Workforce & Economic Mobility Director (56309)

Build pathways. Open doors. Change what’s <possible.At> YSS, we believe a job can be more than a paycheck. Meaningful employment can build confidence, create stability, strengthen connections, and open the door to a future a young person may not have imagined for themselves.

The Director of Workforce & Economic Mobility will lead the development of that future.

This position provides strategic leadership for YSS’s workforce development, career readiness, and economic mobility initiatives—creating pathways that connect youth, young adults, and families to education, training, employment, career advancement, and financial stability.

You’ll bring together programs, people, employers, educators, workforce systems, and community partners to create opportunities that are practical, innovative, and built for the real-world barriers many of the young people we serve face.

This is a role for a builder—someone who sees possibilities, connects the dots, and knows that sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is help someone see a future they didn’t think was possible.

What You'll Do...

Workforce Strategy & Program Leadership

Develop and lead an organization-wide workforce and economic mobility strategy aligned with YSS’s mission and strategic priorities.

Build a continuum of workforce opportunities that supports participants from career exploration and workforce readiness through education, training, credential attainment, employment, and career advancement.

Integrate workforce development into existing YSS programs and service models.

Develop innovative approaches that address barriers to employment, including housing instability, homelessness, recovery, mental health, and system involvement.

Identify emerging workforce trends, industries, and opportunities that can expand career options for YSS participants.

Economic Mobility & Career Pathways

• Develop career pathways that promote long-term employment, financial stability, and economic independence.
• Connect participants to internships, apprenticeships, work-based learning, job shadowing, training, credentialing, and employment opportunities.
• Help participants build the skills, confidence, professional relationships, and experience needed to enter and advance in the workforce.
• Partner with YSS programs to connect participants with education, training, employment, and economic mobility resources.
• Ensure workforce initiatives are strengths-based, trauma-informed, accessible, and responsive to participant needs.

Organizational Collaboration & Partnerships

• Collaborate with YSS program leaders to identify workforce needs, opportunities, and gaps across the organization.
• Provide leadership, coaching, accountability, and professional development to build a strong workforce development team.
• Supervise workforce development staff, coordinators, peer mentors, interns, and future program personnel
• Serve as a strategic resource to leadership on workforce development and economic mobility.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with employers, workforce boards, educational institutions, training providers, community organizations, and philanthropic partners.
• Create employer engagement strategies that expand access to internships, apprenticeships, work-based learning, career exploration, and employment pipelines.
• Coordinate across programs and departments to create a cohesive, organization-wide approach to workforce development.
• Represent YSS in community and regional workforce initiatives.

Lived Experience Workforce Development

• Develop and oversee pathways that support former YSS participants in pursuing employment within YSS and related human service fields.
• Create opportunities for individuals to progress from participant to peer mentor, workforce participant, staff member, and future leader.
• Establish training, mentoring, supervision, and professional development supports for individuals entering the workforce through lived experience pathways.
• Partner with YSS programs to meaningfully incorporate youth voice and lived experience into program development and service delivery.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen YSS’s workforce and organizational culture through lived experience.

Program Evaluation & Sustainability

Establish measurable goals, outcomes, and performance indicators for workforce and economic mobility initiatives.

Develop systems to track participant engagement, training completion, credentials earned, employment placement, retention, and wage growth.

Use data, participant feedback, and community insight to evaluate effectiveness and continuously improve programming.

Identify and pursue funding opportunities aligned with workforce development, youth opportunity, housing stability, and economic mobility.

Partner with grants and development teams on proposals, reporting, and funder communications.

Develop sustainable funding strategies that support the growth and long-term success of workforce initiatives.

Prepare regular reports and presentations for executive leadership, funders, and community partners.

Communicate program impact through meaningful data and the experiences of the people served.

This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.

This role isn't simply about helping someone find a job. It's about creating the connections, skills, opportunities, and systems that help people build a life they can be proud of—and a future they can sustain.

Who You Are...

You’re a strategic thinker, a relationship builder, and a builder of possibilities. You see workforce development as more than getting someone a job—you see it as a pathway to confidence, stability, purpose, and a future with more choices.

