The Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) works to end mass incarceration in California and throughout the United States. To ensure our communities are safe, healthy, and whole, ARC empowers formerly and currently incarcerated people to thrive by providing a support network, comprehensive reentry services, and opportunities to advocate for policy change. Through our grassroots policy advocacy, we are dedicated to transforming the criminal justice system so that it is more just and equitable for all people.
Position Summary
The Business Development Manager provides strategic leadership for ARC's Workforce Development initiatives by cultivating employer partnerships, developing new workforce opportunities, identifying funding prospects, and expanding career pathways for ARC members. This position oversees the Workforce Coordinator and is responsible for ensuring workforce programming meets organizational goals, grant deliverables, and member employment outcomes.
The Business Development Manager serves as the primary relationship manager for employers, industry partners, workforce agencies, educational institutions, and community stakeholders. This role combines business development, program management, partnership cultivation, and team leadership to create sustainable employment opportunities that support economic mobility for formerly incarcerated individuals.
The ideal candidate is an innovative relationship builder with experience in workforce development, employer engagement, nonprofit leadership, and strategic program growth. They thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and are passionate about expanding opportunities for justice-impacted communities.
Essential Job Functions
- Provide leadership and strategic direction for ARC's Workforce Development Department.
- Directly supervise, coach, and evaluate the Workforce Coordinator.
- Develop annual workforce development goals, performance metrics, and strategic initiatives.
- Create systems that improve employment outcomes, retention, and career advancement for ARC members.
- Collaborate with executive leadership to align workforce initiatives with organizational priorities.
- Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with employers, unions, apprenticeship programs, educational institutions, staffing agencies, and industry associations.
- Identify and secure employment opportunities across multiple industries for ARC members.
- Expand employer engagement through outreach, networking, presentations, and workforce events.
- Negotiate partnership agreements that increase hiring opportunities and career advancement pathways.
- Maintain strong relationships with existing employer partners while identifying new business -And other duties and projects as assigned.
Program Development
- Design and implement innovative workforce development programming.
- Identify emerging labor market trends and align programming with high-demand industries.
- Develop career pathway strategies that support wage progression and long-term employment.
- Collaborate with internal departments to enhance member services and workforce programming.
- Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend continuous improvements.
- Support grant development by identifying workforce funding opportunities.
- Assist with proposal development and grant reporting related to workforce initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with grant objectives and contractual deliverables.
- Prepare reports, presentations, and workforce outcome data for leadership, funders, and stakeholders.
- Supervise the Workforce Coordinator and provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and
- Monitor departmental performance metrics and ensure quality service delivery.
- Support staff in resolving employer and member challenges.
- Foster a collaborative, mission-driven work environment.
Community Relations
- Represent ARC at conferences, workforce boards, employer roundtables, and community events.
- Serve as an ambassador for ARC's workforce development initiatives.
- Build relationships with public agencies, elected officials, and community partners to increase organizational visibility.
Data & Performance Management
- Monitor workforce performance indicators including:
- Wage progression
- Program outcomes
- Review workforce data and develop strategies for continuous improvement.
- Ensure accurate reporting within ARC's case management and data systems.
Additional Responsibilities
- Stay informed of workforce development best practices and labor market trends.
- Participate in organizational meetings, strategic planning, and cross-functional initiatives.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will possess 1-3 years of progressively responsible experience in workforce development, business development, employer engagement, nonprofit leadership, or a related field.
Preferred qualifications include:
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Public Administration, Human Services, Workforce Development, or related field.
- Minimum of three years of experience developing employer partnerships or workforce programs.
- At least one year of supervisory or management experience.
- Strong knowledge of workforce development systems, labor market trends, and career pathway models.
- Experience working with justice-impacted or underserved populations strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated success in partnership development and relationship management.
- Experience supporting grant-funded programs and reporting requirements.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and project management abilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, and case management databases.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining strong attention to detail.
- Commitment to ARC's mission and values.
Salary & Benefits
- Salary Range: $80,000-$85,000 annually DOE
- Multiple employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision plans with up to 100% employee coverage and 50% dependent coverage.
- Employer-funded life insurance.
- 401(k) with employer matching.
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
- Professional development and leadership growth opportunities.
The Anti-Recidivism Coalition is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.