Workforce Development Manager

WesleyLife; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

WesleyLife in Des Moines, IA, is seeking a Workforce Development Manager to lead programs that build talent pipelines, internships, and community partnerships while advancing intergenerational workforce initiatives. This role focuses on aligning strategies with organizational goals and measurable outcomes across generations.

The position collaborates with People and Culture and local educators to design pathways, strengthen employer branding, and drive outcomes for students, workers, and aging

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, education, public administration, public health, or related field.
• 3–7 years of experience in workforce development, talent acquisition, education partnerships, public health, or a related field.
• Proven experience building partnerships with educational institutions or community organizations and multiple generations.
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement talent pipeline or workforce programs.
• Strong relationship management, influencing, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to think independently with a mindset of innovation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute workforce development strategies aligned with hiring needs.
• Build scalable talent pipelines including internships, apprenticeships, early career programs, and reskilling initiatives.
• Partner with People and Culture and business leaders to identify skill gaps and translate them into pipeline programs.
• Align partnerships to support workforce development and engagement across generations.
• Manage day-to-day execution of workforce programs with timely delivery and measurable outcomes.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with high schools, community colleges, universities, and workforce orgs.
• Collaborate with educators to co-develop curriculum alignment, career pathways, and experiential learning.
• Represent WesleyLife in workforce boards, economic development groups, and community coalitions.
• Position WesleyLife as a leader in intergenerational workforce strategies and partnership creativity.

Skills

Relationship management

Communication

Strategic thinking

Partnership development

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Position Summary

The Workforce Development Manager is responsible for executing workforce development strategies that build sustainable talent pipelines and partnerships and strengthen the organization’s employer brand across the broader education and community ecosystems. In alignment with WesleyLife’s Vision 2030 and the Uniting Generations strategies, this role operationalizes intergenerational programming within talent development efforts, strengthening a multigenerational workforce and creating meaningful opportunities for connections across generations. This role works in partnership with internal leaders and external organizations to implement workforce programs, support talent pipeline growth, and contribute to an age‑inclusive workplace culture.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities

Workforce Strategy & Talent Pipeline Development

• Support the implementation of workforce development strategies aligned with current and future hiring needs.
• Build and manage scalable talent pipelines, including internships, apprenticeships, early career programs, and reskilling initiatives.
• Partner with People and Culture and business leaders to identify skill gaps and translate them into targeted pipeline programs.
• Align workforce strategies with intergenerational workforce goals, ensuring representation and engagement across age groups.
• Manage day‑to‑day execution of workforce programs, ensuring timelines, deliverables, and outcomes are achieved.

Education & Community Partnerships

• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with high schools, community colleges, universities, and workforce development organizations.
• Collaborate with educators to co‑develop curriculum alignment, career pathways, and experiential learning opportunities.
• Represent the organization in workforce boards, economic development groups, and community coalitions, including attending job fairs when applicable.
• Align partnerships to support both workforce pipeline development and intentional engagement opportunities between students, team members, and the communities served that extend beyond hiring and career paths to engagement and connection.
• Identify and develop partnerships that expand access across generations, including youth, career changers, and older adults seeking workforce participation.

Career Pathways & Program Design

• Leverage external partnerships to showcase WesleyLife’s diverse career pathways and strengthen its reputation as an employer of choice.
• Design programs that support entry, progression, and retention of early and nontraditional talent.
• Ensure programs are inclusive, accessible, and aligned with diversity, equity, and inclusion goals.

Employer Branding & Talent Engagement

• Enhance the organization’s visibility and reputation as an employer of choice within targeted talent markets.
• Coordinate and participate in outreach initiatives including career fairs, campus events, speaking engagements, and community forums.
• Position the organization as a leader in workforce innovation and age‑inclusive employment practices and partnership creativity.

Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management

• Key point of contact for external workforce and education partners.
• Build strong, long‑term relationships that drive mutual value and measurable outcomes.
• Partner across departments to align workforce, programming, and culture efforts into a unified system.

Program Integration & Culture Support

• Support integration of intergenerational programming into workforce practices and the employee experience.
• Support development of mentorship, reverse mentorship, and cross‑generational team initiatives that enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Intergenerational Programming & Uniting Generations Integration

• Embed intergenerational experiences into internships, mentorships, and career pathways as structured and repeatable components, not one‑time activities.
• Support development of signature workforce experiences (e.g., mentorship programs, reverse mentorship, team‑based engagement) that support WesleyLife’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections across generations.

Metrics & Impact Measurement

• Track and report on key performance indicators and program outcomes.
• Analyze workforce trends and provide insights to inform strategic decisions.
• Measure outcomes related to:
  • Talent pipeline growth
  • Retention and engagement
  • Participation and engagement across generations
  • Impact on intergenerational engagement on perception of aging, employee experience, and belonging
• Deliver regular reporting to leadership on partnership impact and workforce outcomes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, education, public administration, public health, or related field.
• 3–7 years of experience in workforce development, talent acquisition, education partnerships, public health, or a related field.
• Proven experience building partnerships with educational institutions or community organizations and multiple generations.
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement talent pipeline or workforce programs.
• Strong relationship management, influencing, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to think independently with a mindset of innovation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working across sectors (corporate, education, nonprofit, or government).
• Knowledge of workforce trends, labor market dynamics, and talent development practices.
• Experience with intergenerational programming, community engagement, or age‑inclusive workforce strategies.
• Background in employer branding, early career recruiting, or apprenticeship programs.
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and track program outcomes across multiple system applications.

Why Choose WesleyLife?

At WesleyLife, you're not just starting a job — you're joining a purpose‑driven community where your well‑being, growth, and impact truly matter. With nearly 80 years of excellence in serving older adults, we empower our team members to thrive while making meaningful connections and changing lives every day.

WesleyLife is proud to be recognized as one of Senior Care’s Best Places to Work by WeCare Connect. We’re committed to a workplace where every team member is seen, heard, and appreciated.

WesleyLife is revolutionizing the experience of aging by challenging the stigma that aging means decline and promoting the idea that life transitions are opportunities for growth and purpose. Come be a part of the revolution!