, 2018

Temple University is seeking an Executive Director to lead the newly instituted North Philadelphia Workforce Initiative (NPWI). Reporting to the Vice President for Public Affairs, the Executive Director is charged with creating an innovative and collaborative model for economic development in the North Philadelphia community. This role requires a visionary leader and champion for NPWI who can bring together key university stakeholders and connect local residents to employment opportunities that provide family sustaining wages. The Executive Director will oversee all stages of program development, goal setting, fund raising, and the recruitment, training, and placement of job seekers. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Shaping the strategic direction and growth plan for the NPWI;
• Designing an effective communication strategy to reach out to, integrate, and align the university’s existing community relations and workforce development programs with that of the City of Philadelphia and other complementary models;
• Bringing together key university stakeholders, including community residents; funders; small to large regional and local employers in the private, public, and health care sector; politicians; city, state, and federal agencies; and community and faith based organizations for the purpose of understanding employer and community needs;
• Providing leadership for NPWI, including employee management, and program development and implementation;
• Identifying and developing data and analyses necessary to determine current employment market trends, community employment rates and training needs, and establish strategies, goals, and evidenced based measure of success while monitoring and identifying local labor market trends to pinpoint opportunities for increased employer engagement;
• Partners with the University’s Office of Institutional Advancement on fund raising efforts to expand resources for launching new programs and to sustain existing programs;
• Identifies and applies for and secures grants or other sources of external funding that will support and build the NPWI and its programs

This leadership position requires a Bachelor’s degree and at least eight years of related experience in economic or workforce development, human resources, or related professional experience. A Master’s degree is preferred. Must possess a collaborative leadership style that encourages teamwork and innovation through adaptability, flexibility, and diplomacy. Demonstrated ability to manage complicated, multi-dimensional projects (including planning, critical thinking, and negotiation and communication skills) is required. Strong project management experience is required. Demonstrated knowledge of current labor market demands and established relationships with industry leaders and community organizations in North Philadelphia is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

https://temple.taleo.net/careersection/tu_ex_staff/jobdetail.ftl?job=18001045&tz=GMT-04%3A00