Director of Workforce Programs and Operations

ABOUT STL YOUTH JOBS

STL Youth Jobs’ mission is to bridge the divide between our region’s youth and the growing skills gap in our workforce. STL Youth Jobs was created in 2013 to change the landscape of employment opportunities for youth living in underserved areas, so they are connected to opportunities that allow them to gain experience and develop the skills required to meet employment demands. From exploration to acceleration, STL Youth Jobs aims to be responsive to a variety of ages and skill levels by meeting youth where they are within their career journey.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Workforce Programs & Operations provides strategic leadership and oversight for STLYJ’s program portfolio and operational systems. This role manages the Associate Director of Programs and the Senior Workforce Manager and ensures high-quality, compliant program delivery across provider partners, drives data-informed program improvement, leads employer engagement and recruitment, and shapes the youth experience and partnership strategy to expand job and career pathways for young people.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Strategy

• Manage and mentor the Associate Director of Workforce Programs and the Senior Workforce Manager, including directing priorities and supporting professional development.
• Lead cross-functional coordination with internal teams to align programmatic and organizational priorities.
• Ensure program models align with workforce trends and youth needs; recommend adaptations and adopt new standards and initiatives as needed.
• Implement and design revenue-generating strategies alongside the Director of Development to increase employer support and engagement.
• Ensure a high-quality end-to-end experience for youth, providers, and employers by equipping them with the tools, training, and support necessary.

Operations and Quality Assurance

• Oversee and monitor program operations, including budgets, service provider selection and performance, contracts, and service-level agreements.
• Direct all marketing and outreach plans for youth and employer recruitment focused on target communities and high-demand sectors.
• Oversee the organization’s case management system and data management policies and workflows to ensure timely, accurate information collection and maintenance.
• Ensure data integrity, track performance, evaluate, and report to funders and stakeholders in a timely manner.

Partnerships, Representation, and Fundraising

• Build and sustain strategic partnerships with provider networks, employers, educational institutions, and community-based organizations to expand opportunities for youth.
• Represent STLYJ to funders, partners, and community convenings; support grant reporting and proposal development as needed.

Qualifications

•  5+ years of progressive experience in youth workforce development, program management, or community-based program leadership; supervisory experience required.
• Demonstrated success managing complex, multi-partner programs and ensuring compliance with funder requirements.
• Strong data literacy, experience with case management systems, and performance measurement.
• Excellent leadership, relationship-building, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to equity, youth-centered practice, and collaborative problem-solving.

Position Details & Benefits

• Exempt, full-time (35 hours/week)
• Salary commensurate with experience
• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, retirement plan option and unlimited PTO package
• Hybrid work environment

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Interested candidates must send a cover letter, salary expectations, and an electronic version of their resume to: careers@stlyouthjobs.org.  Subject Line: Director of Workforce Programs and Operations.
No phone calls, please. Only those candidates who meet our qualifications will be contacted. No staffing agencies, please.

STL Youth Jobs is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.