Executive Director, WorkLink

Appalachian Council of Governments; Greenville (SC); On-site; USD 76,000 - 114,893; Full time

Job summary

A regional workforce development board is seeking an Executive Director to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight. The role involves managing partnerships, overseeing financial responsibilities, and ensuring compliance with workforce regulations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in economic development and excellent communication skills. Salary range is $76,000 to $114,893 annually.

Qualifications

• Experience with regulated industries and business-led boards.
• Proficiency in continuous quality improvement and strategic planning.
• Experience in cultivating partnerships and managing stakeholder relationships.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to the Board’s vision and implement goals.
• Manage strategic partnerships and engage with local stakeholders.
• Oversee budget, contracts, and compliance with grants.

Skills

Knowledge of workforce, economic, and community development policy

Strong communication and presentation skills

Ability to build trust among stakeholders

Experience in mediation and negotiation

Job description

Overview

Executive Director, WorkLink role at Appalachian Council of Governments.

WorkLink is the workforce development board serving Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties in South Carolina. The Executive Director provides strategic leadership, partnership development, and operational oversight to advance workforce initiatives in the region.

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: provide leadership to establish and implement the Board’s vision, mission, goals, and strategic plan; assess and adapt strategies in the current operating environment; engage in regional planning and state/national policy development; align funding with priorities and secure grants and external funding for workforce initiatives.
• Board Support: deliver content and logistical support for effective Board and committee meetings; facilitate decision making with clear analyses and communication among a large volunteer Board; ensure information and meeting logistics are provided in advance.
• Board Development: help the Board understand its potential, assess strengths/weaknesses, recruit new members, and provide orientation and ongoing engagement to ensure active participation.
• Partnerships: manage strategic partnerships with diverse stakeholders, foster broad community participation, and build relationships with educational leaders, industry, local officials, economic developers, and non-profit/government partners.
• Board Representation: represent the Board with local/state agencies and boards; coordinate activities across the region to promote cooperation and avoid duplication; communicate on behalf of the organization.
• Development and Improvement of the Public Workforce System: advise on priority investments, oversee performance and quality improvement of funded services, and pursue partnerships for integrated service delivery and continuous improvement.
• Business and Financial Management: oversee budget, contracts, procurement, and compliance; monitor grant expenditures; provide administrative oversight for research, communications, and project management; supervise staff and consultants; advise on personnel and vendor decisions to align with strategic goals and regulatory responsibilities.
• Grant and Compliance: ensure compliance with federal, state, and local grants, records, and related requirements, including WIOA responsibilities and MOUs.
• Equal Opportunity: ensure compliance with EO laws and policies; manage EO program and serve as liaison to the state WIOA EO officer.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of workforce, economic, and community development policy, public policy, and strategic planning
• Experience with regulated industries and with business-led boards or corporate volunteer committees
• Budgeting and financial oversight experience; ability to leverage resources
• Proficiency in continuous quality improvement, problem solving, and strategic planning
• Strong communication, listening, and presentation skills across diverse audiences
• Experience in mediation, negotiation, and conflict resolution with a collaborative mindset
• Ability to build trust and facilitate among stakeholders
• Experience in cultivating partnerships and cross-sector relationships
• Influential, mission-driven leadership

To apply

Deadline to apply: September 8. Questions regarding the position may be directed to Christin Mack, Manager of Public Sector Executive Search at [e-mail]

Additional details

Location: Greenville, SC. Base pay range: $76,000.00/yr - $114,893.00/yr.