Workforce Services Executive Director

Together SC; Clemson, Northern (SC, KY); Hybrid; USD 76,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Dental and vision coverage

Paid holidays

Paid leave

Job summary

WorkLink, located in Clemson, SC, seeks an experienced Executive Director to provide strategic leadership for the Board’s workforce initiatives. You will guide governance, partnerships, and program oversight to advance regional workforce strategies and investments.

Reporting through the Appalachian Council of Governments as the fiscal agent, the role includes budgeting, reporting, staff and consultant supervision, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations while building strong

Qualifications

• Requires strong strategic leadership and board governance experience.
• Experience aligning initiatives with funding and policy priorities.
• Proven ability to work with diverse stakeholders and partners.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to advance the Board’s vision and goals.
• Coordinate board meetings, materials, and communications.
• Develop and nurture partnerships with education, business, and government leaders.
• Oversee budget, contracts, procurement, and compliance.
• Support grant development and regulatory compliance.
• Represent the Board to local agencies and partners.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Board governance experience

Stakeholder engagement

Policy analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

WORKLINK EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - Apply by October 23

Located in Clemson, SC, WorkLink seeks an experienced and dynamic Executive Director to provide strategic leadership on Board initiatives, build partnerships with diverse stakeholders to achieve shared goals, and oversee the budget, reporting, staff, and consultants to carry out the Board’s work and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The position provides high-quality policy and decision-making support to the leadership, committees, and members of a large, multi-constituency community board charged by federal law with advancing workforce strategies and investments.

(While this position directly supports the WorkLink Workforce Development Board and its regional programs, the Appalachian Council of Governments (ACOG) serves as WorkLink's fiscal agent and administrative entity. Therefore, ACOG is the formal hiring entity, meaning payroll, benefits, and legal employment status will be managed through ACOG.)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership – Provides strategic leadership for the Board’s work by helping establish and implement its vision, mission, goals, and action plans. Continuously assesses strategies within the current operating environment and recommends adjustments as appropriate. Leads regional strategic planning and initiative development and participates in state and national policy development on behalf of the Board. Aligns funding strategies with Board priorities by identifying and securing grants and other external funding to support innovative workforce development initiatives.

Board Support – Ensures the Board and its committees receive the information, analysis, and logistical support needed to make informed decisions and operate effectively. Works with Board leadership to plan effective meetings, provide clear analysis and decision-making frameworks, maintain regular communication with Board members, and ensure meeting materials and other necessary information are provided in a timely manner. Coordinates meeting locations and other logistical needs.

Board Development – Works with Board leadership and local elected officials to assess Board strengths and needs and develop strategies for continued improvement. Leads Board member recruitment when vacancies occur and ensures new members receive effective orientation. Encourages active participation and engagement by all Board members.

Partnerships – Develops and strengthens strategic partnerships with a broad range of stakeholders to advance shared goals. Promotes diverse participation in Board initiatives and fosters collaboration among educational leaders, the business and industrial community, local elected officials, economic developers, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and other community partners.

Board Representation – Represents the Board with local agencies and organizations, boards, county councils, commissions, and other partners. Coordinates with human resource, education, workforce, and service organizations throughout the three-county region to promote cooperation and avoid duplication of efforts. Coordinates Board activities with state, federal, and local entities involved in employment and training. Delivers presentations, prepares articles, and communicates information on behalf of the organization.

Public Workforce System Development and Improvement – Advises the Board on priority investments and provides oversight of the performance and quality of services funded through the Board, including One-Stop Operators and youth service providers. Promotes integrated service delivery and continuous improvement and works with service providers and partners to develop or strengthen services as needed.

Business and Financial Management - Provides overall organizational and financial management to support the Board and its initiatives. Develops and oversees the annual budget; manages contracts, procurement, and resource allocation; and ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local fiscal requirements. Monitors grant expenditures, prepares financial reports, and ensures accurate and timely fiscal documentation. Provides administrative oversight of research, communications, and project management and supervises staff and consultants involved in financial and programmatic operations. Makes recommendations to the administrative entity and/or WorkLink Board regarding personnel, purchasing, and vendor decisions.

GrantandRegulatoryRequirements–Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local grant, recordkeeping, and administrative requirements, including WIOA responsibilities related to the eligible training provider list, memoranda of understanding and other agreements, and applicable laws and regulations.

Equal Opportunity Officer – Ensures compliance with Equal Opportunity laws, policies, and regulations and reviews written policies for non-discrimination. Manages the Equal Opportunity program, including the customer complaint process, and keeps staff informed of changes in applicable laws, regulations, and compliance requirements. Serves as liaison to the state WIOA Equal Opportunity Officer, including gathering data and preparing required reports and responses.

Perform other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A.Bachelor’sdegreerequired.Master’sdegreepreferred.

B.Progressivelevelsofresponsibilityinworkexperiencerequired.

C.Strongbusinessleadershipexperiencepreferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

A.Knowledge of workforce, economic, community development, public policy, and budgetary principles.

B.Experience in strategic planning, policy development, or organizational leadership.

C.Experience working with businesses, boards, committees, or community partners.

D.Strong communication, listening, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.

E.Ability to develop strategies, solve problems, leverage resources, and build collaborative partnerships.

F.Ability to build trust, work effectively with diverse stakeholders, and serve as a neutral broker.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employeeandissubjecttochangebytheemployerastheneedsof theemployerandrequirements of the job change.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Hiring range $76K-$95K. Employees are provided South Carolina State Health Insurance and Retirement benefits as well as dental and vision coverage. Twelve paid holidays and paid annual and sick leave included with benefits.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY WORKPLACE

WorkLink is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.