Lead Director, Youth Workforce Lab & Partnerships

Urban Initiatives; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Paid time off

Flexible hybrid work environment

Professional learning opportunities

Job summary

Urban Initiatives is seeking a Lead Director of Workforce Development to launch UI Coaches Lab and integrate youth workforce programs into a cohesive pathway for ages 14-24. You will recruit, engage employers, supervise staff, and ensure strong participant experiences across multiple pathways.

The role requires strategic vision and hands-on execution, leveraging curriculum, data, and partnerships to create a sustainable, scalable program with a clear long-term strategy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum five years of experience working directly with youth (ages 14-24).
• Experience leading youth development, workforce development, employment, mentoring, leadership, or career readiness programs.
• Ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and move complex initiatives from planning through implementation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the launch of UI Coaches Lab, translating plans into actionable work streams.
• Deliver high-quality youth workforce experiences through workshops, coaching, and activities.
• Build and strengthen employer partnerships.
• Coordinate organizational workforce development strategy across multiple initiatives.
• Ensure inclusion and positive youth development in all participant experiences.

Skills

Youth development

Project management

Relationship building

Facilitation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Urban Initiatives is seeking a Lead Director of Workforce Development to launch UI Coaches Lab and integrate youth workforce programs into a cohesive pathway for ages 14-24. You will recruit, engage employers, supervise staff, and ensure strong participant experiences across multiple pathways.

The role requires strategic vision and hands-on execution, leveraging curriculum, data, and partnerships to create a sustainable, scalable program with a clear long-term strategy.