BASIC FUNCTION:                                           

The Director-Workforce Development reports to the Vice President-Workforce Development & Educational Services (WDES). This individual will take a leadership role in the implementation of the workforce development strategic goal included in APTA’s Strategic Plan: Developing a Future-Ready, Inclusive, and Diverse Leadership and Workforce.  The Director-Workforce Development will collaborate with the Senior Director-Educational Services and the Program Manager-Educational Services to develop and execute a broad range of programs and services for APTA members and the industry: developing future leaders through best-in-class leadership programs; creating and curating industry resources, strategies, and best practices to attract, train, and retain employees; modernizing organizational culture through diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies, among others; assisting APTA members with anticipating and securing the changing skillsets required for the future; and creating generational enthusiasm for transit as a career.  This individual will regularly interface with APTA members, partners, and other industry stakeholders.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Direct responsibility for leading, managing, and advancing the strategies and outcomes included in APTA’s strategic plan and annual business plan;
  • Keep abreast of emerging trends on workforce issues (within and outside of the public transportation industry); leverage both the public and private sectors to showcase successful practices (including on APTA’s social media outlets);
  • Through surveys, interviews, and other forms of research, identify skill gaps for staff of transit agencies and businesses; and collaborate with APTA staff and association committees on existing and new training and upskilling initiatives;
  • Support the development of local and regional workforce development programs (e.g., mentorships, internships, etc.) and collaborate with other interest groups advocating for science, technology, engineering, and math education;
  • In collaboration with the Senior Director-Educational Services, provide professional staff support to the Workforce Development Committee and its subcommittees: labor and employee relations and education and career awareness;
  • Support the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) in collaboration with the ELP committee and APTA leadership as well as curate challenging and innovative skills-building curricula that provides a rewarding and growth experience for ELP participants, faculty, and those who support the program;
  • Expand existing partnerships with industry training providers, such as the National Transit Institute, Eno Center for Transportation, among others. Leverage new partnerships to enhance APTA’s workforce development initiatives;
  • Curate and/or develop relevant and timely workforce development content for workshops and sessions during APTA’s major conferences, meetings, and regional summits;
  • Respond to members’ inquiries on a broad range of topics related to workforce development issues, among others;
  • As part of the WDES team, implement the annual work plan of the American Public Transportation Foundation; and
  • Handle special projects for the department, as needed.

MEASURES OF ACCOUNTABILITY:

  • The degree to which the goals and objectives of APTA’s Strategic Plan are achieved;
  • Demonstrated ability to organize work effort in a timely and cost-effective manner to meet the needs of APTA members;
  • The degree to which programs are managed to ensure representation from APTA’s diverse membership, including transit agencies, businesses, and other organizations;
  • Impact and benefits to APTA and the industry as a result of new partnerships, research, and advancement of best practices; and
  • The extent to which all responsibilities are handled in a timely and effective manner.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Requirements include: 7-10 years of related experience, bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred), previous work experience at a trade association (or similar organization), and excellent verbal, written, presentation, and critical thinking skills.  Must demonstrate the ability as a consensus-builder, establish and maintain productive relationships and partnerships, and an entrepreneurial approach to work.  Program development and project management experience is required.  Must also be willing to travel to support committee meetings and conferences.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK CONDITIONS:

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Performance of duties requires the use of hands and fingers to handle or feel. The job frequently requires the ability to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Persons interested in applying for this position should submit their cover letter and resume to the Vice President-Human Resources & Administration via email at aptajobs@apta.com.

APTA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

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