director of workforce programs and operations
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, $75,000 - $80,000
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.
About
STL Youth Jobs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to bridge the divide between our region’s youth and the growing skills gap in our workforce. STL Youth Jobs was created in 2013 as a mechanism to change the landscape of employment opportunities for youth living in underserved areas so they are connected to opportunities through which they can gain experience and develop 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.
STL Youth Jobs is an employment system that connects job seekers, ages 14-24, with meaningful paid work experiences. Since 2013, STL Youth Jobs has connected individuals to more than 5,000 job opportunities and experiences through a proven service model that includes a paid work experience, job readiness and financial literacy training, and career and mentoring services.
1. Foundation Level Practicum (Micro & Macro)
TYPICALLY AVAILABLE AT THE beginning OF the spring semester (January) with the opportunity to continue into the summer semester. tHIS IS for BSW STUDENTS, MSW STUDENTS, or other areas of study.
STL Youth Jobs connects youth with local employers for work experience. This position is responsible for assisting with youth recruitment and outreach, data collection & clean up which includes streamlining the case management system experience. The role will walk alongside the Partnership & Impact department while it oversees and manages summer, fall and spring programming. This practicum is an ideal opportunity for students interested in program and partnership management. Student’s duties can range from, but are not limited to:
Partnerships & Impact
Work with STL Youth Jobs’ network of program providers to ensure quality service delivery including youth onboarding, training, job placement and data collection throughout the work experience
Create a monitoring system to evaluate program providers
Assist with the development of STL Youth Jobs’ case management system including functionality that would streamline youth and program provider experience
Data Entry
All other duties as assigned
Youth Activities and Support
Assist with developing a network of resources and relationships in order to effectively provide wraparound support to youth including; mental health, education, employment, housing, food, etc.
Identify potential youth recruitment opportunities to reach STL Youth Jobs’ targeted youth population
Conduct community outreach activities to share information about STL Youth Jobs and how to participate. Note these opportunities happen during the week and weekends.
Provide guidance and assistance to the youth application process including follow-ups, next steps and assistance with application completion
Assist with youth intake and training
Employer Relations and Recruitment
Contact employers to finalize applications
Identify and reach out to prospective employers to share information about STL Youth Jobs
Assist with fielding employer application questions and general inquiries
Required Skills
Strong relationship, interpersonal, and communication skills
Strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask and manage competing priorities
Detail-oriented
Ability to work in an independent environment
Traditional work hour availability with occasional evening and weekend availability
Application Instructions
Submit a resume and cover letter to Ms. Hillary Frey. Subject Line: Practicum Student.
2. Concentration Level Practicum (MACRO)
TYPICALLY available year-round to MSW students and other areas of study.
Students interested in further developing skills in marketing, development, organization partner relationships, and/or evaluation are encouraged to apply. This practicum is an ideal opportunity for students interested in nonprofit management. The STL Youth Jobs staff is a small team of seven individuals. Students have the opportunity to work in all departments with all staff members. Duties will be customized and can range from, but are not limited to:
Marketing and Communications
Storytelling of the organization, partnership and youth experiences
Manage assigned responsibilities of the organization’s internal and external communications plan including assisting with the creation of press releases, social media strategy development, branding and marketing strategy, database management, etc.
Create marketing collateral and messaging to reach audiences of youth participants, donors, and employer partners
Develop talking points, presentation design, handouts, and infographics
Development
Assist the Director of Development with research and cultivation strategy for prospective donors
Assistance with organizing and managing the donor relations database
Assist in designing and creating the annual report
Employer Relations
Assist Director of Employer Relations with employer recruitment, outreach, and communication
Research regional labor trends and sectors, as well as local companies with skilled high-demand job opportunities
Research educational and career pathways available to youth in St. Louis
Program Evaluation Planning
Customized evaluation project around assessment of job coach performance, revenue income, increased engagement from employer partners, or more
Conduct follow-up surveys and focus groups with past participants to monitor and assess their progress in the off season
Develop a set of recommendations for engagement with past participants, including incentives, resources and referrals, and case management
Will meet the evaluation requirement for required courses
Other duties as assigned
Required Skills
Practicum students must work independently with strong skills in:
Organization
Task management: track tasks and progress, presenting weekly updates
Time management
Strong writing and grammar
Communication: must be good at following-up via email and phone
Being a self-starter and taking the lead on projects
Being A digger! Someone that does research and deep-dives when needed
Flexibility and being a team player
Desired Skills
Graphic design or familiarity with Canva (this is entry-level but willingness to be creative in designing social media and marketing materials)
Experience with Squarespace and web design
Application Instructions
Submit a resume and cover letter to Ms. Hillary Frey. Subject Line: Practicum Student.