Manager, Strategic Programs and Community Engagement

The Manager, Strategic Programs and Community Engagement provides leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for key workforce development initiatives that advance the mission of the MassHire Department of Career Services (MDCS). This position will manage the Program Services Office within the Program Operations Directorate. 

The position is responsible for aligning program priorities with MDCS strategic goals, overseeing the implementation and performance of federally funded workforce programs, monitoring emerging U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) priorities, coordinating the Commonwealth's H-2A and H-2B agricultural and non-agricultural temporary foreign labor certification programs, and leading cross-functional initiatives that strengthen service delivery, organizational capacity, and customer outcomes.

The Manager serves as a liaison among internal divisions, MassHire Workforce Boards, Career Centers, employers, community organizations, and state and federal partners to ensure compliance, continuous improvement, and the successful execution of strategic initiatives. This position also works closely with employers and partner agencies to support workforce needs through the administration and oversight of the H-2A and H-2B programs while ensuring compliance with applicable federal and state requirements.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Strategic Programs and Innovation

·       Align program priorities and initiatives with MDCS strategic goals, the MassHire Innovation Project, and evolving federal and state workforce priorities.

·       Manage and oversee assigned MDCS workforce programs and strategic initiatives to ensure effective implementation, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance.

·       Analyze emerging workforce trends, federal and state legislation, regulations, and guidance to develop and/or recommend program policies and operational strategies that ensure compliance, support organizational priorities, and advance MDCS's strategic workforce initiatives.

·       Monitor emerging U.S. Department of Labor guidance, initiatives, and funding opportunities and recommend strategies for statewide implementation.

·       Coordinate with appropriate MDCS offices and external partners to address program, grant, monitoring, and oversight issues.

·       Lead and coordinate special projects that improve service delivery, strengthen organizational capacity, and support continuous innovation.

·       Identify program deficiencies, develop corrective action strategies, and monitor implementation to improve performance and customer outcomes.

·       Advance workforce development strategies that build organizational capacity and support the evolving needs of employers, job seekers, and workforce partners.

·       Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA).

·       Oversee statewide day-to-day RESEA program activities and service delivery.

·       Monitor RESEA program performance and ensure compliance with federal and state requirements.

·       <