Director, Trades Programs & Workforce Equity

JCI Empresarios La Paz; Santa Clara (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Working Partnerships USA in Santa Clara, CA is seeking a strategic Trades Programs Director to lead the Apprenticeship Readiness programs TOP and TIP, coordinating program design, funding, and external partnerships to advance the organization’s mission.

The role requires strong leadership, staff development, and a proven ability to manage grants and relationships with unions, educational partners, and local government. Hybrid work arrangements support collaboration and impact.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years in a program leadership role directing a team.
• Commitment to social, racial, economic, environmental, and gender justice.
• Experience in worker or community organizing, economic justice, or related movements.
• Exceptional communication, conflict resolution, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with diverse individuals from many backgrounds.
• Proven ability to meet mission-driven goals and funder deliverables.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to oversee multiple workstreams.
• Ability to work nights and weekends regularly as needed.
• Strong work ethic and commitment to excellence.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: set goals, develop plans, and align programs with WPUSA’s mission and campaigns.
• Staff & Team Management: hire, train, mentor, and support staff; coordinate leadership team meetings.
• Community Engagement & Partnerships: build relationships with unions, councils, contractors, and funders.
• Operational Management: direct daily operations, coaching, course delivery, and placement efforts; ensure grant compliance.
• Financial & Grant Oversight: develop budgets and report grant progress; support fundraising efforts.
• Strategic Communications: lead communications for outreach, donor relations, and narrative shifts.
• Performance Monitoring: track outcomes like placement rates, wage increases, and program impact.

Skills

Program leadership

Communication

Project management

Time management

Stakeholder relations

Social justice

Night/weekend availability

Bilingual (Spanish or Vietnamese)

Job description

Working Partnerships USA in Santa Clara, CA is seeking a strategic Trades Programs Director to lead the Apprenticeship Readiness programs TOP and TIP, coordinating program design, funding, and external partnerships to advance the organization’s mission.

The role requires strong leadership, staff development, and a proven ability to manage grants and relationships with unions, educational partners, and local government. Hybrid work arrangements support collaboration and impact.