Workforce Development Areas Director

Title: WDA Director

Location: madison United States

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

Agency

Workforce Development

Job Description:

Introduction

Are you a leader with demonstrated experience in program management? Join the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) as a Mid-Level Manager and play a critical role in shaping our programs for job seekers and employers.

The Department of Workforce Development, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is hiring one Workforce Development Program Manager in the Bay Area (WDA 5) and one in Western (WDA 9). DVR maintains 11 Workforce Development Areas (WDAs) across the state where teams of DVR staff work together to assist Wisconsin residents with disabilities with their job search efforts. Current vacancies are in the following locations:

Bay Area (WDA 4) -The person hired into this position can choose to headquarter in either Oshkosh or Appleton, Wisconsin.

The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) offers interesting and meaningful work with an employee-friendly and inclusive work environment, work-life balance, a casual office environment, flexibility, and many opportunities to grow your skills. Apply now to find out why theres so much to love about working for Wisconsin.

This recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies (permanent, project or Limited Term).

Position Summary

• Program Management & Performance: Oversee the operations, quality, and outcomes of the WDA.
• Strategic Planning & Policy Development: Guide long-term program planning and policy establishment.
• Supervision: Manage VR Supervisors and a multi-disciplinary team.

To learn more, please review the position description.

Salary Information

Starting pay is between $91,728 and $102,960 per year, depending on qualifications, plus an exemplary benefits package:

• Generous paid time off, including at least 3 1/2 weeks of vacation/personal time, nine paid holidays, and ample sick time that rolls over each year with no cap.
• Excellent and affordable health insurance options (2026 rates start at $45/month for single and $111/month for family coverage).
• Other great insurance options (dental, vision, life, and more).
• A top-notch retirement program and optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
• A Well Wisconsin program, offering wellness tools and rewards to employees and spouses.
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their household members tools, resources, and professional consultation services.

Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see an estimate of the total value of our competitive benefits package!

The classification title for this position is Workforce Development Program Manager (schedule 81, range 02). A 2-year Career Executive trial will be required. This position is not represented in a collective bargaining unit and is considered exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Pay will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan in effect at the time of appointment. Starting pay may vary for current state employees.

Job Details

Travel: These positions travel frequently within their region and occasionally to other areas of the state. Travel rarely involves an overnight stay.

Remote work: This position is eligible for a hybrid remote work schedule. The amount of remote work will be discussed during the interview stage. Employees with approved remote and hybrid-remote work arrangements are generally expected to work within the state of Wisconsin. High-speed internet access is required to meet the needs of remote work. Remote work options are subject to change.

Criminal histories: We also consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Finalists for this position may be required to allow DWD to conduct a background check or other checks to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled.

Eligibility to work in United States: Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the United States (i.e. a US citizen or national or a lawful permanent resident) at the time of appointment. DWD does not sponsor visas and is not an eligible OPT employer for those with F1 visas. This is not a contract position. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant completing the I-9 upon hire.

Qualifications

Qualifications marked with an asterisk (*) below will be evaluated in the first step of the selection process. Additional qualifications may be evaluated in subsequent steps.

You need to have the following experience:

• *Formal leadership role overseeing employees performing administrative support, professional, and/or program related functions (e.g. team/work group/committee lead, project manager, etc.). assigning work, enforcing timelines, monitoring compliance/performance, etc.
• *Managing programs, projects, services, or processes that involved exposure to budgeting, performance monitoring, reporting or planning/coordinating the use of resources (e.g. including managing a caseload, authorizing/overseeing case service funds, reporting performance, etc.).
• Effectively communicating and relating interpersonally with others to maintain effective working relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a team to accomplish program goals through methods such as team building, motivating/influencing others, delegating, decision-making, problem-solving, clear/open communication, etc.
• Working with diverse populations or communities (such as persons with disabilities, persons of color, and/or persons experiencing poverty).

Any of the following experience would be nice to have:

• *Formal supervisory role overseeing employees in performing administrative support, professional, and/or program related functions (e.g., manager, supervisor, clinical supervisor, intern/LTE supervisor, etc.). Include responsibilities such as hiring, disciplining, terminating, evaluation/developing performance, etc.
• *Effectively leading the implementation of strategic plans, initiatives, projects, policies, and/or policy change.
• *Representing a program for the purpose of negotiation and/or collaboration with partner agencies or others
• *Working in a vocational rehabilitation (in any role, but particularly in a supervisory role).