Director of Workforce Development

  • Full-time

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

  • Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
  • Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
  • Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
  • Benefits - We care about your well-being.


Agency Description

The Philadelphia airport is a dynamic place to work. It is the only major airport serving the 8th largest metropolitan area in the United States and is one of the busiest airports in the country. The City of Philadelphia Division of Aviation oversees both Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Northeast Airport (PNE), the city’s general aviation reliever airport. The airport system operates through the Aviation Fund, which is an enterprise fund of the City of Philadelphia and is completely self-sustaining using no local taxpayer dollars to operate. Learn more about the airport at www.phl.org.

Our Mission: Proudly connecting Philadelphia with the world

Our Vision: World-class global gateway of choice

Our Values:  

  • People First - Our employees, stakeholders and passengers
  • Respect - To ourselves, our customers and our environment
  • Integrity - We hold ourselves responsible for what we do, say, and think
  • Diversity – Purposefully Inclusive and accepting of all
  • Excellence - We hold ourselves to the highest standards of service, innovation, and efficiency
     

Philadelphia Airport has won numerous awards for quality, diversity, and innovation:

  • 2021 Civil Rights Advocate and Partner Award – FAA
  • 2021 Leon C Watkins Guardian Award – ACI-NA
  • 2021 Diverse Business Leader of 2021 – Kathy Padilla – Philadelphia Business Journal
  • 2021 Advocate of the Year Award – City of Philadelphia Office of Economic Opportunity MEDWeek
  • 2021 Philadelphia Aviation Project Award - March of Dimes Annual Transportation, Building and Construction awards
  • 2021 Honorable Mention Balchen-Post Award for Excellence in the Performance of Airport Snow and Ice Control - NEC-AAAE
  • 2019 Best Overall Program Award at Airport Experience Awards

Job Description

     PHL is seeking a qualified, highly motivated individual to direct the workforce development program within the airport. The program currently includes: Summer Internship Program for college and high school students; a College Intern Program for specific majors and a Hospitality Careers Program (HCP). The Summer Internship Program has approximately 75 participants annually that are assigned to various divisions throughout the airport. The College Intern Program is in collaboration with local universities in specific areas of study and the individuals are assigned to a technical professional to supervise projects. HCP was launched in 2018, it is a workforce development program that prepares individual job seekers, for positions in the hospitality, janitorial or customer service fields. In addition, this position would be responsible for developing an apprenticeship program to meet PHL’s need for skilled trades workers. The airport prides themselves on creating pathways for employees and jobseekers, by offering training and programs that equips them with the necessary skills to advance their careers or enter the workforce with the tools to succeed.

     The Director of Workforce Development will partner with PHL leadership, consultants, stakeholders and work collaboratively with the City’s Office of Workforce Development in the design, development, implementation and management of the PHL Workforce Development Program.  This includes participant recruitment and selection, program administration, curriculum/courseware development, training delivery, career and workplace readiness, career pathway alignment, job placement assistance, and stakeholder engagement.

     The Program Director will strive to ensure that all PHL workforce development programs; including HCP, Internship and Apprenticeship Programs are aligned with the City’s larger workforce development plans, goals, and strategies.

     This position reports to the Deputy Director of Aviation for Human Resources.

Essential Functions

The Program Director will be responsible for:

  • Administering all aspects of the Workforce Development Program to meet set goals.
  • Creating program marketing materials, policies and procedures, and participant handbook.
  • Implementing and managing participant recruitment, assessment, selection, and onboarding.
  • Developing and implementing a technical training curriculum for each career track that aligns to the associated civil service positions.
  • Partner with Human Resources to revise job descriptions as necessary and to ensure compliance with the City’s rules and regulations.
  • Collaborating with departmental subject matter experts and external consultants to develop and integrate on-the-job training and experiential learning opportunities into the technical curriculum.
  • Implementing performance evaluation measures to assess participants’ technical and interpersonal/soft skills.
  • Coordinating the delivery of professional development and career readiness courses.
  • Connecting participants to supportive services, and job placement assistance, in preparation for full-time employment.
  • Track program and participant information in applications and software.
  • Participation in meetings with labor unions regarding programs.
  • Create and disseminate status and ad hoc reports.
  • Conduct program assessment and implement continuous improvement strategies.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Excellent self-direction and the ability to take ownership and drive responsibilities through to completion.
  • Strong knowledge of issues and trends in workforce development particularly in urban communities. 
  • Ability to work within a local government environment and with multiple stakeholders and partner organizations. 
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage employers and diverse constituents in a collaborative manner. 
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently and manage complex projects and timelines. 
  • Willingness to address challenges and drive innovation.
  • Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to supervise, direct and evaluate the work of others.
  • Ability to travel locally.
  • Ability to prioritize work and multi-task effectively.
  • Ability to adapt to changing priorities and exhibit flexibility
  • Creates, promotes and maintains an inclusive workplace that acknowledges, understands, accepts, values, celebrates and respects the differences among individuals, in such areas as, race, age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, culture, physical and mental ability, sexual orientation, or other demographics. Ensures that practices, processes, and programs are impartial, fair and provide equal possible outcomes for every individual. Takes active steps to eliminate acts, behavior, and speech, which reflect discrimination and prejudice.
  • Proficient in computer software applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Program Management Software, etc.)

Qualifications

  • Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, advanced degree preferred
  • A minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience working in workforce development, government, education, human resources and/or program development and implementation
  • Experience working with disconnected youth and young adults, returning citizens and/or individuals with barriers to employment
  • Strong experience with utilizing technology, including software, databases, learning management systems, and social media
  • Experience with budget development, fundraising and grant management preferred
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and fair treatment
  • Experience with and knowledge of City government and/or the public workforce system preferred
  • Knowledge of city, state and federal workforce policies and initiatives
  • Knowledge of local, state and national organizations that offer workforce training, career development services, adult education, and post-secondary credentials 
  • Knowledge of unionized workforce and building relations with the unions

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a resume.

Did you know?

  • We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
  • 25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
  • We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
  • Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
  • Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
  • Generous retirement savings options are available

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Please note that effective September 1, 2021 the City of Philadelphia is requiring all new employees to present proof of vaccination against COVID-19. 

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx

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