Director of Workforce Development

Goodwill's Mission: Transforming the lives of the individuals with disabilities and other barriers through pathways to independence and the power of work.


Goodwill Columbus | Who We Are
Our Vision
All individuals are embraced as valued and dignified members of our community.

Our Mission
Transforming the lives of individuals through pathways to independence and the power of work.

Our Goal
Equip 100,000 individuals with the tools to advance economic mobility through the power of work by 2030.

Our Values
• Do the right thing Integrity
• Work together Collaboration
• Own your actions Accountability
• Value everyone Respect
• Learn and do your best Excellence

Our Beliefs
We believe in the power of work
At Goodwill Columbus, we believe that a good, steady job can empower lives and is a key to overcoming many of life’s challenges.

We believe in opportunity for all
From the donated goods you’ll find in our stores to the individuals we employ and serve; Goodwill Columbus believes in the life-changing potential of a second chance.

We believe in continuous learning
We believe that learning and development creates opportunities and career growth. Goodwill Columbus believes in every person’s ability to learn, grow and advance.

We believe in putting people first
We want every person who comes through our doors, from clients to donors, to feel valued, dignified, and welcome.

We believe in doing good
For our planet. For our community. For our future. At Goodwill Columbus our goal is to make each day a little bit better through kindness, compassion, and doing the right thing.

What We Do
• Provide jobs
• Offer free job training
• Support sustainability
• Empower individuals


Job Title: Director of Workforce Development
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Reports To: SVP Mission Impact and Strategy
Positions Supervised: Grant Administrator, Program Managers
FLSA Status: Exempt (Full-time)

Position Summary:
The Director of Workforce Development is responsible for leading, developing, and expanding the organization’s workforce programs that support individuals in achieving sustainable employment and career advancement. This leadership role ensures alignment with the organization’s mission, builds strategic partnerships, manages staff and budgets, and tracks measurable outcomes to ensure impact.
Essential Job Functions:
Program Strategy & Management
• Design, implement, and evaluate workforce development programs and services.
• Develop strategic plans to grow job training, placement, and retention initiatives.
• Monitor and report on program performance, participant outcomes, and impact metrics.
• Partner with Talent Engagement Director to expand internal employee pathways to job training
Partnership Development
• Build and maintain relationships internally as well as with employers, government agencies, training providers, and community organizations.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration and funding to support program goals.
• Represent the organization at events, workforce coalitions, and public forums.
Team Leadership
• Strong knowledge of labor market trends, employment supports, and adult learning.
• Supervise and support program managers, job coaches, trainers, and support staff.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture with a focus on participant success.
Fundraising & Budget Oversight
• Assist with grant writing, reporting, and compliance for workforce-related funding.
• Develop and manage program budgets; ensure effective use of resources.
Education and Experience:
• 5+ years of experience in workforce development, human services, or economic development, including at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of labor market trends, employment supports, and adult education.
• Proven experience in partnership-building and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and strategic thinking skills.
• Experience working with underserved populations, including people with disabilities, immigrants, youth, or justice-involved individuals.
• Familiarity with WIOA, state/local workforce boards, or similar systems.


At Goodwill, we'll help you reach your potential while you help others reach theirs. Want to enjoy coming to work? So do we!

Our full-time benefits include:
• Promotion and Growth Opportunities
Company paid life and long-term disability insurance

• Health, Dental and Vision insurance the 1st of the month after 30 day