Director of Workforce Development and Employment

Job Overview

NAMI Metro Suburban is a trusted resource for mental health prevention, education, support, crisis care, recovery and hope for individuals and families across western Cook County. The Director of Workforce Development and Employment is responsible for leading and expanding NAMI Metro Suburban’s employment and workforce initiatives. This role oversees the Workforce Development and Employment Team, ensuring program success, employer engagement, and job placement for individuals facing mental health challenges for adults and young adults (16-24).

The ideal candidate is a strategic leader with business service expertise, extensive employer relationships across Chicagoland, experience in MOU development, leadership development and career/job placement strategies. They will drive partnership development, employment opportunities, and workforce readiness efforts, ensuring programs align with best practices and community needs. This position will be housed out of our Maywood, IL location with frequent travel within the surrounding areas. Reliable transportation with valid car insurance is required for the role.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Leadership & Team Oversight

• Lead and manage the Workforce Development and Employment Team, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Oversee all workforce programs, ensuring compliance with funding contracts and programmatic success.
• Supervise, train, and mentor employment team staff.
• Develop and implement workforce readiness workshops to prepare participants for successful employment.
• Ensure timely and accurate case documentation, reporting, and program evaluation.
• Work collaboratively with Vice President of Adult Recovery Serivces

Employer & Community Engagement

• Build and maintain strong employer partnerships throughout Chicagoland, identifying workforce needs and job opportunities.
• Develop and negotiate MOUs (Memorandums of Understanding) and formal partnerships with businesses, schools, and community organizations.
• Utilize sales and business development strategies to expand employer networks and increase job placements.
• Serve as a liaison between employers and program participants, ensuring successful placements and retention.
• Organize and participate in job fairs, networking events, and employer roundtables to promote workforce initiatives.

Workforce Development & Job Placement

• Work directly with local businesses to develop customized employment solutions that align with employer needs.
• Lead the creation and implementation of targeted job placement strategies to match program participants with career opportunities.
• Provide ongoing employer support and retention strategies to ensure long-term employment success.
• Stay informed on labor market trends, industry demands, and workforce best practices to continuously enhance programming.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required (Master’s preferred) in Business Administration, Human Resources, Social Work, Workforce Development, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in workforce development, sales, employer relations, or employment placement.
• Established employer network across the Chicagoland area.
• Experience in MOU negotiation and partnership development.
• Strong leadership skills with experience in supervising teams and program management.
• Knowledge of employment challenges individuals with mental health conditions and young job seekers.
• Experience with data tracking, program evaluation, and reporting.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with local labor market trends, industry-specific hiring needs, and vocational training pathways.
• Experience in career counseling, youth mentoring, or employment services.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills are a plus.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Maywood, IL 60153 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Maywood, IL 60153: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person