Dir-Workforce Eq Intv (GF)

DIRECTOR-WORKFORCE EQUITY INITIATIVE (GRANT FUNDED)

Harold Washington College

City College of Chicago

City Colleges of Chicago’s vision is to be recognized as the city’s most accessible higher education engine of socioeconomic mobility and racial equity – empowering all Chicagoans to take part in building a stronger and more just city. The community college system’s more than 3,500 faculty and staff serve more than 60,000 students annually at seven colleges and five satellite sites.

Harold Washington College (HWC) is City Colleges College to Careers hub for education in business, entrepreneurship and professional services. Through College to Careers, Harold Washington faculty and staff partner with industry leaders to ensure the curriculum reflects employer demand, to provide internships and give students the opportunity to interview for jobs in the field.

WEI-C Grant CCC was awarded a Workforce Equity Initiative Grant by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) starting in fiscal year 2020. The focus of the grant is to improve workforce equity in at-risk communities. The colleges and programs awarded by the state target the citys South and West Side communities. The grant funds will be used to offer students opportunities to earn an industry-recognized credential and/or certificate (credit or non-credit) and take advantage of financial supports and last-dollar scholarships.

In 2024 Harold Washington College partnered with Wright College to form the WEI-C (for Consortium) to expand the reach of this program to offer more students the opportunity to quickly complete short-term certificate programs that lead to employment in high-skilled, high-wage, and in-demand occupations to further promote workforce equity for African Americans in Illinois.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

Reporting to the Dean-Center of Excellence in Business, the Director Workforce Equity Initiative is responsible for the implementation, reporting, and close-out of the Workforce Equity Initiative grant. This position is responsible for the implementation of the grants lifecycle, working with key stakeholders and staff to successfully achieve the grants objectives, deliver the desired outcomes, and meet the administrative, financial, and programmatic reporting requirements of the grant award. The Director Workforce Equity Initiative is responsible for overseeing all components of this grant, including but not limited to the case management, procurement, outcome tracking, contract management and day-to-day management of the program. Performs other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Manages the post-award phase of the grants lifecycle, developing and implementing work plans to execute the activities and expend the funds of the project in accordance with the terms and conditions of the grant award.
• Advises college administrators and key stakeholders on projects grant objectives; scope of work and established budget; staff responsible for key tasks and activities; and timeline for activities/process objectives to be completed.
• Directs day to day operations to ensure grant deliverables and outcomes are met, and that work is completed within the established budget and in compliance with reporting requirements, regulations and CCCs policies and procedures.
• Manages the grants budget, ensuring budget is properly loaded and fund accounts set-up. Monitors and approves budget expenditures to ensure purchases are appropriate and in compliance with grant requirements.
• Oversees the procurement process for the selection of vendors and service providers and the purchase of equipment and supplies, as applicable to the grant; ensures costs are allocated to appropriate grant fund accounts and purchases adhere to CCCs procurement policies and procedures.
• Monitors projects progress in meeting activities/process objectives to ensure compliance with established timeline. Oversees the implementation of data gathering and reporting structures to effectively evaluate projects performance and success. Prepares and submits documentation for any scope or budget modifications as required.
• Prepares and submits timely programmatic progress and financial reports in compliance with grant requirements. Submits documentation required for closeout of grant; participates in audit activities, as appropriate. May assist in the grants renewal writing, if applicable.
• Develops targeted outreach, marketing and recruitment plans to attract participants for the grant. Plans and anticipates outreach to recruit applicants.
• Manages and supports college staff to deliver on the program's vision. Coordinates efforts across different areas of the college, inside and outside of direct reporting lines, to deliver a unified and comprehensive program.
• Oversees program operations including participant recruitment, budgeting, service delivery and curriculum delivery. Ensures the high-quality service delivery and tight integration of the academic, wrap around services and mentoring components.
• Leads the continuous development and improvement of innovative and practical solutions to address the needs of improving workforce equity in at-risk communities in the realm of trainings, services, technical assistance, and job placement.
• Adheres to CCC Customer Service Excellence standards
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports To Dean-Center of Excellence in Business

Direct Supervision None

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors degree in from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Business, Education, or a related field.
• Five years of program or project administration work experience
• A combination of education and experience will be taken into consideration based on the applicants credentials.
• Experience in project management, implementation, performance metrics, and/or operations, preferably within higher education
• Experience in budget management, preferably related to grants administration
• Experience working in historically disinvested communities in the Chicago area preferred, particularly on the South and West sides
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively in and relate to a culturally diverse environment
• Ability to cultivate and maintain relationships and strategic partnerships with key stakeholders and a wide range of business, industry, and community partners
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

WE OFFER:  Excellent health benefits at a low cost; Investment plans 403(b) & 457(b); SURS Retirement Plan; Generous vacation, holidays, personal and sick days; Tuition Reimbursement and P ublic Service Loan Forgiveness. For a more detailed overview of benefits please visit Our benefits page.

Chicago residency is required for all full-time employees within 6 months of hire. 

We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. 


Thank you for your interest in City Colleges of Chicago!

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