Director of Youth Services

City-of-Worcester; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Worcester is seeking a Director of Youth Services to lead and oversee the MCRWB youth initiatives within the Department of Workforce Development.

You will supervise youth employment and training programs, coordinate with partners, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while advancing regional youth priorities. Strong leadership, collaboration, and strategic planning are essential.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of WIOA, DESE, and related funding sources.
• Understanding of youth and workforce development programs.
• Experience with grant administration, contracts, and compliance monitoring.
• Ability to build relationships with government agencies, employers, and education partners.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, planning, and strategic thinking.

Responsibilities

• Develop the strategic framework for MCRWB youth programs and services.
• Coordinate and oversee the MCRWB Youth Workforce Investment Council (YWIC).
• Oversee the bid and selection process for WIOA Youth and related programs.
• Negotiate, draft, and monitor contracts for youth employment and training services.
• Develop and manage regional youth programs aligned with strategic vision.

Skills

WIOA knowledge

Grant administration

Contract management

Stakeholder relations

Strategic leadership

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Public administration

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Public administration

Policy degree

Job description

The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for a Director of Youth Services in the Department of Workforce Development. The Director of Youth Services is responsible for assisting the Executive Director in the planning, development, administration, and oversight of the MassHire Central Region Workforce Board (MCRWB)’s youth workforce initiatives. This includes managing Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) youth-funded programs as well as youth workforce development programs and services supported by the City of Worcester, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and other public and private funding sources.

The Director of Youth Services provides strategic leadership for all MCRWB youth initiatives, ensuring that programs align with organizational priorities and achieve desired outcomes. Additional responsibilities include overseeing compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies; developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with employers, educational institutions, government agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders; negotiating, executing, and monitoring contracts; and ensuring the effective delivery of high-quality workforce development services for youth throughout the region.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

• Develop the strategic framework and vision of MCRWB youth-related programs, services, and activities under the direction of the MCRWB Executive Director.
• Coordinate and oversee the MCRWB Youth Workforce Investment Council (YWIC) to ensure broad participation in the development of regional youth priorities and programming.
• Coordinate and facilitate the competitive bid and selection process for WIOA Youth and other programs and services as required by individual funding sources and applicable federal, state and city regulations.
• Negotiate, draft, and oversee contracts for youth employment and training services for eligible youth and young adults as necessary to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and achievement of performance outcomes.
• Develop and manage regional youth-related programs, services and activities appropriate to achieve the MCRWB’s strategic vision for youth workforce development.
• Enforce local, state and federal labor laws as they relate to MCRWB-led youth employment initiatives, programs, and services.
• Serve as the MCRWB liaison between public and private workforce development and youth and young adult funding agencies and organizations.
• Securely collect, track, enter and validate all necessary and required youth participant data in designated databases.
• Review, analyze and disseminate labor market reports and data related to youth employment and youth-related grants and programs.
• Represent (and lead where appropriate) the MCRWB in meetings, conferences, and committees related to youth employment and workforce development.
• Develop and maintain strong professional relationships with youth-focused agencies, organizations and potential funding sources in order to advance the mission of the MCRWB and the Board’s youth strategic vision.
• Draft the youth-related portion(s) of the region’s annual plan and other documents.
• Provide support to other MassHire regions and state youth programs and initiatives as appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of and working proficiency with the laws, regulations, and policies governing the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Commonwealth Corporation programs, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), and other applicable federal, state, and private funding sources.
• Comprehensive knowledge of youth and adult workforce development, employment, training programs, and related community resources.
• Knowledge of grant administration, contract management, compliance monitoring, and performance oversight.
• Ability to establish, develop, and maintain effective working relationships with federal, state, and local government agencies, workforce partners, subrecipients, employers, educational institutions, and community-based organizations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong planning, organizational, and strategic thinking abilities.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, evaluate program performance, and prepare or review reports.
• Ability to provide training, technical assistance, guidance, and ongoing support to staff, contractors, and partner organizations.
• Excellent interpersonal, collaboration, and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to build consensus and foster productive partnerships.
• Knowledge of the Central Massachusetts Workforce Development Area.
• Ability to travel to program sites throughout the region to conduct in-person visits.
• Regular onsite attendance is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in public administration/policy, social science, and business administration or related field, or;
  • Any equivalent combination of education, training and seven (7) years of relevant experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position may be considered in lieu of above requirement(s).
• Five (5) years of experience leading government-funded youth workforce-focused programs.
• Three (3) years of supervisory experience overseeing youth workforce programs and services staff.
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in youth workforce development.
• Five (5) years of supervisory experience overseeing youth workforce programs and services staff.
• Five (5) years of experience managing federally funded Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth programs.
• Five (5) years of professional leadership experience with a MassHire Workforce Board, MassHire Career Center, or MassHire subrecipient organization.
• Three (3) years of experience leading the development, implementation, and evaluation of strategic initiatives and plans related to youth workforce development.
• Three (3) years of professional experience in youth workforce development within the Central MA Workforce Development Area.

Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.