WSLC hiring Workforce Development Director

OLYMPIA, WA (September 24, 2025) — The Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (WSLC) is seeking a strategic, equity-driven workforce leader to join the team as Workforce Development Director. This position plays a critical role in advancing worker-centered training programs, managing public workforce investments, and building partnerships that expand access to good jobs. Ideal candidates bring experience in workforce development, apprenticeship systems, and grant management, along with a deep commitment to economic justice and expanding opportunity for all working people.

Widely considered to be the “voice of labor” in our state, the WSLC represents and provides services for hundreds of local unions throughout Washington state. The WSLC is the largest labor organization in our state, representing more than 650 local unions and approximately 600,000 rank-and-file union members. Learn more about the Council’s work at the WSLC website.

A note to potential candidates:

Studies show that women, trans, non-binary folks, and Black, Indigenous people, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply unless they meet every qualification listed. The WSLC is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team, and strongly encourages interested folks to apply, even if their experience does not align perfectly with every qualification.

Workforce Development Director

Key Responsibilities

Grant Management:

• • Administer multiple federal and state workforce development grants, ensuring compliance and strong outcomes
  • Monitor performance metrics and reporting requirements
  • Develop proposals and strategies for new funding aligned with WSLC goals

Program Development & Execution:

• • Design and implement innovative workforce training programs that meet the needs of union affiliates and working people
  • Ensure alignment with labor market demands, industry standards, and regulatory guidelines
  • Use data and stakeholder input to drive program quality and innovation

Project Management:

• • Lead multiple workforce development projects with clear timelines, deliverables, and budgets
  • Coordinate across WSLC departments and external partners to meet program goals
  • Track progress and performance using strong project management tools

Partnerships & Community Engagement

• • Cultivate partnerships with employers, unions, training providers, and community-based organizations
  • Represent the WSLC at workforce events, advisory committees, and policy forums
  • Engage in public speaking and presentations on workforce and labor topics
  • Partner with education and industry to align curriculum and on-the-job training

Apprenticeship

• • Apply knowledge of Washington’s Registered Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship systems
  • Support expansion of equitable apprenticeship pathways

Workforce Strategy & Policy

• • Contribute to regional and statewide workforce strategy and economic development initiatives
  • Analyze trends and identify strategies to close skills gaps and promote worker mobility

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in workforce development, grant administration, or program management
• Demonstrated success managing state and federal workforce grants
• Deep knowledge of Washington’s community and technical college system
• Experience working with or managing Registered Apprenticeship programs
• Familiarity with WIOA regulations and performance metrics
• Strong project management and leadership skills
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Experience collaborating with workforce boards, economic development agencies, and state-level policymakers

Terms of Employment

The Workforce Development Director is part of the administrative staff of the WSLC and covered by the collective bargaining agreement with Office and Professional Employees International Union, Local 8 (OPEIU 8). The position includes:

• Excellent wages
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Vacation and holiday leave
• Defined benefit pension plan
• Employer-matched savings plan

Salary Range: $95,000 – $115,000 per year (commensurate with experience)

This is a full-time, salaried position based in Washington state. Occasional travel and evening/weekend work are required.

Process and Start Date

To apply, please submit the following materials to Willa Kamakahi, WSLC Executive Assistant to the President, at wkamakahi@wslc.org:

1. A formal letter of interest explaining your qualifications and interest in the role
2. A resume with three (3) references
3. A brief writing sample relevant to workforce development or public policy

Position open until filled. Preferred start date is as soon as possible.

The WSLC is an equal opportunity employer. Black and Indigenous people, people of color, immigrants, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled people, veterans, and those with multilingual skills are strongly urged to apply.

The Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO is the largest labor organization in Washington, representing more than 650 local unions and 600,000 working people statewide. Learn more at wslc.org.