Director of Workforce Development and Youth Engagement

The Lansing School District serves over 10,000 PreK-12 students across 25 school buildings in the increasingly diverse urban community of Lansing, MI. We are unique compared to other districts because of the wide variety of exciting and innovative educational options from which families and staff members can choose. All of Lansing School District’s team members are dedicated to our mission to provide an excellent education to all students in a safe and nurturing environment.
The Director of Workforce Development and Youth Engagement leads district-wide efforts to expand and align youth career readiness initiatives with evolving workforce demands. This role oversees the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs that provide career exposure, job development, and skill-building opportunities for students from middle school through high school. With a focus on equity and access, the Director ensures that all students—particularly those from underserved communities—are prepared for postsecondary success in both college and career pathways.

Qualifications - Education & Certification

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Education, Workforce Development, Public Administration, or a related field preferred.

Qualifications - Experience

• 5+ years of experience in education, workforce development, youth programming, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success managing federal, state, and private grants (e.g., WIOA Youth Program).
• Proven experience building partnerships with employers, training providers, and community organizations.
• Experience developing or scaling student career pathways and work-based learning opportunities.

Qualifications - Skills & Knowledge

• Deep knowledge of workforce development systems, career readiness standards, and youth engagement strategies.
• Strong understanding of grant management, compliance, and outcome reporting.
• Strategic thinking and ability to align programs with labor market and economic development trends.
• Strong leadership and project management skills with the ability to coordinate across departments and stakeholder groups.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and cross-sector collaboration skills.
• Commitment to equity, access, and outcomes for historically underserved student populations.

Sample Job Responsibilities

• Design, lead, and evaluate youth workforce development strategies aligned with district, regional, and state priorities.
• Oversee implementation and compliance of WIOA Youth and other workforce-related grants and funding streams.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with local employers, community organizations, and training providers.
• Expand career pathways and job development programming for middle and high school students.
• Coordinate career exposure activities such as internships, apprenticeships, site visits, and mentorship programs.
• Collaborate with district leaders to integrate workforce readiness into academic programming.
• Track, report, and analyze program data to inform strategy and ensure continuous improvement.
• Advocate for equitable access to high-quality work-based learning for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
• Seek new funding opportunities to support and scale workforce development initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned to best support the Lansing School District

Physical Job Demands

• Work Environment & Physical Requirements
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
• Must be able to move throughout the building and campus, including classrooms, hallways, and outdoor spaces.
• Frequent verbal communication is required to instruct students, lead meetings, and collaborate with staff and families.
• May be required to stand or walk for extended periods, including during supervisory duties.
• Occasional bending, reaching, or sitting on the floor to interact with students.
• Regular use of computers and instructional technology for planning, instruction, and communication.
• Must be able to lift or carry instructional materials and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

At Lansing School District, we champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, providing equal opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation. We foster a rich environment for professional growth and student experiences by valuing diverse perspectives. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite passiona