Project Director
- Houston, TX
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Exercise advanced professional judgment and strategic decision-making to design, lead, and sustain a high-performing workforce development system in partnership with the local workforce development board, employers, elected officials, and state/federal agencies.
- Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate innovative workforce solutions and operational strategies to achieve Board goals, meet funder requirements, and deliver measurable results for employers, job seekers, and students.
- Serve as the primary liaison and relationship manager for SERCO with the Texas Workforce Commission, Health and Human Services Commission, school districts, higher education institutions, community-based organizations, and other key stakeholders.
- Direct the establishment, management, and continuous improvement of SERCO-managed Workforce Solutions/One-Stop Centers in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and Board policies.
- Oversee daily operations across multiple funding streams, ensuring alignment with One-Stop guidelines, customer service excellence, and performance accountability.
- Coordinate with Board and state officials to manage program transitions, including the negotiation and transfer of facilities, equipment, and personnel.
- Ensure compliance and quality execution of all federally and state-funded programs, including fiscal management, procurement, facilities, and human resources.
- Assume full responsibility for the effective stewardship of funds, ensuring expenditures are allowable, reasonable, necessary, and aligned with program goals.
- Establish operational and performance benchmarks for each program, monitor progress, and make strategic adjustments to achieve or exceed contractual targets.
- Conduct regular performance reviews, recommend staffing assignments, and align resources to maximize service outcomes and ROI.
- Represent SERCO and the workforce development system to community residents, business leaders, government agencies, and partner organizations, strengthening the organization’s visibility and impact.
- Lead community needs assessments, labor market analysis, and program development efforts to address evolving workforce challenges and opportunities.
- Foster collaborations to advance initiatives such as welfare-to-work, school-to-career, sector partnerships, and talent pipeline development.
- Provide strategic guidance and oversight for the business services function, ensuring employer engagement strategies are data-driven, industry-aligned, and responsive to market demands.
- Drive continuous improvement and innovation in service delivery, leveraging technology, partnerships, and best practices to enhance access, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
- Actively participate in Board committees, policy development workgroups, and regional/state workforce taskforces to influence system design and policy priorities.
- Maintain transparent communication and reporting to the Board, funders, and partners on performance, fiscal integrity, and strategic initiatives.
- Perform additional duties as assigned to support organizational objectives and community workforce needs.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration, Social or Behavioral Sciences, or a closely related field.
- Minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in workforce development, economic development, or a closely related field, including program administration, compliance, and performance management.
- At least five (5) years in a senior administrative or management capacity, with demonstrated success overseeing multi-program, multi-site operations.
- Management experience in the Workforce Development System, including One-Stop operations and Business Services, may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis (minimum of four years required).
- Proven ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local regulations, with a track record of meeting or exceeding performance benchmarks under WIOA or similar funding streams.
- Skilled in staff supervision, organizational development, and change management, with the ability to lead diverse teams toward measurable outcomes.
- Deep understanding of the needs and challenges of target populations, including job seekers, youth, dislocated workers, and underserved communities.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain partnerships with board partners, co-located contractors, employers, community organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies to advance workforce solutions.