Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO

Workforce Development Director

Based in Seattle, WA

 

The Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (WSLC) is seeking a strategic, equity-driven workforce leader to join our team as Workforce Development Director. This position plays a critical role in advancing worker-centered training programs, managing public workforce investments, and building partnerships that expand access to good jobs. Ideal candidates bring experience in workforce development, apprenticeship systems, and grant management, along with a deep commitment to economic justice and expanding opportunity for all working people.

About the WSLC
Widely considered the “voice of labor” in Washington state, the WSLC represents more than 600 affiliated local unions and approximately 600,000 rank-and-file union members. The WSLC advocates for organized labor and working families through political action, legislative advocacy, education, workforce development, and community engagement. Learn more at wslc.org.

Key Responsibilities
Grant Management

• Administer multiple federal and state workforce development grants, ensuring compliance and strong outcomes
• Monitor performance metrics and reporting requirements
• Develop proposals and strategies for new funding aligned with WSLC goals

Program Development & Execution

• Design and implement innovative workforce training programs that meet the needs of union affiliates and working people
• Ensure alignment with labor market demands, industry standards, and regulatory guidelines
• Use data and stakeholder input to drive program quality and innovation

Project Management

• Lead multiple workforce development projects with clear timelines, deliverables, and budgets
• Coordinate across WSLC departments and external partners to meet program goals
• Track progress and performance using strong project management tools

Partnerships & Community Engagement

• Cultivate partnerships with employers, unions, training providers, and community-based organizations
• Represent the WSLC at workforce events, advisory committees, and policy forums
• Engage in public speaking and presentations on workforce and labor topics
• Partner with education and industry to align curriculum and on-the-job training

Apprenticeship

• Apply knowledge of Washington’s Registered Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship systems
• Support expansion of equitable apprenticeship pathways

Workforce Strategy & Policy

• Contribute to regional and statewide workforce strategy and economic development initiatives
• Analyze trends and identify strategies to close skills gaps and promote worker mobility

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in workforce development, grant administration, or program management
• Demonstrated success managing state and federal workforce grants
• Deep knowledge of Washington’s community and technical college system
• Experience working with or managing Registered Apprenticeship programs
• Familiarity with WIOA regulations and performance metrics
• Strong project management and leadership skills
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Experience collaborating with workforce boards, economic development agencies, and state-level policymakers

A Note to Potential Candidates
Studies show that women, trans, non-binary folks, and Black, Indigenous people, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply unless they meet every qualification listed. At the WSLC, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We strongly encourage you to apply, even if your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification.

Terms of Employment
The Workforce Development Director is part of the administrative staff of the WSLC and covered by the collective bargaining agreement with Office and Professional Employees International Union, Local 8 (OPEIU 8). The position includes:

• Excellent wages
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Vacation and holiday leave
• Defined benefit pension plan
• Employer-matched savings plan

Salary Range: $95,000 – $115,000 per year (commensurate with experience)

This is a full-time, salaried position based in Washington state. Occasional travel and evening/weekend work are required.

Process and Start Date
To apply, please submit the following materials to Willa Kamakahi, WSLC Executive Assistant to the President, at wkamakahi@wslc.org:

1. A formal letter of interest explaining your qualifications and interest in the role
2. A résumé with three (3) references
3. A brief writing sample relevant to workforce development or public policy

Position open until filled. Preferred start date is as soon as possible.