The Manager, Strategic Programs and Community Engagement provides leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for key workforce development initiatives that advance the mission of the MassHire Department of Career Services (MDCS). This position will manage the Program Services Office within the Program Operations Directorate.
The position is responsible for aligning program priorities with MDCS strategic goals, overseeing the implementation and performance of federally funded workforce programs, monitoring emerging U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) priorities, coordinating the Commonwealth's H-2A and H-2B agricultural and non-agricultural temporary foreign labor certification programs, and leading cross-functional initiatives that strengthen service delivery, organizational capacity, and customer outcomes.
The Manager serves as a liaison among internal divisions, MassHire Workforce Boards, Career Centers, employers, community organizations, and state and federal partners to ensure compliance, continuous improvement, and the successful execution of strategic initiatives. This position also works closely with employers and partner agencies to support workforce needs through the administration and oversight of the H-2A and H-2B programs while ensuring compliance with applicable federal and state requirements.
Key Job Responsibilities:
Strategic Programs and Innovation
· Align program priorities and initiatives with MDCS strategic goals, the MassHire Innovation Project, and evolving federal and state workforce priorities.
· Manage and oversee assigned MDCS workforce programs and strategic initiatives to ensure effective implementation, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance.
· Analyze emerging workforce trends, federal and state legislation, regulations, and guidance to develop and/or recommend program policies and operational strategies that ensure compliance, support organizational priorities, and advance MDCS's strategic workforce initiatives.
· Monitor emerging U.S. Department of Labor guidance, initiatives, and funding opportunities and recommend strategies for statewide implementation.
· Coordinate with appropriate MDCS offices and external partners to address program, grant, monitoring, and oversight issues.
· Lead and coordinate special projects that improve service delivery, strengthen organizational capacity, and support continuous innovation.
· Identify program deficiencies, develop corrective action strategies, and monitor implementation to improve performance and customer outcomes.
· Advance workforce development strategies that build organizational capacity and support the evolving needs of employers, job seekers, and workforce partners.
· Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA).
· Oversee statewide day-to-day RESEA program activities and service delivery.
· Monitor RESEA program performance and ensure compliance with federal and state requirements.
· Implement continuous improvement strategies in partnership with DUA.
· Collaborate with MassHire Career Centers to strengthen customer experience, service consistency, and program outcomes.
· Coordinate with local state operations managers for program operations, implementation and addressing any corrective action.
Veterans Programs
· Oversee implementation and compliance of the Jobs for Veterans State Grant (JVSG) program.
· Provide strategic guidance on services to veterans and support federal reporting activities in collaboration with the grants management team.
· Oversee technical assistance and training for Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialists.
· Strengthen partnerships with employers, veteran-serving organizations, community partners, and workforce programs to expand employment opportunities for veterans.
· Monitor program performance and ensure services align with federal grant requirements and veteran employment priorities.
· Coordinate with local state operations managers for program operations, implementation and addressing any corrective action.
Community Engagement and Partnerships
· Develop and strengthen partnerships with employers, educational institutions, community-based organizations, and workforce partners to expand access to workforce services and support networks.
· Promote community engagement initiatives that improve customer access, workforce participation, and regional collaboration.
· Support initiatives that strengthen community well-being through strategic partnerships and collaborative workforce solutions.
· Oversee the administration of the Commonwealth's H-2A and H-2B temporary foreign labor certification programs, serving as the primary liaison with employers, community partners, and state and federal agencies to ensure compliance with program requirements and support workforce solutions that address critical labor shortages.
Leadership and Administration
· Provide operational leadership, guidance, and technical expertise to internal staff, MassHire Workforce Boards, Career Centers, and workforce partners to ensure effective program implementation, regulatory compliance, and consistent service delivery.
· Analyze program performance, operational metrics, and stakeholder feedback to identify trends and recommend policy, operational, and service delivery improvements that strengthen workforce outcomes.
· Prepare and present reports, briefings, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership regarding operational performance, community engagement initiatives, program outcomes, and emerging workforce priorities.
· Cultivate and sustain collaborative partnerships with MDCS divisions, employers, educational institutions, community-based organizations, MassHire Workforce Boards, Career Centers, and state and federal partners to advance community engagement, expand workforce opportunities, and achieve organizational objectives.
· Perform other duties as assigned in support of MDCS operations, strategic initiatives, community partnerships, and continuous improvement efforts.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, professional internship, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.
II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.
III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required experience.
IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required experience.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
