The ideal candidate for this position is an inclusive leader with collaborative, partnership, and problem-solving skills, to include cultural understanding of the unique needs of the regional workforce.

If you are a community-minded leader who knows what it takes to influence systems in building and sustaining a healthy, well positioned workforce for current and future opportunities, and you are excited about leading diverse teams to deliver services to Washingtonians – we are looking for you!

As part of Employment Connections division, this position is responsible for the strategic oversight and management of Eastern regional WorkSource system operations including job seeker and employer services administered by the Employment Security Department. This requires work with the Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDB) (Eastern LWDB, Benton Franklin LWDB and Spokane LWDB) to develop and support the strategic focus and framework needed to effectively meet the local and regional workforce development needs of job seekers and employers.

It is the role of the Eastern Regional Director to provide strategic leadership over ESD programs within their region. In addition, their responsibilities encompass performance and accountability for ESD operations within their region in accordance with the agency strategic goals and those of the state WIOA and local plans. This position directly supervises 6 full time employees, to include 5 WMS positions and manages an operating budget of approximately $15,000,000.

Some of what you will do:

Strategic Planning: Working across regions, partnering with local LWDBs to develop and implement workforce development strategies that support statewide expectations and initiatives.

Budget and Oversight: Develop and oversee the administration of regional operating budget and ensure that each local office administrator is managing their resources effectively.

Culture Building: Support Eastern Region leaders and team members by maintaining personal and organizational awareness of the ESD Values Lens (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion/Integrity/Service with Kindness/Innovation/Collaboration/Investing in our people) and applying it to all work within the region.

Coaching and Supervision: Select, support, train, and mentor administrators and region leaders developing them as system leaders.

Performance Measures: Ensure local and regional leaders understand and analyze agency / regional performance data, reports, and outcomes.

Ensuring Internal or External Compliance: Ensure administrators and staff adhere to the agencies policies, procedures, and requirements.

Please click here to request a complete detailed description of the position and its duties.

Required Education, Experience, and Competencies:

Bachelor’s degree and five years of experience managing a diverse multi-functional organization, or equivalent education and experience. 3 years of workforce development experience is preferred.

Demonstrated knowledge and competencies include:

• Strategic and operational business planning principles and processes.
• Ability to model and promote leadership characteristics / attributes, motivate, and inspire employees, serve as a role model for quality leadership behaviors.
• Problem solving skills and ability to prioritize and delegate work.
• Effective listening skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, partners, and fellow leaders.
• Understanding of the business environment, appropriate management and use of technology, and ability to interact with partners, stakeholders and customers in strategic planning and problem solving.
• Ability to make timely decisions and take calculated risks based on available information. Ability to accept responsibility for decisions and modify decisions based on new information.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff, peers, partners, elected officials and the media using a variety of methods including oral and written forms of communication.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data and performance goals, assess data to identify trends and characteristics influencing operational and performance outcomes.

Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies:

Demonstrated knowledge of:

• Human resources
• Collective bargaining agreements
• Fiscal management principles and procedures

Additional Requirement of Employment:

Must be able to pass an Unemployment Insurance (UI) Claim & Benefit Information Review.

Must be able to travel as needed.

Please submit your Cover Letter, and Resume with your Online Application through the "Add Attachments" field. A resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields, or supplemental question responses with comments such as "see attachments" may be considered incomplete.

Our agency's mission and values drive every decision that we make, determine how we interact with others, and are at the core of who we are. We value Access, Love, Belonging, Equity, and Stewardship. We understand that a work environment that respects your work/life balance is key; that's why many of our positions are eligible for flexible work schedules and teleworking opportunities. Through support, value, and trust, our employees are empowered to grow and develop into their best self.

Opportunity for All

We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, people over 40 years of age, people with religious beliefs, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

The Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

If you are a person needing assistance in the application process, if you need this job announcement in an alternate format, or if you have general questions about this opportunity, please contact Sanyu.Tushabe@esd.wa.gov or at 360.480.4514 or the Talent Acquisition Team, Washington Relay Service 711. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please contact careershelp@des.wa.gov or (360) 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960, Washington Relay 711.