You’re energized by creating something new, connecting people and resources, and turning big ideas into practical opportunities. You can think strategically while staying grounded in the day-to-day realities of the people and programs you serve.

What We Provide...

We invest in people—because when you thrive, so do the communities we serve. At YSS, you’ll find meaningful work, strong support, and benefits designed for real life.

Supportive Culture & Work Environment

• Supportive leadership team and mission-driven culture
• Flexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance
• Voluntary dental and vision insurance
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Supplemental accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) / Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Flu shots and mental health support resources

Time Off & Work-Life Balance

• Generous paid time off (4 weeks PTO)
• Paid holidays, including a birthday holiday
• Volunteer time off

Financial & Retirement Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Supplemental compensation award
• 403(b) retirement savings plan

Professional & Career Support

Professional liability insurance coverage

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualified employer

What We're Looking For...We want to create a world where youth are valued and empowered to stand strong. To do this, we ask our staff to embrace YSS core values - Commitment, Collaboration, Compassion, Innovation, Integrity, and a “Can Do” Spirit.

Required Qualifications - MUST HAVES

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five years of progressive leadership experience in workforce development, youth services, behavioral health, housing, education, or related human services.
• Experience developing programs, building partnerships, and turning strategies into action.
• Experience using data and outcomes to evaluate programs and guide decisions.
• Demonstrated experience addressing barriers to employment and economic mobility.n.

Preferred Qualifications - SHOULD HAVES

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience with WIOA, TANF, youth employment, peer support, recovery-oriented systems of care, or other workforce and economic mobility initiatives.
• Experience developing employer partnerships, internships, apprenticeships, or other work-based learning opportunities.
• Experience with grant-funded programs, grant development, or sustainable funding strategies.
• Experience incorporating lived experience or peer voice into workforce or human services programming.
• Knowledge of local and regional workforce systems, educational institutions, training providers, and employer networks.Master’s degree in human services or related field.

Skills That Will Get You NOTICED

• Strategic thinking — Sees the big picture and turns ideas into action.
• Relationship building — Builds trust and creates meaningful partnerships across diverse groups.
• Collaboration — Brings people together and works effectively across teams and systems.
• Communication — Communicates clearly, listens well, and builds shared understanding.
• Innovation — Curious, creative, and willing to challenge traditional approaches.
• Adaptability — Comfortable navigating change, ambiguity, and evolving priorities.
• Initiative — Takes ownership, follows through, and keeps things moving.
• Equity & empathy — Approaches people and systems with curiosity, respect, and a strengths-based mindset.

The IDEAL Candidate

Is rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.

Brings humility, respect, and cultural awareness to every interaction.

Speaks a second language (especially one spoken in our communities).

We Celebrate Your Story...

Have you navigated recovery from addiction, mental health challenges, trauma, or housing instability? Your lived experience offers a unique, compassionate perspective that can inspire real change. By sharing your story and serving as a role model or mentor, you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth and families. Your journey matters. If you’re ready to use it to uplift and empower others, we warmly encourage you to apply.

Who We Are...

We’re YSS—one of Iowa’s largest and longest-standing nonprofits dedicated to putting kids first. Our mission is simple but powerful: spark hope, create opportunity, and help young people thrive.

From life-changing programs to a new 50-acre recovery campus, we’re expanding fast and thinking big. Learn more at <yss.org>.

We value the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we’re committed to building a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where everyone can grow and succeed.

YSS is a nicotine-free workplace.

Stay Connected...

We communicate with applicants via email - straight from our Paycom system address: <[email hidden]>. Please check your inbox regularly (and your spam/junk folder just in case). If the message does end up in spam/junk, make sure to add <[email hidden]> to your list of safe senders. We may also send you texts if you give us that permission when you apply. Questions? Reach us anytime at <[email hidden]>

Our Hiring Process - Here’s What to Expect...

Apply – Submit your application at <yss.org/ysscareers>

Assessment – We review your skills and experience

Interview – Phone, video, or in-person conversation

References – We’ll connect with 3+ professional references

Screening – Background check, driving record check, and license verification if required

Offer – If it’s a match, you’ll receive a formal offer through Paycom