Executive Director: Workforce Innovation & Union Growth

AFL-CIO Tech Institute; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & Vision benefits

Retirement plan

401(k) match

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

AFL-CIO Working for America Institute (WAI) is seeking an Executive Director to guide growth, sustainability, and impact. You will strengthen WAI’s role within the labor movement and expand fundraising and program capabilities, as well as elevate national visibility as a trusted workforce intermediary.

The ideal candidate brings deep union knowledge, strategic and hands-on leadership, and a track record of building teams and partnerships to advance workforce development and economic mobility

Qualifications

• Ten or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in nonprofit, public, or related sectors.
• Proven success in organizational management, fundraising, and external relations, including experience working with a board of directors and leading through growth and transition.
• Deep familiarity with the U.S. labor movement.
• Experience designing and implementing workforce development programs and policy initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and develop diverse teams toward shared goals.
• Strong financial and operational acumen, with experience managing budgets and complex projects.
• Deep commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and collaboration within organizational culture and external partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership to align with mission, history, and values.
• Oversee fundraising strategies with foundations and philanthropic partners.
• Lead program design, implementation, and evaluation of workforce development initiatives.
• Ensure strong financial management and grant oversight.
• Supervise and develop staff, consultants, and partners.

Skills

Leadership experience

Fundraising

External relations

Board interaction

Labor movement familiarity

Workforce development

Team leadership

Financial & operations

Equity & inclusion

Union experience

Job description

AFL-CIO Working for America Institute (WAI) is seeking an Executive Director to guide growth, sustainability, and impact. You will strengthen WAI’s role within the labor movement and expand fundraising and program capabilities, as well as elevate national visibility as a trusted workforce intermediary.

The ideal candidate brings deep union knowledge, strategic and hands-on leadership, and a track record of building teams and partnerships to advance workforce development and economic mobility