Job Summary
The Senior Director of Workforce and Education Initiatives, under the direction of the CEO, leads Prosper Waco’s community-wide strategy to strengthen the local workforce through expanded education and training opportunities. This position provides strategic oversight of the UpSkill Waco initiative and related efforts that align education, training, and employer needs across the region. The Senior Director will collaborate closely with higher education institutions, the local workforce board, and nonprofit partners to advance shared goals for workforce development and educational attainment. The role will supervise the UpSkill Waco Skills Navigator and other staff engaged in program implementation, ensuring cohesive strategy, strong partnerships, and measurable community impact.
Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Program Development
Lead the design and implementation of Prosper Waco’s community-wide workforce and education strategy, aligning efforts across higher education, workforce, and industry partners.
Guide the strategic direction of the UpSkill Waco initiative, ensuring alignment with Prosper Waco’s broader goals in education, workforce development, and economic mobility.
Supervise and support the UpSkill Waco Skills Navigator and related staff to ensure effective program execution and community engagement.
Supervise and support the Director of Education to ensure effective program execution and community engagement.
Build and maintain strategic partnerships with higher education institutions, the local workforce board, employers, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen the regional talent pipeline.
Convene and facilitate cross-sector partnerships to identify shared priorities, align resources, and promote collaborative problem-solving.
Data, Impact, and Resource Development
Collaborate with Prosper Waco’s Data and Research team to analyze workforce trends, identify opportunity gaps, and measure program outcomes.
Translate data insights into actionable strategies and communicate progress to stakeholders, funders, and the community.
Work with Prosper Waco leadership to identify and secure funding opportunities to expand and sustain workforce and education initiatives.
Ensure alignment between programmatic outcomes and key community indicators such as employment, credential attainment, and equitable access to training opportunities.
Community and Systems Change
Champion systems-level approaches that promote equity, access, and upward mobility for residents across McLennan County.
Represent Prosper Waco in regional, state, and national workforce development networks to share local innovations and learn from best practices elsewhere.
Engage employers and industry associations to ensure that training and education efforts meet current and emerging labor market needs.
Support the development of policies and collective actions that address barriers to workforce participation and postsecondary success.
Experience
Required:
Bachelor’s degree or higher
Minimum five years’ experience in working or leading in the education or workforce development field.
Knowledge of and interest in the Waco community.
Exemplary character and integrity with commitment to the mission of Prosper Waco and to the betterment of Waco’s historically marginalized communities.
Strong relational, planning, and organizational skills.
Taking initiative to push the work forward in accordance with the will of program stakeholders and community partners.
Ability to build and maintain partner relationships.
Ability to work independently or as a team member and meet deadlines.
Exceptional verbal/written communication and public speaking skills.
Exceptional networking and engagement abilities.
Knowledge of current office technology (Microsoft Office, internet, databases, etc.) word processing proficiency, and ability to learn new technology quickly.
Preferred:
Eight years or more experience in working or leading in the education or workforce development field.
Familiarity with Salesforce and/or project management software.