Workforce Development Manager

Gwadd; Ashland (KY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Gwadd in Ashland, KY seeks a Workforce Development Manager to oversee the TENCO region’s workforce program, coordinate Kentucky Career Center services, and liaise between management and staff. Responsibilities include program administration, staff supervision, budgeting, reporting, regulatory compliance, and community outreach to promote Kentucky Career Center services.

Requirements: Associate degree or higher in human services or business, 2+ years in workforce development or nonprofit work (4+

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or higher in a human services or business-related field from an accredited college or university.
• Two (2) or more years of related work experience in workforce development and/or non-profit or governmental organization is required. Four (4) or more years preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required. Additional certifications may be required upon hiring.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate daily operations of the TENCO workforce program.
• Fill in for staff and complete staff duties as needed; supervise and provide feedback.
• Review program activities for compliance with federal/state/local regulations.
• Develop plans, policies, and procedures; assess and report outcomes to management/Board.
• Budget development and monitoring of expenses; manage contract expectations.
• Coordinate with One-Stop Operator to achieve program goals; present reports to Board.
• Educate the community about Kentucky Career Center services and build external partnerships.
• Recruit and develop staff; conduct evaluations and implement corrective actions.

Skills

Oral and written communication

MS Office

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Interpersonal relations

File management

Education

Associate degree or higher in human services or business

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Full-Time Workforce

Workforce Development Manager

Posted October 5, 2026

The Workforce Development Manager, under the direction of the Executive Director, oversees the Workforce program for the TENCO region comprised of Bath, Boyd, Bracken, Fleming, Greenup, Lewis, Mason, Montgomery, Robertson, and Rowan Counties. The Workforce Development Manager will provide oversight for services and activities provided through the Kentucky Career Centers within the TENCO region, hold a small caseload, and serve as a liaison between management and program employees. The Workforce Development Manager must maintain confidentiality.

General Duties and Responsibilities

1. Program Administration

• Liaise with Gateway Area Development District Executive Director and the TENCO Workforce Development Director to develop plans, policies, and procedures for the program, including evaluating operations and generating ideas and plans for improvements;
• Assess and report program outcomes to management and the Board of Directors;
• Participate in budget development and monitoring of program expenses;
• Assist with reviewing activities of agencies and/or programs funded under contract with the TENCO Workforce Development Board to assure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations;
• Evaluate the quality and quantity of services provided;
• Conduct customer exit interviews, maintain lists of community resources, and provide information on job opportunities to customers and the general public;
• Coordinate with the One-Stop Operator to ensure program goals are achieved, and regulations are followed;
• Present reports to the TENCO Workforce Development Board and Career Center Committee;
• Professionally represent the Kentucky Career Centers at meetings in the community and with other agencies and government officials; and
• Educate the community about Kentucky Career Center services.

2. Staff Management

• Oversee and coordinate daily operations;
• Fill in for staff and complete staff job duties as needed;
• Supervise staff and provide constructive feedback;
• Review and approve/deny program staff-related travel and leave requests;
• Revise and/or formulate policies and promote their implementation;
• Provide basic Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) guidance to direct service staff;
• Participate in meetings to review customer enrollments, performance criteria, and other contract expectations;
• Develop and implement corrective action plans;
• Respond to customer complaints;
• See to program staffing needs;
• Evaluate overall performance by gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data and metrics;
• Interview potential candidates for job vacancies;
• Complete staff probationary and annual evaluations;
• Participate in disciplinary decisions and actions; and
• Build a strong team through open communication and collaboration.

3. Public Relations

• Facilitate and engage in various levels of communication with other internal staff members, clients of the organization, members of the Board of Directors, members of the Workforce Development Board, advisory committees, and other public agencies;
• Maintain regular contact with local government officials and administrative agencies;
• Investigate and resolve complaints and concerns from customers with the Executive Director;
• Build networks and collaborate with other organizations to implement the organization’s planning and development strategies;
• Articulate and communicate the program’s regional and local impact to the Board of Directors;
• Oversee or lead large group discussions, community outreach, and public involvement initiatives; and
• Participate in community events and speak at local and regional meetings.

4. Other Duties

Involves any other tasks and assistance needed to support the organization.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Associate’s degree or higher in a human services or business-related field from an accredited college or university.

Certification and Trainings

Valid driver’s license required. Additional certifications may be required upon hiring. Employees may be expected to attend professional development trainings relating to specialties.

Experience

Intermediate – Professional Level Position. Two (2) or more years of related work experience in workforce development and/or non‑profit or governmental organization is required. Four (4) or more years of related work experience preferred.

Physical Requirements

Sit for extended periods of time; stand and walk for extended periods of time; reach, stoop, crouch, and bend; ascend/descend ladders; fine motor skills; operate a vehicle; and ability to lift and carry 30 pounds.

Sensory Requirements

Sight; Hearing; Speaking

Working Conditions

Indoor office conditions; requires intermittent standing, sitting, or stooping; work requires consistent use of computer and phone systems as well as other general office equipment; and frequent interruptions.

Availability and Travel

Normal business hours; nights/weekends (special events/training/local meetings); regular travel within region and state; occasional travel outside of the state; able to travel multiple days at a time; and must be able to attend meetings and answer calls during evenings and weekends.

Tools, Equipment, and Vehicle Use

Standard office equipment (computers, printers, scanners, phones, etc.); and fleet/personal vehicle(s).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• Local businesses and industries;
• Employment and training laws, Civil Rights laws relating to employment, education and training, and the Americans with Disabilities Act; and
• Non‑profit operations, organizations, functions, and challenges.

Skills

• Oral and written communication with diverse populations;
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel);
• Attention to detail;
• Use of computers and other office equipment;
• Reasoning, problem‑solving, and organization;
• Analytical skills;
• Establishing and sustaining interpersonal relationships; and
• Organizing and maintaining accurate files and records.

Abilities

• Be present and punctual;
• Provide services in a professional manner and maintain constructive working relationships;
• Work in a fast‑paced environment;
• Analyze data and formulate policies and procedures;
• Prioritize work and meet deadlines;
• Work under stressful situations with patience and tact;
• Flexible in scheduling;
• Teamwork;
• Maintain confidentiality;
• Project a good image and friendly personality when greeting callers/visitors; and
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co‑workers, officials, and the public.

This position will remain open until filled.

Gateway Area Development District is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.